Basic Guacamole Recipe

This basic guacamole recipe is as simple and classic as it gets. You just need a handful of ingredients and this recipe is ready in minutes.

Why you will love this guacamole

This guacamole is perfectly balanced with perfect ratios of acid, texture and heat.

You can add or take ingredients and make this recipe your own. Guacamole is a highly customizable recipe.

You can control the amount of heat that you like in the recipe. Leave the jalapeños or Serrano peppers out if you don't want spicy guacamole.

Guacamole is a must for taco Tuesday, Football season and any Mexican-themed potluck. It is easy to make and affordable.

Basic guacamole ingredients

For this recipe you will need a few fresh ingredients.

• Avocados: The most common variety found at stores is Hass avocados. They should be firm to the touch but giving in a bit when you squeeze them.
• Lime: Fresh cut lime is a must. Forget about bottled lime juice for this recipe.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is classic in guacamole.
• Garlic: This ingredient adds a bit of heat without the need to use jalapeños or Serrano peppers.
• Serrano/Jalapeno peppers: These are optional and add another layer of heat and texture to the recipe. If you like a mild guacamole leave them out.

Tips for making simple Guacamole

Start with good quality avocados that are perfectly ripe.

My best advice for picking the perfect avocado is planning ahead. Go to the store and select avocados that aren't ripe and leave them on your counter for a couple of days until they start to soften.

But I get it! You want Guacamole today and need to get the perfectly ripe avocado. Pick one that is soft and gives in a little when you squeeze it.

Don't pick an avocado that is too soft as they will have many browns spots and your guacamole will turn mushy.

If you have avocados that are not ripe and you want to speed up the process, wrap them in a paper bag and leave them on your counter. This will help soften them up.

Buy all the ingredients fresh and dice them yourself. The onion, tomato, cilantro and garlic are best when prepared when you are ready to mix your guacamole.

Step by step process

Start by dicing the red onion, jalapeños (use gloves) and the tomato and set aside.

Seed and peel the avocados and place them in a molcajete or a bowl.

Lightly mash them and add the onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeño pepper (if using).

Add the lime juice and start mashing the guacamole until you achieve a texture that is soft but there are still a few avocado pieces.

Season with salt to taste. I like to add a dash of freshly ground pepper.

Storage instructions

Guacamole is best when enjoyed fresh. If you need to make it ahead, use a container with an airtight lid to store it.

Add one of the avocado pits to the container to help keep the guacamole fresh and prevent browning.

Guacamole will last for up to 2 days in the fridge but you might have some browning happening.

To freshen up your guacamole, remove the layer that is brown, discard and then mix the guacamole with a splash of lime juice.

Guacamole can be frozen but the texture might be affected when thawed.

Bottom line, enjoy your guacamole fresh whenever possible.