Classic Guacamole Recipe (2024)

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10 minutes minutes

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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 04/19/2023

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Don’t reach for that container of pre-made guacamole, mix up this easy and classic guacamole recipe in no time! Made with simple ingredients, this dip comes together quickly and is a party staple. Put out a bowl with some chips, and watch it disappear!

This is one of myDiprecipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

Classic Guacamole Recipe (1)

I’m such a huge fan of avocados. We pretty much always have a few hanging around on the counter because we use them in everything.

Having eggs? Add some avocado slices on the side. Having a sandwich? Make an avocado spread. Having taco night? You know we’re making this guacamole recipe!

Guacamole is one of those recipes that is surprisingly simple to make, yet is so packed full of flavor.

There are plenty of variations, but I like to think of this recipe as a classic, no-frills version of guacamole.

How to make guacamole?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (2)
  1. Scoop. I find using a big spoon works really well for this.
  2. Mash. You can use a potato masher, but a regular fork is perfectly fine.
  3. Season. Add in all the spices, lime juice, cilantro, and chopped tomato.
  4. Mix. Give everything a good stir and you’re ready to serve.

Helpful Tip!

It can be tricky to tell when an avocado is ripe, but I have a few tricks for you.

These tips aren’t foolproof, but can help🙂

  • Look at the end– on one end of the avocado there should be a round little stem that looks a bit like a cap of a very small mushroom. If the stem comes off easily and shows green underneath, the avocado is ripe. However, if it reveals brown, the avocado is overripe.
  • Give it a gentle squeeze– when gently applying some pressure, the avocado should give slightly. If it gives a lot, and is squishy, it’s overripe. If it’s hard and doesn’t give at all, it’s not ripened yet
Classic Guacamole Recipe (3)

Variations of this recipe

  • Avocados – this recipe was made and tested using medium to large-sized avocados. If the avocados you’re using are larger, you may want to use less, and vice versa.
  • Fresh produce – instead of the onion and garlic powder, feel free to use fresh minced or grated onion and garlic.
  • Peppers – to kick up the heat level, try adding some minced jalapeño, poblano, or serrano peppers.
  • No tomatoes – we love tomatoes in our guacamole, but if you’re not a fan, you can certainly leave them out.
  • Mashing methods – typically we just use a fork, but if you’d like to use another method, you could use a potato or meat masher, or even a food processor.
Classic Guacamole Recipe (4)

FAQ’s

Is this an authentic recipe for guacamole?

No, I make zero claims of authenticity when it comes to this recipe. This is just how my family loves to eat guacamole, and how it’s typically served in restaurants here in the Midwest.

How can I change the consistency of this recipe?

If you prefer thinner guacamole, feel free to use more lime juice. And conversely, if you like a thicker consistency, use less lime juice, or more avocados.

Making guacamole ahead of time

I like to make this dip fresh, to reduce any potential brown discoloration.

But you can definitely make it completely ahead of time. Just follow the storage tips below for all the details.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (5)

Storage

Leftover guacamole should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

I recommend also adding a layer of plastic wrap (or whatever you use in place of plastic wrap) directly on top of the surface of the guacamole, as this reduces the amount of air that gets to it, keeping it bright green instead of brown.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (10)

My Favorite Mixing Bowls!

I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Classic Guacamole Recipe (11)

Classic Guacamole Recipe

5 from 13 votes

Author: The Chunky Chef

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Calories: 168

Servings: 6 servings

(hover over # to adjust)

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Don't reach for that container of pre-made guacamole, mix up this easy and classic guacamole recipe in no time!

Ingredients

  • 3 medium to large avocados pitted and peeled
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro
  • 2 small tomatoes (we like Roma) deseeded and chopped

Instructions

Prepare avocados

  • Slice avocados in half around the pit. Using a knife (don't hold the avocado in the palm of your hand for this!), carefully remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh, and add to a mixing bowl.

Mash

  • Use a fork or potato masher to mash avocados, until desired consistency is reached.

Mix

  • Add onion powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, minced cilantro, and chopped tomatoes.

  • Stir well to combine. Taste, and adjust seasoning levels (or cilantro/lime levels), if needed.

Serve

  • Garnish with additional cilantro and/or tomatoes if desired, then serve.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. This recipe makes approximately 1.5 cups (but this will vary, depending on the size of the avocados, and how much flesh they have).
  2. I’ve estimated that this recipe serves 6, but feel free to divide it up into as many servings as you’d like.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Leave a Comment

  1. katherine morris says

    I usually don’t use tomatoes but I love them and I did made it healthier I also use low fat sour cream a couple of tablespoons really good thank you

    Reply

  2. Lori Alexander says

    My husband & I both love this recipe

    Reply

  3. Judy says

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I just made it for me and my husband and I know it will not last the night.

    Reply

  4. Jackie Carpenter says

    My family went crazy for this guacamole!! I will be making it again very soon!

    Reply

  5. Mary says

    Thanks for the recipe! Best guac I ever tasted!

    Reply

  6. Kristine S says

    This is very tasty and refreshing. The only thing I did differently was replace the onion powder with sliced scallions. Thank you for a simple recipe.

    Reply

  7. Catalina says

    I use a lot guacamole in my kitchen. I am making your recipe.

    Reply

  8. Sandra says

    Classic recipe is always the best!! I will definitely make it again and again!

    Reply

  9. Beti says

    I love this! It sounds incredibly delicious!

    Reply

  10. katerina says

    This is fantastic! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

  11. Allyson Zea says

    I love all the flavor in this classic recipe

    Reply

  12. Erin says

    Looks incredibly delicious! Can’t wait to make this!

    Reply

  13. Beth says

    Nothing beat classic guac. I love how simple the ingredients are.

    Reply

  14. Deborah says

    This avocado dip looks delicious. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

Classic Guacamole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do Mexican restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

How far in advance should you make guacamole? ›

You can make homemade guacamole 1 to 2 hours ahead, as browning is inevitable. Store it in the fridge with plastic pressed firmly over the top until ready to serve. If you'd like to get ahead further, the day before, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomato.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

You see, lime is a very strong acidic flavor and it can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the avocado. Instead, finely dice red onions and pickle them with lime juice for 15-30 minutes.

What powder keeps guacamole from turning brown? ›

The avoFresh contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and calcium carbonate. You add the powder mixture to fresh mashed avocado. The avoFresh keeps the avocado fresh and from turning that off-putting brown that avocado pulp gets when exposed to air.

Why does chipotle guacamole not turn brown? ›

To keep the leftover guacamole from browning, the employee rips off a sheet of plastic wrap, then presses it all the way down to the surface of the guacamole, knocking out the air that would be in the container if it was just sealed with a lid.

How does Chipotle keep their guacamole so green? ›

Each panned guac gets sealed airtight with Saran Wrap,” he said. “Then it gets lidded, labeled and stored for later use. This process ensures freshness and prevents browning,” he continued.

Does putting the pit in guacamole keep it fresh? ›

Some people swear by this one, so we had to put it to the test. The verdict: Contrary to popular belief, adding the avocado pit to guacamole does not prevent oxidation. In fact, if it sticks out above the surface, it creates air pockets that prevent the plastic wrap from adhering tightly enough.

Should you put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

Tomatoes – Roma tomatoes are the BEST for homemade guacamole. Make sure to remove all the seeds first. You can also chop up cherry/grape tomatoes. Jalapeño – If you don't like spice at all, you can leave it out!

When should you not eat guacamole? ›

Although brown guacamole isn't the most appealing, it's completely safe to eat (as long as you've stored the guacamole in the refrigerator, and it isn't more than three days old). "While a bit off-putting to look at, brown guacamole is totally safe," confirms Food Network's nutritionist, Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC.

What makes guacamole unhealthy? ›

Store-bought guacamole often contains sour cream, added sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and a lot of sodium.

What type of onion is best for guacamole? ›

Most people prefer to use sweet white onion in their guacamole recipe. Red or yellow onion tends to give the guacamole too strong of a garlic flavor.

How long will homemade guacamole last? ›

From the second you crack open that avocado, it's a race against the clock before it goes brown. But with the right prep, you can make guacamole last in the fridge for three to four days. Planning on storing guacamole in the freezer? It should last for three to four months.

Can I freeze guacamole? ›

You can freeze guacamole for up to 3 months. So, if you have a good avo that's about to turn, mash it, mix it with guac ingredients (here's the full recipe), drizzle with oil and freeze for when you next need a creamy avo dip hit, or want to jazz up a mid-week Mexican dinner.

How do you enhance guacamole? ›

The onions and garlic add a nice zing to guac, but consider these spicy extras for an even spicier recipe: chopped jalapeno peppers (up to 1 whole, minced), cayenne pepper (up to 1 tsp), red pepper flakes (up to 2 tsp), hot sauce of your choice (to taste), diced green chiles or additional black pepper.

What is the control key for guacamole? ›

The Guacamole menu

On a desktop or other device which has a hardware keyboard, you can show this menu by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift . If you are using a mobile or touchscreen device that lacks a keyboard, you can also show the menu by swiping right from the left edge of the screen.

How do you make guacamole stay good? ›

Use a spoon to flatten the surface of the dip and remove any air bubbles. Add about a half-inch of water to the top of the guacamole. Make sure the water covers the whole surface of the batch. Put the lid or covering on the container, and store in the fridge for two to three days.

How much lemon juice to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

I simply squeezed the juice from half a lemon over the surface of the prepared guacamole. I checked for browning after one hour, one-and-a-half hours, and two hours.

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