What can I put on top of guacamole?

Quick Answers

Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based dip that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or topping. There are many delicious options for toppings and mix-ins that complement the rich, tangy flavor of guacamole. Some quick answers for toppings you can put on guacamole include:

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped onion
• Cilantro
• Queso fresco or cotija cheese
• Diced jalapeño
• Crumbled bacon
• Salsa
• Sour cream

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing guacamole to your tastes. The key is choosing ingredients that add texture, creaminess, spice, or brightness to balance the avocado.

Traditional Toppings

Guacamole originated in Mexico, where the basic ingredients have traditionally been avocados, salt, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Here’s an overview of why these core ingredients work so well:

Onions

Onions add a sharp, pungent kick that cuts through the richness of the avocado. Raw white or red onions are commonly used and are diced or minced finely before mixing into guacamole. Onion provides a crunchy texture contrast and strong burst of flavor.

Tomatoes

The juicy texture and mild acidity of tomatoes balance the creamy avocado base. Tomatoes add moisture and freshness to guacamole. Most traditional recipes call for Roma or plum tomatoes that have been seeded and diced.

Cilantro

Cilantro offers a distinctly bright, citrusy herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with avocados. The fresh green flavor acts as a palate cleanser between bites of rich guacamole. Chopped cilantro leaves add aesthetic green flecks as well as flavor.

Jalapeños

Spicy jalapeño peppers can provide anything from a mild kick to intense heat, depending on your preference. They infuse guacamole with capsicum flavor. For milder heat, remove the seeds and veins.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice brightens guacamole with acidity and complements the creaminess of avocado. Lime adds a layer of citrusy flavor and prevents the guacamole from turning brown quickly.

Salt

A dash or two of salt is needed to balance and elevate the flavors of guacamole. The salt cuts bitterness and allows the other ingredients’ flavors to pop. Kosher salt or fine sea salt are best choices.

While avocados, onions, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, citrus, and salt form the base of traditional guacamole, there are many other tasty add-ins you can include.

Classic Mix-Ins

In addition to the core ingredients, there are some classic guacamole mix-ins that show up in recipes time and time again. These include:

• Garlic: Like onion, raw minced garlic adds an aromatic pop of flavor. A little bit goes a long way.
• Cumin: Earthy, warming cumin spice complements the richness of avocado. Add just a pinch or a dash.
• Chile powder: For toasty, smoky spice rather than fresh pepper heat, a sprinkle of ancho or chipotle powder blends nicely.
• Cayenne pepper: A dash of cayenne packs a spicy punch of focused heat. Mix in just a small amount if you like spicy guac.
• Hot sauce: Similarly, a few drops to a tsp of hot sauce like Tapatío or Cholula can provide flavor and heat.
• Worcestershire sauce: This umami-rich sauce adds savory depth. A little splash enhances overall flavor.
• Lemon/lime zest: Grated citrus zest infuses bright, fresh citrus oil for extra vibrancy.
• Black pepper: Fresh cracked black pepper adds subtle spice aroma and some heat.

These classic add-ins all build upon the signature flavor profile of guacamole in complementary ways. Mix and match to taste!

Creative Stir-Ins

Once you master the basics, the possibilities for unique guacamole add-ins are nearly endless. Get creative with mix-ins like:

• Mango: Diced mango adds tropical flair and sweetness.
• Pineapple: For similar reasons, pineapple brightens up guacamole.
• Strawberries: Sliced berries add refreshing fruitiness.
• Pomegranate arils: For aesthetic and antioxidant appeal, top with ruby red pomegranate seeds.
• Jicama: Diced jicama adds juicy crunch.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes bring crunchy, peppery bite.
• Jalapeño: Pickled jalapeño slices offer tangy crunch and heat.
• Bacon: Crisped, crumbled bacon offers smoky, salty, meaty appeal.
• Corn: For texture, mix in grilled corn kernels cut from the cob.
• Queso fresco: Mild, salty cheese offers enriching creaminess and meltability.

Let your imagination run wild coming up with novel ingredient combinations to make each batch of guacamole unique. The main keys are balance and complementing the avocado flavor.

Serving Suggestions

An additional way to customize guacamole is tweaking the presentation and serving style. Consider these serving ideas:

• Serve in avocado halves or an avocado “bowl” for edible vessels
• Top with multi-color diced veggies for aesthetic appeal
• Pile into a bowl next to tortilla chips for dipping
• Dollop on top of nachos, tostadas, tacos, or burritos
• Roll up in lettuce wraps or stuff in mini pitas
• Spread on sandwich bread or burgers
• Spoon into endive leaves for an appetizer vessel
• Serve as a side next to grilled meats or fish
• Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes as a topping

With so many options for serving methods, guacamole can be incorporated into everything from game day appetizers to fancy dinner parties. Adjust the presentation to match the occasion.

Pairings

To complement the flavor of the guacamole itself, consider strategic pairings:

• Corn chips or tortilla chips – Provides salty, crunchy contrast for dipping
• Fresh salsa – Tomatoes and onions mirror guacamole ingredients while adding liquid texture
• Margs and Mexican beers – Margaritas and lagers like Corona and Modelo wash it all down
• Grilled meats – Smoky, charred flavors pair well with cool, creamy guacamole
• Mexican cheeses – Queso fresco, cotija, shredded jack all enrich guacamole
• Limes, cilantro – Fresh accents reinforce the Mexican flavors
• Peppers, onions – Raw sliced veggies offer crunchy freshness
• Hot sauce – Tapatío, Cholula, Valentina, etc add heat and flavor

Think about complementary textures, temperatures, and flavors to take your guacamole to the next level.

Top Guacamole Recipes

To spark inspiration for your own signature guacamole recipe, here are some top-rated variations:

Classic Guacamole

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1-2 serrano chiles, minced
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Mash avocados with lime juice and salt. Fold in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Spicy Guacamole

Follow the classic recipe, but increase the number of serrano chiles to 3-4. Add 1/4 tsp cayenne powder and 1 Tbsp hot sauce.

Fruity Guacamole

• 3 avocados
• 1/2 pink grapefruit, juiced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 mango, diced
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

Mash avocados with grapefruit juice and salt. Fold in onions, mango, and cilantro.

BLT Guacamole

• 3 avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped

Mash avocados with lime juice and salt. Gently fold in bacon, tomatoes, parsley.

Guacamole Ranchero

• 3 avocados
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 ear corn, grilled and kernels cut off
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

Mash avocados with lime juice and salt. Fold in remaining ingredients.

Guacamole Topping Ideas

Here are just a few ideas for creative guacamole toppings:

Topping	Flavor/Texture Contribution
Pico de gallo	Fresh tomato, onion, lime – adds moisture
Mango salsa	Sweet, tropical fruitiness
Pickled red onions	Tangy crunch
Toasted pepitas	Crunchy garnish
Crumbled cotija cheese	Salty, crumbly cheese
Microgreens	Fresh accent
Roasted corn	Smoky and sweet
Pepperoncini	Tangy heat
Frizzled onions	Crispy fried onions

The possibilities are endless for inventive guacamole topping ideas!

Storage Tips

To keep homemade guacamole fresh and prevent oxidation (browning), follow these storage tips:

• Limit air exposure: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating
• Add citrus: Extra lime or lemon juice helps keep avocado green
• Minimize contamination: Use a clean spoon each time you scoop to prevent bacteria
• Use the pit: Leave the avocado pit in the guacamole as you store it
• Short term only: Guacamole is best consumed within 1-2 days of making, before oxidizing
• No freeze: Do not attempt to freeze guacamole, as the texture deteriorates

With proper storage guacamole can retain its signature bright green color and creamy texture for a brief window of 1-2 days in the fridge. For maximum freshness, eat as soon as possible!

Conclusion

When it comes to guacamole toppings and add-ins, feel free to get creative and customize to your tastes. Just maintain the flavor balance and keep in mind traditional guacamole’s pungent, creamy, fresh attributes.

Beyond basic guac, the variations are endless. Top with whatever sounds good, like salsa, cheese, herbs, veggies, bacon, pineapple, mango, etc. Adjust seasoning and spice level to preference.

Serve guacamole on chips, tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. Pair it with margaritas or Mexican beer for full flavor complement.

With the right storage methods like plastic wrap, extra citrus, and limited air exposure, you can extend the shelf life of homemade guacamole by a day or two. But for that signature just-made brightness, enjoying it immediately is best.

Whip up a customized guacamole using your favorite fresh, flavorful add-ins today! Then dig in and enjoy this velvety green goddess of dips at its peak.