Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Printable Version)

Creamy avocado dip with crispy bacon, Cotija cheese, jalapeño, and lime—a bold Mexican-American appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 3 ripe avocados
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

→ Meats

07 - 6 slices bacon

→ Dairy

08 - 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

→ Pantry

09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and crumble once cooled.
02 - Cut avocados in half lengthwise, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork to your preferred consistency.
03 - Add diced red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados. Mix gently to combine without overmixing.
04 - Fold in majority of crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese, reserving small amounts of each for garnish topping.
05 - Spoon guacamole into a serving bowl. Top with reserved bacon crumbles and Cotija cheese.
06 - Present immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable slices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bacon adds a smoky richness that makes classic guacamole feel exciting and new again.
  • Cotija cheese brings a salty, tangy edge that balances the creaminess perfectly.
  • It comes together in under half an hour and always disappears first at parties.
02 -
  • Don't skip seeding the tomato or your guacamole will turn soupy within an hour, especially if it sits.
  • Let the bacon cool completely before crumbling or it will steam and lose its crispness in the guacamole.
  • Taste before adding extra salt, the bacon and Cotija pack plenty of salinity on their own.
03 -
  • Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of leftover guacamole to prevent browning, though it's always best the day you make it.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce can add another layer of complexity if you want to experiment.
  • If you can't find Cotija, crumbled feta works in a pinch and brings a similar salty, tangy punch.
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