This easy homemade guacamole recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and is packed with fresh, delicious flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a classic dip everyone will love. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoy it as a party dip, snack, or game day favorite.
I was already an adult when I tried avocado for the first time. It took me a little while to enjoy them—maybe because of the texture—but once I did, I was completely hooked on guacamole. After I started adding it to my tacos and fajitas whenever my husband and I went out for Mexican food, I began experimenting with different homemade versions.
After plenty of small tweaks and adjustments over the years, I finally found what I consider the perfect combination of flavors. It quickly became my go-to homemade guacamole recipe and the only version I’ve continued making ever since. I absolutely love it, and I think you’re going to love it just as much!
While there’s no single universal recipe for guacamole, the simplest versions usually start with just ripe avocados and sea salt. From there, you can add ingredients like garlic, onion, cilantro, jalapeños, tomatoes, chili or cayenne pepper, and other seasonings. There are countless ways to make guacamole depending on your personal taste and whether you prefer it mild, simple, or spicy.
After trying many different variations over the years, I’ve settled on my favorite combination of ingredients, which includes:
Use ripe avocados so they’re easy to mash and create a smooth, creamy guacamole.
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can also be used.
I prefer yellow onion, though red onion works well too.
Adds a fresh, bright flavor, but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan.
Adds a mild kick of heat. For a spicier guacamole, try using a serrano pepper instead.
These simple seasonings add extra depth and flavor.
If you don’t have cayenne, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce work as a great substitute.
There are countless ways to make guacamole, making it easy to adjust the ingredients to match your personal taste or switch things up whenever you want.
I especially love adding finely minced onion and jalapeño for a little crunch and a gentle kick of heat. A small amount of salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper adds extra flavor and gives the guacamole a subtle smoky spice. It’s not overly hot, but it’s far from bland—a balance that can sometimes be tricky to achieve with guacamole. I’ve also tried using chili powder in place of cumin, but I personally prefer the deeper, smoky flavor that cumin brings to the mix.
This easy guacamole recipe comes together in less than five minutes and requires very little preparation. While traditional guacamole is often made using a mortar and pestle, known as a molcajete in Mexico, you can easily make it with just a bowl and a fork. Here’s how:
Step #1: Scoop the Avocados – Cut each avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
Step #2: Add the Remaining Ingredients – Add all of the other ingredients to the bowl with the avocado.
Step #3: Mash and Serve – Using a potato masher or a large fork, mash everything together until the avocados reach your desired consistency. Give the guacamole a final stir with a spoon, then serve and enjoy!
If you’re wondering what to serve with a big batch of guacamole, there are plenty of delicious options! Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but guacamole is also a great way to add extra flavor to meals—especially when you have leftovers.
Use it as a topping for beef enchiladas or your favorite tacos.
Add it to homemade burritos or a flavorful burrito bowl.
Use it as a creamy spread instead of mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Spread it over a slice of toast for an easy breakfast.
Add it to a tortilla and turn it into a simple and delicious lunch wrap.
It’s no secret that avocados begin to brown once they’re cut and exposed to air. Lime juice (or lemon juice, if you prefer) helps slow down this process, but there are also a few other simple ways to keep your guacamole fresh and green:
Guacamole is always best when made fresh and served right away. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers, these simple tips can help keep it fresh and reduce browning as much as possible.
Calories: 165kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 298mg, Potassium: 487mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 205IU, Vitamin C: 14.7mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 0.7mg
The best avocados for guacamole are ripe avocados that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed but are not mushy. They should mash easily and have a creamy texture.
Lime or lemon juice helps slow browning. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to reduce contact with air.
Guacamole is best when made fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cover the surface tightly to help prevent browning.
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade guacamole can last for up to 2 days, although it is best enjoyed the same day.
Yes! If you don’t enjoy cilantro, simply leave it out. The guacamole will still be delicious.
For extra heat, add more jalapeño, use a spicier pepper such as serrano, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Guacamole is delicious with tortilla chips, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, burrito bowls, sandwiches, toast, wraps, and fresh vegetables.
Yes, finely diced tomatoes can be added if you enjoy them in guacamole. They add extra freshness and texture.
Freezing is not recommended because guacamole can lose its fresh texture and become watery after thawing.
