I don’t know about you, but when a homemade guacamole recipe hits the table, I’m ready for the fiesta! Why wait though when you can make it yourself? This authentic guacamole recipe is quick, easy, and delicious and is still my favorite appetizer on Super Bowl Sunday.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy
Best Guacamole Recipe
You’ll love this classic guacamole recipe because it’s going to be your go-to when your guac cravings strike. It’s perfect for game-day, for holiday or family gatherings, snack time, or to accompany your Mexican night at home.
Easy Guacamole Recipe
This super simple guacamole recipe is easy to make and this will show you just how easy it is to make homemade guacamole with just a handful of ingredients. You will never buy that pre-made glop from the store ever again! Now go pick up a few pounds of avocados and lets get started!
What is traditional guacamole?
A Mexican guacamole recipe is simply defined as mashed avocado with fresh ingredients. As such, traditional guacamole can vary by recipe as everyone seems to have their own way of making it.
Guacamole Ingredients
- Haas avocados – You can’t have guac without them! Hass avocados at room temperature are the best avocados for good guacamole.
- Lime – As mentioned, it keeps it from turning brown and also adds great zesty flavor!
- Red onion – Perfectly pungent without being overpowering.
- Serrano or jalapeno peppers – Guacamole needs a hint of spice, even if you keep it mild. If you love spicy guacamole, just add a bit more pepper.
- Fresh cilantro – This delightful herb is the key to making authentic guacamole!
How to pick ripe avocados?
The ripening process for avocados is fairly simple. Look for that bulbous end of your avocado. It should give way to firm pressure. Also, make sure that brown stem piece is still intact. Otherwise it will let air into the avocado and it will get overripe. This might not be a big deal if you’re going to make guacamole as soon as you get home, but if you’re waiting a day or two, it will be.
The Best Way to Cut an Avocado
You’ll want to cut your avocado lengthwise. The pit will be easier to pop out. Then you can scoop out the flesh with a spoon onto your cutting board and chunk it up.
How do You Make Guacamole from Scratch
The key to perfect guacamole from scratch is:
- Finely dice – the ingredients should be in little pieces so you’re not getting giant chunks.
- Lime juice – this keeps the avocados from turning brown and adds a authentic flavor boost.
- Control your spice – peppers can add zing without spice if you watch the seeds.
- Make it less watery – I don’t mind, but if you want your guacamole with a pastier texture, keep the tomato seeds and pulp out of it.
You guac my world.
Megan
Expert Tips and Tricks for Guacamole Success!
- Use ripe avocados – If they aren’t ready yet, they will have a weird texture and flavor. And too ripe means they will have that weird lipstick-like taste. Yuck!
- Keep it chunky – Some people make guacamole blended but it’s more authentic with chunks of the fresh ingredients in every bite. Chunky guac is more authentic and adds texture.
- Use fresh ingredients for flavor – You *could* use dried or powdered seasonings but fresh garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro make the taste so much better!
How do you make guacamole taste better?
Guacamole tastes best when you use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh garlic, cilantro, serrano peppers, and onions are far superior to using dried herbs. You’ll have the best guacamole dip when you stick to fresh!
What to Serve with Guacamole (Side Dishes)
If you’re having guacamole as a snack, you need tortilla chips. But you can also serve it with your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Guacamole is additionally an amazing sandwich condiment to kick up your typical lunch with a Mexican flavor.
Other Ways to Use Guacamole
If everyone is all taco-ed out, you can use that leftover guacamole on toast for avocado toast. Use it to make deviled eggs, serve with fried fish, dunk fries into it, make nachos the next day…there are seriously so many yummy ways to enjoy this fresh guacamole that you should have no problem using it all.
Should guacamole have tomatoes?
While there are many recipes that don’t include tomatoes, this guac recipe uses them. It’s a small amount and adds more nutrition and flavor to your meal.
What can I substitute for lime juice in guacamole?
No lime? No problem! In this healthy guacamole recipe, you can substitute lemon juice or vinegar for lime juice. Lemon is a bit preferred over vinegar but at least you have options for adding the acidity you need to balance out the flavor.
Is guacamole just smashed avocado?
No, guacamole involves more than simply smashing an avocado. You need to add pungent elements like garlic and onions, fresh herbs, and a bit of acidity to make it the authentic way.
Is avocado spread and guacamole the same thing?
No, they’re not the same at all. Avocado spread is plain with just a little spice and citrus juice or vinegar to keep it from browning. Guacamole is distinctive with fresh herbs and other vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
What’s the difference between avocado dip and guacamole?
The difference is that avocado dip is merely mashed avocados while guacamole’s base is of avocados combined with garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs and spices with citrus juice to prevent it from changing to an unsavory color.
Is guacamole gluten-free?
Yes. When you make it yourself following this recipe, you can be sure you’re having a gluten-free experience.
Is guacamole vegan?
Yes, guacamole is 100% vegan. That’s worth throwing a fiesta for all on its own!
How to Store Guacamole
Even when you add lime, you will get some browning if you store any leftover guacamole in your fridge. It is better to use a piece of plastic wrap actually pressed over the guacamole to remove all air trapped inside.
Or you can use an airtight container and smooth the guac over at the top to get rid of any air pockets in side as well. Then add just half an inch of water to cover the surface of your guacamole. Make sure it’s covered tightly and then pop it in the fridge, but be sure you eat it within 2 days.
How do you keep guacamole from getting brown?
Avocados naturally brown when exposed to air. You can’t stop it but you can slow it down using lime juice. If you can’t find lime juice, lemon juice works well too. Also, cover your guacamole with a think layer of plastic wrap actually touching the guacamole so no air is in between and seal off all the edges. These simple tricks will keep your guacamole green much longer!
