While authentic Mexican guacamole is comprised of only a few simple ingredients, chefs and TikTok stars have gone wild crafting over-the-top guac specialties. In parts of Mexico, you can even find this avocado-rich treat piled high with crispy crickets, ants and chapulines (or grasshoppers). If that’s a little too experimental for your taste, have no fear—we’ve rounded up 17 of our best guacamole recipes ranging from basic to brilliant (no bugs involved).
What is guacamole?
Guacamole is a Mexican dip or spread made up of mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onion and salt. It’s usually served with tortilla chips, or used as a topping for nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, salad bowls and more.
How to make guacamole
While guacamole recipes are as varied as they come (as evidenced by our well-round list here), most recipes start with avocado, cilantro and lime juice. Jalapeños and chopped onion are also a given, as is a dash of salt. From there the ingredient mix-ins are really endless. You can add tomatoes, corn, beans, cheese, garlic, radish and anything else your heart desires!
How do you keep guacamole from turning brown?
There’s nothing more disappointing than making a huge batch of guacamole for a Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday party and having it turn brown a few hours in. To keep this from happening, try this trick when you’re ready to store leftover guac: pat the dip down in a flat, even layer, and then squeeze lemon or lime juice over the top. Cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the guac) and it will be nice and green when you go to eat it again!
Best Guacamole Recipes
From classic and chunky guacamole to healthy, spicy and tropical fruit guac, you’ll find so many new variations in our collection. There are also unique twists piled high with lobster, shrimp, bacon and blue cheese. So the next time you go to make this chip dipping essential at home, opt for one of these easy recipes that will really impress guests.
Roaring Fork’s Famous Guacamole
You’ll be the favorite at any Cinco de Mayo party when you serve up this super-easy, fresh guacamole recipe from Roaring Fork’s chef Adrian Giovanelli. Be prepared to sample before you serve, because guests will snap up this Cinco de Mayo favorite. Get the recipe
Lobster Guacamole
Who doesn’t want to show off a little while entertaining or creating a special dish for someone else’s party? Whatever team you’re cheering on, this Maine Lobster Guacamole recipe from Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative will make you a Super Bowl MVP. Get the recipe
Chef Eugenio Villafaña’s Good-for-You Guacamole
“In Mexico, the preparation of guacamole varies from town to town. The recipe featured here is my favorite,” says Chef Eugenio Villafaña. Get the recipe
Tom Brady’s Healthy Guacamole
TB’s recipe calls for avocado, onion, garlic, jalapeño, lemon and fresh basil and is best served with veggie sticks (or on sweet potato toast), for a healthy snack. Get the recipe
Guacamole with Jalapeño and Red Pepper
Treat your party guests to this classic guacamole—with jalapeño and a red pepper twist! Get the recipe
Spicy Shrimp Guacamole
This chunky dip gets its bite from fresh jicama. Get the recipe
Easiest Ever Guacamole
Here’s a fail-safe version of classic guacamole that’s as great with crunchy raw vegetables as it is with tortilla chips. Get the recipe
The Fort’s Guacamole
If you scooped all the guacamole to be made during the next Super Bowl into Indianapolis’s Oil Stadium, it would fill it from end zone to end zone, more than 12 feet deep. No one knows the dip’s exact origins, but the late Sam Arnold of the Fort restaurant near Denver surmised that a cook accidentally dropped avocado into salsa and realized the combo was irresistible. Get the recipe
Rosa Mexicano Guacamole
Rosa Mexicano’s guacamole is still made tableside in a molcajete, a traditional lava-stone bowl used for grinding and mixing. You can achieve the same results using a mortar and pestle. Get the recipe
Bacon and Blue Cheese Buffalo Guacamole
What’s more delicious than adding leftover bacon to guacamole? Then throw blue cheese in it, buffalo sauce, chopped onions, and tomatoes and the whole thing is completely harmonious. Get the recipe
Tropical Fruit Guacamole
Mango, peach, papaya and…avocado? Don’t knock it until you try it! Get the recipe
Guacamole with Granny Smith Apples
Everything about the Super Bowl—the audience (106 million viewers), the TV advertising dollars, and of course the linemen (377 NFL players topped 300 pounds this season)—is huge, but your party dishes don’t have to be. These bite-sized nibbles are big on taste. Get the recipe
Chicken Burgers with Guacamole
This is not your average burger, but it’s about to become your favorite! Lean ground chicken is first blended with cilantro and seasoned bread crumbs and then crowned with southwestern toppings of seared tomatoes and garlicky guacamole. Get the recipe
Bacon and Cheddar Guacamole
Smoky bacon and sharp cheddar lend their robust flavors to this twist on a classic. Get the recipe
Classic Guacamole with Kale
Get your greens in on Cinco de Mayo this year by making this recipe for Classic Guacamole with Kale. The kale is chopped up finely and stirred in, creating a unique and delicious take on guacamole. Get the recipe
Grilled Guacamole Tortilla with Mozzarella
Never had grilled guacamole rolls? You’re missing out. Instead of mashing all of the ingredients, cut them into large pieces so that all the flavors have a chance to pop. These stuffed tortillas are filling, mind-blowingly good and perfect for the grill. Get the recipe
Corn and Poblano Tostadas with Guacamole
Grilled corn and poblano tostadas are a fun way to mix it up on Taco Tuesday. Topped with guacamole and a drizzle of sour cream, they’re a flavorful and satisfying meat-free meal. Get the recipe
