Homemade Guacamole Recipe
This delicious homemade guacamole recipe is the best! It’s the perfect creamy dip that’s loaded with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, onion, juicy tomatoes and it’s flavored with minced jalapeño, spices and lime juice. Make a double batch because this crowd-pleasing snack is such a hit, it disappears quickly!
This simple guacamole recipe is perfectly creamy and has the best flavor! It’s loaded with avocado and just enough tomatoes, onions, jalapeño and spices for texture, taste and freshness.
It’s so easy to make, but is the result of tweaking the recipe over time to get it just right. The fresh, ripe mashed avocado combined with the juicy tomato and tart lime juice are balanced nicely by the warm spices and savory onion. Every bite will make you want more and more. It is so addicting!
Don’t wait for a special occasion to whip up this guacamole recipe. It is so quick and easy to mix together, making the perfect snack, appetizer, or topping any day of the week. Make it smooth or leave it a little bit chunky, you can customize it however you like! Pair it with enchiladas like these veggie enchiladas or our family-favorite beef enchiladas for unbelievable flavor.
The best guacamole! All fresh ingredients. Delicious!!!!!!! Also, super easy and great flavor.
— Stephanie
Ingredients needed
This homemade guacamole recipe is filled with simple, fresh and vibrant ingredients that come together for one of the best dips. The warm spice from the cumin, paprika and jalapeño is the perfect contrast to the more acidic flavors from the tomato and lime juice. Here’s a note on all of the ingredients:
- Avocados: It’s essential to choose avocados that are ripe, but firm. You don’t want them overly soft and mushy.
- Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped to add wonderful, fresh flavor throughout the dip. This herb can be omitted if you don’t like the taste of it.
- Jalapeño: Just half, seeded and minced, will not add much heat. For more heat, leave in some of the seeds.
- Tomato: Choose Roma tomatoes for less juice. Also, remove the seeds, so there will be less liquid going into the guac.
- Onion: You can use diced red onion, yellow onion or white onion.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt and black pepper adds the most amazing flavor!
- Lime juice: We highly recommend fresh lime juice, jarred lime juice is not as flavorful. This will also help keep your avocados from turning brown so quickly. Lemon juice works too, although it will have a bit of a different flavor.
Avocado tip
Choose avocados that are firm with a slight give when gently pressed. They should still have the stem attached. If the stem is removed, the avocado is more likely to have brown spots on the inside.
How to make this recipe
This easy guacamole recipe is so simple! Start by mashing the avocado and finely chopping the other vegetables. Then, combine everything and taste! As long as you’ve got all of the fresh ingredients on hand, this can be whipped up super quick. Here’s how:
- Prep and mash avocados: Cut the avocado in half (vertically) and remove the pit by stabbing carefully with your knife. Use a paper towel or dish towel (so the pit is not slippery in your hands) to remove the pit from the knife. Scoop the avocado flesh out of peel and place on a plate or in a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine all ingredients: Stir in all other ingredients with mashed avocado. Take a taste or a few tastes and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for later.
Expert tips
To make the freshest, best tasting guac, it’s important to follow a few essential guidelines. Here are our top tips:
- Best avocados: We like using large Hass avocados best, but using a few more small ones works too. If you’re having trouble finding perfectly ripe avocados, purchase ones that are harder and less ripe. Then, place them in a paper bag with a couple of bananas or apples. The chemicals released by the bananas or apples will speed up the ripening process. Unfortunately, that may take a day or so. If you do find perfect avocados at the store, but you don’t plan to make the guacamole right away, place them in the fridge and this will slow the ripening process.
- Consistency: Guacamole should have an ever so slightly chunkiness. You don’t want it super smooth or overly chunky. To achieve the best texture, use a large fork to mash it up and stop mashing when it is just slightly chunky or your preferred texture is achieved. We also recommend that you finely chop all vegetables.
- Lime: Adding lime is important for taste and to help prevent browning. For every avocado, use about 2 teaspoons lime juice. You might need to add just a little more if your avocados are particularly large.
- Salt and spices: Generously salting the dip is important to really bring the flavors of the avocado out. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, but don’t be afraid to add more. You can also add any other favorite spices. We like the warm flavor that both cumin and paprika add to the dip. If you have smoked paprika, use that!
Frequently asked questions
For the best authentic Mexican flavor, traditionally ripe avocados, coriander or cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or serrano chili, lime and salt are used. Garlic, tomato and cumin are commonly added too! Adding ingredients like sour cream or cream cheese will only dilute the flavor.
Avocados contain healthy fats and all of the ingredients used to make this guacamole are highly nutritious. Guacamole can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, but because it is a calorie dense food, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
For the best flavor and consistency, choose ripe avocados, add lime juice, your favorite ingredients along with spices and don’t forget to taste then salt generously.
Variations
This is the best guacamole you’ll ever taste! It’s so fresh and creamy and perfect! To get it tasting just the way you like it, here are some ideas for customizing the recipe.
- Herbs: If you don’t like cilantro, swap it out for another herb like parsley or basil, or simply omit adding any herbs. This is plenty flavorful and will still be delicious!
- Make it spicy: To add more heat, swap out the jalapeño for a serrano pepper or add a couple of dashes of cayenne pepper. You can also use more jalapeño with some or all of the seeds.
- Dried seasonings: If you’d like to use onion powder instead of freshly diced onion, we recommend 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Fresh garlic: To use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder, use about 1 clove, minced garlic.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t like tomatoes, feel free to omit them.
- Other mix-ins: Make this fruity by mixing in some chopped mango or pineapple.
Serving suggestions
Guacamole is amazing served with tortilla chips or even freshly cut veggies as an appetizer! We also love it paired with tacos and other Mexican-style recipes!
Here are some other great options for serving:
Storage recommendations
Avocados brown very quickly, but to slow this down slightly and keep your guacamole fresh and green for up to about 3 days:
- Transfer leftover guacamole to an airtight container and smooth it down firmly with a spoon so it’s flat.
- Add about 1/2 inch of cold water on top.
- Cover the container with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the guacamole, drain the water off the top, give it a stir and dig in!
More easy dip recipes to try
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Leave a comment and if your family loves this as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Best Homemade Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3-4 large avocados
- 1/4 cup loosly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 small tomato, seeds removed and diced
- 1/4 cup red or white onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt + more to taste as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (from about 1 ½ limes), or more if desired
Instructions
- Cut the avocado in half (vertically) and remove the pit by stabbing carefully with your knife. Use a paper towel or dish towel (so the pit is not slippery in your hands) to remove the pit from the knife. Scoop the avocados out of peel and place on a plate or in a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Stir in all other ingredients with mashed avocado. Take a taste or a few tastes and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Herbs: If you don’t like cilantro, swap it out for another herb like parsley or basil, or simply omit adding any herbs. This is plenty flavorful and will still be delicious!
- Make it spicy: To add more heat, you could swap out the jalapeño for a serrano pepper. You can also use more jalapeño with some or all of the seeds.
- Dried seasonings: If you’d like to use onion powder instead of freshly diced onion, we recommend 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Fresh garlic: To use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder, use about 1 clove, minced garlic.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t like tomatoes, feel free to omit them.
- Transfer leftover guacamole to a storage container and smooth it down firmly with a spoon so it’s flat.
- Add about 1/2 inch of cold water on top.
- Cover the container with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the guacamole, drain the water off the top, give it a stir and dig in!
Did you make this recipe?
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I’ve been making this recipe for years! It has the best flavor!
This was sooooo good!! Great recipe!
This guacamole was so good! The best I’ve ever tried!
This tasted so fresh and delicious! Loved all of the mix-ins. It will be my new go-to recipe.
This is the best guacamole, I’ll always make it this way now.
This was delicious! Will definitely make again!
I made this today to go with tacos and it was a real winner! Best guacamole I’ve ever made, This will be my go-to recipe from now on.
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe!!! Your guacamole is amazing! I love it!
Just made this guac and we absolutely LOVED IT. One of the best guacamole I ever ate. My husband couldn’t stop eating it!
Wow! Just WOW!! This is the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted or made.
First time seeing a recipe for guac. Using cumin, I too use cumin also corriander.
Love cumin in guac! I’ll definitely have to try using coriander next time!
I am wanting to try this for a group of 6 people. Do you think one recipe will be enough?
If you have other appetizers, I would say yes, but if this is the main appetizer, I would make a double batch. The recipe makes about 3 cups. Enjoy!
The best guacamole! All fresh ingredients. Delicious!!!!!!! Also, super easy and great flavor.
oh yay! So glad you enjoyed and thanks so much for taking time to leave feedback!
I bloody love guacamole! Will definitely be adding this to my Superbowl spread!
I’m not sure when it started by my nieces and nephews but when we have family gatherings I’m asked to bring the guacamole. I also add the zest from the lime in my guacamole-gives it an extra zing.
Love that idea! I’ll definitely give that a try!