Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Homemade Guacamole is a bright and creamy dip, made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a little bit of salt. It’s perfect for adding a…
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Homemade Guacamole is a bright and creamy dip, made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a little bit of salt. It’s perfect for adding a fresh, zesty touch to your snacks or meals. The smooth texture combined with little bits of crunchy onions and juicy tomatoes makes it a perfect companion for crispy chips or even as a topping for tacos.
I love making guacamole myself because it’s so quick to put together, and the flavors are always fresh and vibrant. I always use ripe avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy—that’s the secret to getting it just right. Adding a squeeze of lime juice not only brings the guac to life but also helps keep it from turning brown too fast, which is a nice little trick I like to use.
Guacamole is a great dish to share when hanging out with friends or family. I usually serve it with crunchy tortilla chips, but it’s also wonderful spooned over grilled chicken or spread on a sandwich. It’s such a simple recipe, but everyone seems to enjoy it, which makes it one of my go-to favorites for any casual get-together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: The heart of guacamole. Use ripe avocados that give slightly when pressed. If you can’t find ripe ones, try Hass avocados as they’re creamy and flavorful. Avoid hard or overly brown ones.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens flavor and slows browning. Lemon juice can be a substitute but lime gives that classic taste. Always use fresh juice rather than bottled for best flavor.
Onions: White onions give a nice bite and sweetness. You can swap with red onions for a milder taste or scallions for a softer onion flavor. Finely chopping helps spread the flavor evenly.
Tomato: Adds freshness and texture. Choose a firm, ripe tomato and dice it small. If you prefer less moisture, remove the seeds before chopping.
Cilantro: It adds a fresh herbal note. If you don’t like cilantro, fresh parsley is a decent alternative even though it changes the flavor slightly.
Jalapeño (Optional): For heat lovers, adding finely chopped jalapeño lifts the guacamole. Adjust the amount or omit based on your spice preference.
How Do You Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown?
Guacamole can brown quickly when exposed to air. Here are easy tips to keep it fresh-looking longer:
- Mix in plenty of lime juice; the acid helps slow oxidation.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the guacamole to eliminate air pockets.
- Store in an airtight container with an avocado pit placed in it; the pit helps reduce browning near it.
- Enjoy guacamole within a few hours for best taste and color.
These simple steps help keep your guacamole looking and tasting great when you’re ready to serve!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl – big enough to mash and mix ingredients comfortably.
- Fork or potato masher – perfect for mashing avocados to your preferred texture.
- Knife – to chop tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños safely.
- Citrus juicer or reamer – helps you get fresh lime juice easily and without seeds.
- Spoon – for scooping avocado out of the skin and mixing the guacamole.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist that balances the creamy avocado.
- Mix in crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese to add a salty and tangy flavor.
- Try adding chopped cooked bacon for a smoky crunch that contrasts nicely with the creaminess.
- Swap cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herb flavor if you don’t like cilantro.
How to Make Homemade Guacamole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This guacamole recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It is quick to mix and perfect for serving fresh. No cooking or resting time needed—just chop, mash, mix, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocados:
Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. Scoop the creamy avocado flesh into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Mash the Avocados:
Use a fork to mash the avocado to your preferred texture. You can keep it smooth or leave it a little chunky, based on your taste.
3. Mix in Fresh Ingredients:
Add the diced tomato, chopped onion, and cilantro to the mashed avocados. These fresh ingredients add texture and vibrant flavors.
4. Add Lime Juice and Seasoning:
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. This adds brightness and helps keep the guacamole from turning brown quickly. Stir in the salt, and if you’d like a little heat, add the finely chopped jalapeño.
5. Combine and Serve:
Gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well blended. Transfer your guacamole to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprig of cilantro or extra diced tomatoes if you like. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours to keep it fresh.
Can I Use Frozen Avocados for Guacamole?
Yes, you can use frozen avocados, but make sure they are fully thawed before mashing. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Note that the texture might be a bit softer than fresh avocados.
How Can I Store Leftover Guacamole?
Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Adding extra lime juice before storing can help keep it green and fresh-looking longer.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level in Guacamole?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, add more finely chopped jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less heat, remove all seeds from the jalapeño or omit it entirely to keep the guacamole mild.
What Can I Use Instead of Cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or even fresh basil can be used as alternatives. While the flavor will be different, these herbs still add a nice fresh note to your guacamole.
