Bacon Guacamole Cotija Cheese

The smell of bacon rendering on a Sunday morning has this way of pulling everyone into the kitchen, and somewhere along the line I started wondering what would happen if that smoky, crispy magic found its way into my guacamole. It was one of those happy accidents that immediately felt like it should have been obvious all along, and now game days feel incomplete without it.

I brought this to a friends backyard barbecue last summer, and honestly, I was a little nervous about the unconventional addition. Within fifteen minutes, three different people had asked for the recipe, and the bowl was scraped completely clean before the burgers even hit the grill.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados: Give them a gentle squeeze near the stem, they should yield slightly without feeling mushy
• 1 small red onion, finely diced: The red variety brings a mild sweetness that white onion cant match
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced: Removing the seeds keeps your guacamole from becoming watery
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Leave a few seeds if you want more heat, but I usually remove most of them
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference here, dont skip it
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: About one juicy lime, and this also helps prevent browning
• 6 slices bacon: Thick cut works best because it holds up better when crumbled
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled: This salty Mexican cheese is essential, though feta works in a pinch
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust based on how salty your bacon and cheese are
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough subtle warmth

Instructions

Crisp your bacon:

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is perfectly crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain on paper towels and crumble once it is cool enough to handle

Prep the avocados:

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large bowl, then mash with a fork until you reach your preferred consistency

Build your base:

Add the red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados and mix gently to combine

Add the good stuff:

Fold in most of the crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese, but save a little of each for topping

Finish and serve:

Transfer the guacamole to your serving bowl, scatter the reserved bacon and cheese on top, and serve immediately with chips

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My cousin took one bite and quietly said this was the best guacamole she had ever tasted, which is basically the highest compliment you can receive in our family.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce when I want extra depth, but start with the base recipe first.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp Mexican lager cuts through the richness beautifully, but a classic margarita works just as well for something more celebratory.

Serving Success

Transfer everything to a serving bowl with a bit of a mound in the center, then arrange those reserved toppings across the top for maximum visual appeal. Keep the chips within easy reach, and maybe set out a small spoon for anyone who wants to add more to their plate without double-dipping. Serve it within about an hour of making it, because that texture contrast is at its absolute best when the bacon still has some crunch to it.

• Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you need to hold it longer
• Wait to add the bacon topping until just before serving
• Have extra lime wedges ready for guests who love acid

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There is something joyful about a dip that makes people linger around the bowl, talking and laughing and reaching for just one more chip.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I choose ripe avocados for this dish?

Select avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when gently squeezed. Avoid those that are too hard or have overly soft spots, as these might not offer the best creamy texture.

→ Can I prepare this avocado dip ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the avocado base up to 2-3 hours in advance. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Add the crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Cotija cheese if I can't find it?

Feta cheese is an excellent substitute for Cotija, offering a similar salty and crumbly texture. Queso fresco or a dry Monterey Jack could also work well as alternatives.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in this creation?

For more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or omit it entirely.

→ What are some ideal accompaniments for this dip?

This rich and savory dip pairs wonderfully with classic tortilla chips. It's also delicious with fresh vegetable sticks, crackers, or as a flavorful topping for tacos and grilled meats.

→ What if my avocado dip browns quickly after preparation?

To minimize browning, ensure you've used enough fresh lime juice, as its acidity helps preserve the avocado's color. Storing it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface also helps reduce air exposure.