Spicy Guacamole Recipe

This Spicy Guacamole recipe is quick, easy, and always a crowd favorite! Made with avocados, jalapeños, onion, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and spices, it's the perfect dip, topping, or spread with just the right kick of heat. Serve this guacamole with tortilla chips, tacos, or nachos for a flavorful addition to parties, game nights, or a tasty snack!

Spicy guacamole is one of our favorite dips. My kids love eating it with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or toasted bread.

We also love pairing it with Mexican dishes like Vegetarian Burrito Bowls, Veg Quesadillas, and Vegetarian Nachos.

This simple spicy guacamole recipe is easy to make, wholesome and delicious, and the best guacamole recipe you will ever need! Once you make it home, you won't buy pre-made guac from the grocery store.

It is perfect for game day parties, summer BBQs, picnics and pool parties, taco nights, family gatherings, potlucks, or when you crave a good snack.

Jump to:

• What is Guacamole
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients for Spicy Guacamole
• How to make spicy guacamole
• Serving Suggestions 
• Storage Instructions
• Tips for the Best Guacamole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Delicious Dip Recipes: 
• Recipe Card

What is Guacamole

Guacamole, or "guac," is a creamy, flavorful Mexican dip made mainly from avocados, which are mashed and combined with other fresh ingredients like lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and lime juice, sometimes cumin powder too.

It is known for its vibrant green color, rich buttery texture, and balance of freshness, heat, and acidity. The simple guacamole recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats.

Originally from Mexico, guacamole remains a staple in Mexican cuisine and is traditionally prepared in a molcajete (mortar and pestle) for enhanced flavor and texture.

It is commonly served as a dip with tortilla chips or a topping with tacos, burritos, and other dishes. It also works as a spread for your sandwiches and burgers and a side for your bowls, veggies, and grilled meats.

There are many variations of classic guacamole, whether chunky or smooth, mild or spicy, with garlic or without, with tomatoes or without, guacamole is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal! Today, I am sharing my version of homemade spicy guacamole.

Ingredients for Spicy Guacamole

Avocados: They are the foundation of guacamole, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor. Opt for ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy. Hass avocados are the best choice for their buttery consistency and deep flavor, unlike larger varieties that tend to be watery and less creamy, which can affect the guacamole's texture.

Onion:  It adds a sharp, refreshing bite and texture that balances the creaminess of the avocado. I prefer using finely diced red onions for guac. You can also use white or yellow onions, scallions, or green onions per taste preference. 

Peppers: I mix jalapeños and serrano peppers for the perfect spicy kick. For milder guacamole, stick with jalapeños; for extra heat, go with serranos. Adjust the spice level by removing the seeds or adding more peppers. Small Indian or Thai chilies or Habanero peppers are great alternatives for an extra fiery touch.

Cilantro: This adds a fresh, herby flavor to the guac. I highly recommend adding it. 

Lime juice: It enhances the flavors, adds acidity to balance the richness of avocados, and helps prevent them from browning. Use freshly squeezed lime juice or lemon juice, and avoid using concentrated lime juice, which can have additives and never tastes quite right.

Garlic: Adds a savory depth that enhances the guacamole's flavor. While some prefer guacamole without garlic, a little goes a long way. Freshly minced garlic is ideal, but garlic powder is a convenient alternative. If I add, I stick to 1 clove of garlic. 

Tomato: This is another optional ingredient, but if you plan to use it, de-seed and use it to prevent guacamole from getting runnier. I like adding Roma tomatoes for a pop of color and texture to the guac. 

Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dip. You can adjust these to taste. 

Ground Cumin (Optional): It adds a warm, earthy extra layer of flavor. 

How to make spicy guacamole

Prep work

Finely dice the onion and chili peppers, mince the garlic (if using), and roughly chop the cilantro.

If using tomatoes, slice them in half, scoop out the seeds, and chop the flesh into small pieces. I sometimes leave the seeds in, and that's ok, too, as long as you eat guac immediately. 

Make Guacamole

Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. If making ahead, save the pit and add it to the guacamole during storage to help prevent browning (see storage instructions).

Peel the skin off or scoop the flesh of avocados using a spoon into a large bowl. Repeat the same with the remaining avocados. 

1 - Using a fork or potato masher, mash till you get the desired consistency, i.e. smooth or chunky. I prefer it not to be too smooth or chunky. Ensure you do not puree it; keep some texture for that perfect guacamole consistency!

2 - Immediately mix fresh lime juice (or lemon juice) over the mashed avocados.

3 - Stir in the remaining ingredients: onion, jalapeño, serrano (if using), cilantro, garlic, salt, ground pepper, and cumin, and mix until combined. You can serve it right now for that Chipotle Style Guacamole, or go ahead and add the tomatoes and mix.

4 - Taste and adjust more lime, salt, or spice to your liking. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, and it is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions 

You can serve guacamole as is or top it with Tajin (optional) for additional flavor.

• Dip: Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks (carrots/celery sticks).
• Topping: Add to tacos, tostadas, burritos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, baked potatoes, grain bowls, or eggs.
• Spread: Slather on sandwiches, wraps, burgers, crunchwrap, or avocado toast with toppings like eggs or feta.
• Side: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and salads for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

Avocados naturally oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. So, the best way to keep it green is to prevent air exposure. To slow this process, try these storage methods:

1. Avocado Pit Method - Keep the avocado pit in the guacamole while storing it in an airtight container to help reduce browning.
2. Plastic Wrap Method: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole, pressing down to remove any air bubbles, and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. 
3. Water Seal Method - Gently pour a thin layer of water over the guacamole to create an air barrier. Drain and stir before serving.

In addition to these methods, guacamole should always be stored in a completely sealed, airtight container to limit oxygen contact. Keep homemade guacamole refrigerated at a consistent, cold temperature to slow oxidation.

For best results, consume within 1-2 days for fresh flavor and texture!

Tips for the Best Guacamole

Best avocados for guacamole: Use ripe avocados and not overripe ones. Look for dark-skinned avocados that are firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy. I prefer Hass avocados to make guacamole; it works best for a creamy texture.

Mash to Your Preference: Keep it chunky for texture, or mash it smooth based on your liking. For chunky Guacamole, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, make a crisscross pattern, and then scoop out the pulp and mix with other ingredients.

Control the Heat: Adjust spiciness by adding or removing seeds from jalapeños or serrano peppers. Use Thai or Indian chilies for extra heat.

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro for the best flavor.

Balance the Flavors: Add salt to enhance the taste, a squeeze of lime for tang, and a touch of cumin for depth of flavor.

Tomato Tip: Tomatoes can secrete moisture, affecting the guacamole's consistency. If you want to use tomatoes, de-seed them and add them just before serving to keep the texture intact.

Prevent Browning: Store leftover guacamole with avocado pit and plastic wrap pressed against the surface or mix in lime juice to slow oxidation. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Use Pico de Gallo: If you have some leftover pico de gallo, add 3-4 tablespoons to mashed avocados for a quick guacamole! You can use store-bought or make pico in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and just before serving, mash the avocados, mix in the pico, and enjoy!

Customize It - This guacamole is delicious as is, but here are some ways to change it:

• Add crumbled feta or cotija cheese, green onions, Tajin, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• For added crunch and contrast, sprinkle toasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, or pomegranate arils on top.  

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Dip Recipes: 

I hope you enjoy this Spicy Guacamole Recipe as much as we do!! If you try it, please rate it by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️! You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see what's cooking in my kitchen!!

Recipe Card

Update Notes: This post was originally published on Jun 4, 2020, but it was republished in February 2025 with step-by-step instructions, tips, and a video.