Name: Guacamole Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 small tomato, finely diced; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 12 mini tortilla cups or scoop-style tortilla chips

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.7 from 28 reviews

Guacamole Cups are the ultimate party appetizer—cool, creamy, and brimming with vibrant flavor in every irresistible bite. Imagine the velvety richness of mashed avocado, the snap of fresh tomato, a hint of lime’s tang, and all those zesty fixings scooped into crisp little tortilla cups. This fun and festive finger food is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to disappear quickly at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or chic fiesta, these Guacamole Cups add color, flavor, and playful presentation to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Guacamole Cups lies in their straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each element not only brings its own pop of flavor but also contributes to the dish’s creamy, tangy, and crunchy personality. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for getting the most out of each.

Avocados: Go for perfectly ripe avocados—slightly soft when gently squeezed—for the creamiest filling and best flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh-squeezed lime brightens the guacamole and helps prevent browning, so don’t skip it.
Tomato: Use a firm, flavorful tomato, deseeded if you want to avoid excess moisture in your guacamole.
Red Onion: These add a gentle sharpness and bite, balancing the avocado’s richness—chop finely for best texture.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a signature herbal zing; add extra if you’re a true fan.
Garlic: Just a small clove, finely minced, introduces a subtle, savory layer you’ll love.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and makes everything pop.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch adds mild heat and complexity to the blend.
Mini Tortilla Cups or Scoop-Style Chips: These serve as tiny, edible bowls that hold the guacamole—opt for store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer.

How to Make Guacamole Cups

Step 1: Mash the Avocados with Lime Juice

Start by slicing your ripe avocados in half, removing the pits, and scooping the green flesh into a bowl. Pour in the lime juice and begin mashing with a fork or potato masher. You want a texture that’s mostly smooth, but with a bit of chunkiness left for interest. The lime juice doesn’t just add a burst of flavor—it also helps keep that vibrant green color from fading too quickly.

Step 2: Add Tomato, Onion, Cilantro, and Garlic

Next, fold in the diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and minced garlic. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute all those savory bits evenly. This is where your guacamole really comes to life—the tomato brings juiciness, the onion lifts the flavor, the cilantro adds that unmistakable freshness, and the garlic offers just the right amount of depth.

Step 3: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then give it a good stir. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go here! Adjust the seasoning if needed until every bite sings with balanced, bold taste. Remember, the chips themselves have salt too, so season mindfully.

Step 4: Assemble the Guacamole Cups

Now comes the most fun part! Just before serving, spoon the guacamole mixture into your mini tortilla cups or scoop-style tortilla chips. Fill each cup generously but avoid overloading them to keep everything tidy and easy to eat. Assembling just before serving keeps the cups nice and crisp.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish each Guacamole Cup with a little sprinkle of extra cilantro or a tiny piece of diced tomato as a garnish. Arrange them on a platter, and get ready to watch them vanish at your party! These are best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Guacamole Cups

Garnishes

Garnishing your Guacamole Cups is not just about looks—it’s a chance to add extra flavor and texture with a flourish! A pinch of chopped fresh cilantro works beautifully, while a single cherry tomato quarter or a slice of jalapeño pepper provides a pop of color and heat. If you like a bit of drama, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a tiny dollop of hot sauce on top.

Side Dishes

Guacamole Cups are the ultimate party starter, but they also pair wonderfully with other Mexican-inspired bites. Think alongside street corn, quesadillas, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a complete spread, round things out with bowls of mixed olives, spicy roasted nuts, or a pitcher of icy margaritas.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is everything when it comes to Guacamole Cups! Arrange them in concentric circles on a colorful platter or set them on a wooden board nestled among lime wedges and more fresh cilantro. If you want a rustic vibe, tuck them into a taco holder or display in mini muffin tins for a charming, self-serve option that keeps them upright and beautiful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Guacamole Cups (which honestly doesn’t happen often!), remove the guacamole from the cups and store it in an airtight container. Press a layer of plastic wrap directly on top to keep air out and slow browning, then seal with the lid. It’ll hold up well for a day in the fridge, though some browning may still occur.

Freezing

Guacamole isn’t a great candidate for freezing because the texture turns watery and the fresh flavors dull when thawed. The tortilla cups will also lose their crispness. For best results, enjoy your Guacamole Cups fresh and make only as much as you’ll eat that day.

Reheating

Since Guacamole Cups are meant to be served cold, there’s no real need for reheating. If you’ve stored the components separately, simply fill fresh tortilla cups with your chilled guacamole just before serving to revive the snack’s crisp and creamy appeal.

FAQs

Can I make Guacamole Cups in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the guacamole mixture up to two hours ahead of time. Just press plastic wrap directly onto the guac to minimize browning, then assemble the cups right before you set them out so the shells stay crisp.

What are some variations for the guacamole filling?

Feel free to get creative! Add diced jalapeño for heat, a few splashes of hot sauce for kick, or tiny cubed mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. Even a sprinkle of cotija cheese makes the Guacamole Cups more decadent, if you don’t need them to stay vegan.

How do I keep the guacamole from turning brown?

Lime juice is your best friend here, as it slows browning naturally. Always store guacamole with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to minimize air exposure, and keep it well-sealed in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought guacamole to save time?

You absolutely can! While homemade guac always has that fresh zing, store-bought is a fantastic time-saver. Just be sure to choose a brand with fresh ingredients and check the flavor for seasoning before spooning it into your cups.

What other shells can I use besides tortilla cups?

If you can’t find mini tortilla cups, scoop-shaped tortilla chips work really well. For a gluten-free twist, use cucumber slices or endive leaves as crunchy, refreshing edible “cups” for your guacamole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing snack that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat, Guacamole Cups are always a hit. Bring them to your next gathering and watch your guests light up with each flavorful, crunchy bite—trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!