If you love fresh, creamy, and totally flavorful dips (and who doesn’t?), then you’re in for a treat with this Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together in under 10 minutes and tastes like it belongs in a fancy Mexican restaurant—minus the fuss. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night at home, you’ll find that this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and packed with vibrant flavors. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your guac turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: The secret paste of onion, chili, coriander, and salt unlocks deep, vibrant taste that really makes it feel like a genuine Mexican guacamole.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes—perfect for when you’re short on time but want something fresh and homemade.
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice level with your chili choice—so mild or fiery, it’s entirely up to you!
- Chunky or Smooth Texture: Mash it to your liking, whether that’s a rustic chunky texture or a smoother dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe keeps things simple but uses ingredients that balance each other perfectly: creamy avocado, zesty lime, sharp onion, and fresh coriander. When shopping, look for ripe avocados that yield slightly when you press them—they’re the foundation of great guacamole!
- White onion (finely chopped): Gives a subtle sharpness without overpowering; finely chopping or mashing prevents harsh chunks.
- Jalapeno or serrano chili (finely chopped): Adds a kick—feel free to adjust depending on how much heat you like.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—start with less and add more to taste.
- Coriander/Cilantro leaves (roughly chopped): Fresh and bright, this is what makes your guacamole pop with herbal freshness.
- Medium ripe avocados: The star ingredient—choose ones that are soft but not mushy.
- Lime juice: Adds acidity and keeps the guacamole from browning quickly.
- Optional ripe tomato (peeled, deseeded, chopped): Adds a lovely juicy texture if you like a chunkier guac.
Variations
I love that this Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe is a great blank canvas—over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different tastes and occasions, and I encourage you to do the same. Play around with the spice level or add mix-ins to keep it exciting every time.
- Mild Version: When I made it for my kids, I took out the chili altogether and used a bit more lime for tang instead—always a hit for the little ones!
- Chunky Style: Sometimes I leave more avocado chunks and skip the optional tomato, so there’s lots of texture to scoop up with chips.
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra serrano or even a pinch of cayenne has been a great way to give an extra punch without overpowering the rest of the flavors.
- Herb Twist: Swap coriander for fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal note if you’re craving a new flavor experience.
How to Make Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
The key to unlocking big flavor in this guacamole is the paste you make first. Place the finely chopped onion, jalapeño (or your chili of choice), salt, and half the coriander onto a cutting board. Then, use a fork to mash them together until juicy and fragrant. I discovered this trick when raw onion chunks kept overwhelming my guac, but once mashed, everything melds beautifully without those harsh bites. If you have a mortar and pestle, this is the perfect time to use it for extra depth.
Step 2: Add and Mash the Avocado
Scrape that flavorful paste into a bowl, then add your ripe avocados and the remaining coriander. Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine with a few chunky bits left, but if you prefer smooth, keep mashing! Remember, the mashing releases more avocado flavor and makes it so creamy and inviting.
Step 3: Taste, Adjust, and Add Tomatoes (If Using)
Now comes the fun part—tasting! Add lime juice a little at a time to brighten the guacamole and balance all those savory notes. Adjust salt levels as needed, and if you want it spicier, toss in more chopped chili. If you like your guacamole with tomatoes, gently fold in the peeled, deseeded, and chopped tomato now. It adds freshness and a lovely texture contrast. Serve immediately with corn chips or your favorite dipping snacks!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Using avocados that are just ripe—not too firm, not too mushy—makes your guacamole creamy and easy to mash.
- Mash the Onion and Chili First: This step prevents biting into raw onion chunks and infuses the guac with evenly blended flavor.
- Add Lime Gradually: Lime juice brightens the dip and slows browning—start with less and adjust so it’s just right for your taste.
- Keep It Fresh: To avoid browning, cover the guacamole tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface until ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped coriander on top and a few thin slices of jalapeño for eye-catching color and a touch more heat. Sometimes I also add a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of good olive oil for an extra dimension of flavor. It’s those small touches that turn simple guacamole into something special.
Side Dishes
This guacamole pairs like a dream with classic salted corn tortilla chips for dipping. But I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish tacos, as a topping for nachos, or even dolloped on scrambled eggs. It’s incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve the guacamole in a hollowed-out avocado shell for a fun, rustic touch. Another favorite trick is layering guacamole in a clear glass bowl with salsa and sour cream to make a colorful “seven-layer dip” lookalike that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed firmly on the surface to minimize air contact. This helps prevent browning. Keep it refrigerated and eat within 1-2 days for best taste.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze guacamole because the texture changes after thawing—avocados can turn a bit watery and mushy. But if you want to freeze it, use an airtight container and leave some headspace. Thaw it slowly in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
Guacamole is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! Just give it a good stir before serving if it’s been in the fridge, and maybe add a fresh squeeze of lime to brighten it up.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it contains fresh vegetables and no animal products or gluten ingredients.
-
How do I know if my avocados are ripe enough for guacamole?
Gently squeeze the avocado—if it gives a little under pressure without feeling mushy or bruised, it’s ripe and perfect for making guacamole.
-
Why do I mash the onion and chili first instead of adding them raw?
Mashing releases their juices and mellows the sharpness, blending the flavors evenly and avoiding those unpleasant raw onion chunks in the dip.
-
Can I prepare guacamole ahead of time?
You can prep it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface, but it’s freshest if served the same day.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe is one of those humble kitchen staples that never fails to impress. I still remember the first time I made it for a big family gathering, and how it disappeared within minutes because everyone loved that perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and spicy flavors. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover why it’s become my go-to dip and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you master this, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Print
Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A classic Mexican guacamole recipe featuring ripe avocados mashed with finely chopped onion, jalapeño, coriander, salt, and lime juice, offering a fresh, flavorful, and creamy dip perfect for serving with corn chips or as a topping.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion (or red, brown, or yellow)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeno or serrano chilli (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped coriander/cilantro leaves
- 2 medium avocados (or 1 very large one)
- Lime juice to taste (about 1/4 – 1/2 lime)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 ripe tomato, peeled, deseeded, and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the base paste: Place the finely chopped onion, jalapeño, salt, and half of the chopped coriander on a cutting board. Use a fork to mash them together until a juicy paste forms, or alternatively use a mortar and pestle to grind into a smooth paste. This step releases the flavors and balances the taste of your guacamole.
- Add and mash avocado: Transfer the onion-chilli paste into a bowl. Add the avocados and the remaining coriander. Mash everything together to your desired consistency—whether chunky or smooth—using a fork or potato masher.
- Adjust to taste: Taste your guacamole and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lime juice for acidity, or additional chilli for spiciness. This ensures the flavors are balanced according to your preference.
- Add optional tomato: If using, gently stir in the peeled, deseeded, and chopped tomato for extra freshness and texture.
- Serve: Serve your guacamole immediately with corn chips or as a condiment for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- A key technique for authentic guacamole is creating a flavorful paste from the onion, chilli, coriander, and salt before combining with avocado. This releases maximum flavor and avoids unpleasant chunks of raw onion.
- Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture.
- Adjust the chilli quantity according to your heat preference.
- The addition of tomato is optional but adds a lovely freshness and color.
- Serve immediately to enjoy optimal flavor and prevent browning.
- Watch the recipe video for a visual guide to the technique.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 77 g
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
