The Ultimate Guide to Guacamole Recipes

Once you know the basics of great guacamole recipes, you can knock out a fabulous appetizer in minutes, and every host should have their own signature recipe, so feel free to borrow any of these 🙂

For something so simple, there’s a surprising amount to talk about when it comes to guacamole. I’m sharing a new recipe for guacamole topped with blistered tomatoes, you’ll find that at the end of the post, as well as sharing lots of other inspiring takes on this awesome little green dip. Tips, tricks, and useful info? Of course, so let’s get to it!

How to tell if an avocado is ripe?

First of all, unless you need, absolutely neeeeeed, a ripe avocado immediately, I don’t recommend buying the ones with the little “I’m ripe!” stickers on them. They’re gonna be a little bit past it and prone to bruises. (Produce managers always put the riper avocados on the top of the heap where they’ll get lots of man/woman handling. Dig a little deeper for firmer specimens) your guacamole recipes will be the better for it!

Keep in mind that sometimes you want a firmer avocado; if you’re trying to get sharp slices, or you’re making an avocado rose, for example.

Best idea ~ buy firm avocados and ripen them at home.

How to rush-ripen an avocado for guacamole recipes

The California Avocado commission says the best way to ripen avocados is to put them in a bowl or directly on your kitchen counter and wait a couple of days until they give to slight pressure from the palm of your hand ~ not your fingers, which can bruise your fruit.

To expedite the ripening process of an avocado, you can try any of the following methods:

1. Paper Bag Method:
   • Place the unripe avocado in a paper bag along with a ripe banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Fold the top of the bag closed and leave it at room temperature.
2. Rice or Flour Method:
   • Bury the avocado in a container of uncooked rice or flour. The rice or flour helps trap the ethylene gas released by the avocado and accelerates ripening. Leave it at room temperature.
3. Microwave Method:
   • Pierce the avocado a few times with a fork. Microwave it in 10 to 20-second intervals until it softens to your liking. Be cautious not to cook it; the goal is to soften it.
4. Oven Method:
   • Wrap the avocado in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at around 200°F (93°C) for 10-15 minutes. Check regularly to avoid overcooking.
5. Sunlight Exposure:
   • Place the avocado in direct sunlight for a few hours. The warmth and sunlight can speed up the ripening process.

Can you make guacamole with hard avocados?

Got hard avocados and an intense craving for guacamole, like, NOW? Well, interestingly, yes, there is a hack for that. This unique solution to make your favorite guacamole recipes with hard avocados comes from Pure Wow:

“To ripen an avocado quickly, wrap it in tinfoil and place on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven at 200°F for ten minutes, or until the avocado is soft (depending on how hard it is, it could take up to an hour to soften). As the avocado bakes in the tinfoil, ethylene gas surrounds it, putting the ripening process into hyperdrive. Remove it from the oven, then put your soft, ripe avocado into the fridge until it cools and you’re ready to enjoy. Guac and avocado toast for all!”

How to keep guacamole from turning brown

There are many tricks for keeping guacamole brown, you can sprinkle your avocado with lemon, you can keep the pit in the cut half, you can add a chunk of raw onion to the bag with a cut avocado, but they almost all boil down to one thing: plastic wrap. Avocados naturally brown when exposed to air, so the key is to try to minimize contact between your freshly made guacamole and air. Cling wrap is the easiest way to do this, and the key is to press the wrap right up against the avocado. No air, no browning, no problema.

What makes guacamole taste like guacamole?

The classic flavors in guacamole are avocado, lime, cilantro, garlic, and onion. A little salt helps bring out all the flavors. But guess what? Avocados are super chill when it comes to mixing with other flavors, so once you’ve mastered a traditional guacamole, feel free to let loose and experiment!

Is guacamole healthy?

Yes! Guacamole is relatively high calorie, but also high in good heart healthy fat and vitamin K, which supports blood clotting. It’s also low carb. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various nutrients, promoting good cholesterol levels, digestive health, and overall well-being.

The best ways to serve guacamole

Tortilla chips are a given, but feel free to switch things up and use your guacamole they way you would any dip. Try serving it with toasted bread, tartine style, or with crunchy veggies for dipping. I like to create a fun guacamole bar for guests and lay out toasted bread and all the toppings so everyone can get in there and customize their own.

Classic Guacamole Recipes

A classic guacamole has just a few ingredients, but subtle variations on the theme result in guacs with slightly different vibes. Some are creamy and smooth, some are rustic and chunky, some add tomatoes, some don’t, ditto with cilantro and onions. Garlic is hotly debated. Any way you roll, these classics are simple to make, and incredibly delicious.

clockwise from top left

1. Best Ever Guacamole ~ Downshiftology
2. Chunky Guacamole ~ Food & Wine
3. Easy Healthy Guacamole ~ What Molly Made
4. Easy Guacamole ~ The Endless Meal

Creative Spins on Guacamole

Creamy avocados make an excellent canvas for all sorts of experimental and creative variations. These clever guacs are definitely not traditional, and offer a nice change if you’re ready to move on from the basics.

clockwise from top left

1. Everything Guacamole ~ Gimme Some Oven
2. Pecorino Guacamole ~ Melanie Makes
3. Summer Garden Guacamole ~ Half Baked Harvest
4. Cojita + Corn Guacamole ~ The Toasted Pine Nut

Regional Guacamole Recipes

Though native to Mexico, guacamole has won over the hearts of millions, resulting in regional variations and spins, highlighting local traditions and produce. Try these versions, or make up your own local variation!

clockwise from top left

1. California Cobb Guacamole ~ Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
2. Cajun Shrimp Guacamole ~ Bev Cooks
3. Tropical Guacamole ~ Food Fanatic
4. Hatch Chili Guacamole ~ The Boozy Oyster

Well Traveled Guacs

Guacamole inspired by International cuisines…it had to happen. These fusion recipes are fun and full of unexpected flavors.

clockwise from top left

1. Baked Thai Coconut Shrimp with Lemongrass Guacamole ~ Half Baked Harvest
2. Greek Guacamole ~ Minimalist Baker
3. Guacamole with Lobster (Denmark) ~ XOTC
4. Japanese Guacamole ~ California Avocados

Guacamole Recipes Gone Rogue

Sometimes you just gotta get off the beaten path and follow your own unique bliss when it comes to guac. These recipes use guacamole as a stepping stone to amazing things. Guac soup? Sure! Guacamole nicecream? Why not?

clockwise from top left

1. Avocado Egg Salad ~ Pinch of Yum
2. Creamy Guacamole Pasta ~ Bianca Zapatke
3. Guacamole Deviled Eggs ~ The View From Great Island
4. Whole30 Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Crisps ~ Nocrumbsleft