Have you ever had that incredible guacamole made tableside at the best Mexican restaurants? I’m not one for exaggeration, but yeah, this guacamole is BETTER than that!
Mexican food without guacamole is like a sunrise without the sun—it simply isn’t complete. Whether you’re scooping it up as a dip, spreading it on tacos, or adding a creamy layer to your burger, guacamole is an essential addition to any Mexican-inspired dish. If you haven’t yet found your go-to guacamole recipe, let me share mine with you. The secret to irresistible mouthwatering guacamole lies in keeping it simple—using just a few high-quality ingredients that naturally blend into a perfect harmony of flavors.
Why I Love This Guacamole Recipe
- With only five ingredients it’s easy to make.
- You can make this guac in less than 10 minutes.
- Avocados contain natural fats and nutrients, making guacamole a healthy snack.
- The simplicity of this guacamole allows it to complement a large variety of different foods.
- Guacamole is versatile, from this simple recipe, to complex recipes with many ingredients (see variations below)
Ingredients to Make This Recipe
The first step to preparing this, or any recipe, is to read and understand the recipe, collect all the equipment you’ll need and to gather all the ingredients required to make Guacamole. In culinary terms, this is called “Mise en Place,” which means “Everything in its Place.” Prereading the recipe, preparing ingredients, and setting up any needed equipment in advance not only speeds up cooking but also ensures you are familiar with the recipe steps, and that all necessary components are ready for the dish.
Simple Ingredients
- Haas Avocados – Great guacamole starts with perfectly ripe avocados. While a dark green, almost black color often indicates ripeness, it’s important to rely on feel as well as color. To check, gently hold the avocado in the palm of your hand and give it a light squeeze. If it yields slightly, it’s ready to use. If it’s still firm, give it a couple more days to ripen. Avoid poking the avocado with your fingers to prevent bruising.
- Fresh Lime – A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of bright, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Ground cumin – Just a dash of ground cumin brings a warm, earthy depth to guacamole, enhancing its flavor with a subtle, smoky undertone.
- Ground cayenne pepper – Ground cayenne pepper is an optional ingredient that can add a fiery kick to your guac. A small dash of this vibrant red spice introduces a bold heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and bright lime. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice, giving your guacamole an extra layer of excitement without overwhelming the other flavors. Use it sparingly to customize the level of heat to your taste.
- Kosher Salt – Just a pinch of kosher salt is all it takes to elevate the flavors.
How to Make Guacamole
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Then scoop the pulp out and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the avocado pulp. I’ve found a potato masher works wonderfully for this.
- Add the lime juice, ground cumin, ground cayenne pepper, and salt. Use a fork to stir together.
Variations
- Add freshly grated cheddar cheese.
- Add diced onion – any variety works well.
- Add diced jalapeño pepper to kick up the heat.
- Add diced tomato.
- Add a combination of any or all of the above.
Storing Guacamole
Refrigerator – Up to 2 days
Avocados, like bananas and apples, tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced. While this browning doesn’t affect the taste of the guac for several days, it can make it less visually appealing. That’s why I prefer to prepare this recipe just before serving.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Any longer and the oxidation begins to effect the taste. To prevent the leftovers from browning, squeeze the juice of one lime over the guac or press a layer of saran wrap over the surface before you seal the container.
Freezer
I don’t recommend freezing guacamole.
Mouthwatering Guacamole
Mouthwatering guacamole is a creamy blend of ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a hint of spice. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and smooth avocado, with just enough seasoning to make the flavors pop. It’s the perfect dip or topping for any occasion, bringing a taste of freshness and satisfaction to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Dip
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 large Haas Avocados
- 2 Fresh Limes (see note #1)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, then twist the halves in opposite directions to separate (see the video above). Remove the pit, then scoop the pulp out of the shell and place the pulp into a large mixing bowl. Repeat for all of the avocados.
- Mash the avocados to your desired consistency using a fork or a potato masher. The secret to good guacamole is to leave small chunks of avocado so don’t puree or overly mash them.
- Add the juice of one lime, the ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and Kosher salt.
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Serve immediately
Notes
- The recipe only calls for the juice of one lime. The juice of the second lime is to help prevent browning if you store leftovers. If you do not intend to store leftovers you won’t need the second lime.
