Guacamole cups are a fun and tasty treat! They combine creamy avocado with lime, tomato, and cilantro, all served in cute little cups. Perfect for dipping!
These make a great snack for any gathering. I love to pair them with crispy tortilla chips—just try not to eat them all at once! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas give the perfect crunchy texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use corn taco shells or even make your own tortillas using masa harina. Just keep in mind that the shape will be a bit different!
Avocados: Ripe avocados are key for a creamy guacamole. If you’re short on avocados or want a lighter option, you can mix in Greek yogurt for creaminess. Just note that the flavor will change a bit!
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add juiciness. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you can substitute with a small can of diced tomatoes (drained) or even use salsa for more flavor.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija gives a salty kick. If you can’t find it, feta is a great alternative. You could also skip the cheese for a dairy-free version!
How Can I Ensure My Tortilla Cups Are Perfectly Crispy?
Making crispy tortilla cups is all about the right preparation! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Brush both sides of the tortillas with vegetable oil for even crispness.
- Press the tortillas firmly into a muffin tin to create a good shape, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Keep an eye on them while baking: check around the 8-minute mark. You want them golden brown, not burnt!
Once out of the oven, let the tortilla cups cool slightly before filling to maintain their crunch when served!
How to Make Delicious Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing tortillas)
For the Guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup finely diced tomato
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (for a spicy kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 25 minutes to prepare and bake the tortilla cups, plus some time to make the guacamole. Overall, you should have delicious guacamole cups ready in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your corn tortillas and lightly brush both sides with vegetable oil. Gently press each tortilla into the cups of a muffin tin to create a little cup shape. Bake them in the oven for about 8-12 minutes, or until they’re nice and crispy with a golden brown color. Once they’re done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the tortilla cups cool.
2. Make the Guacamole:
While your tortilla cups are baking, it’s time to make the guacamole! In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork until they’re mostly smooth but still have a bit of chunkiness. Add in the lime juice, diced tomato, chopped red onion, cilantro, and if you like it spicy, toss in your diced jalapeño. Finally, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently until it’s well combined but be careful not to over-mash the avocados!
3. Assemble the Guacamole Cups:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take your crispy tortilla cups and generously spoon the guacamole mixture into each one, filling them nice and high.
4. Garnish:
To finish, sprinkle a little crumbled cotija cheese over the top of each guacamole cup. This adds a delicious extra flavor and looks super pretty!
5. Serve Immediately:
These guacamole cups are best enjoyed fresh to keep the tortilla nice and crispy and the guacamole bright and flavorful. Serve them with extra lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
These bite-sized guacamole cups make a perfect appetizer or party snack—everyone will love them! Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use Store-Bought Guacamole?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought guacamole. Just skip the guacamole-making step and spoon the store-bought version directly into your tortilla cups!
What If My Avocados Are Not Ripe?
It’s best to use ripe avocados for a creamy texture. If they’re not ripe, you can place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two to help them ripen faster. If you’re in a hurry, you could also try using frozen avocado, just be sure to thaw it completely before mashing!
How Do I Store Leftover Guacamole Cups?
These tortilla cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them separately. Keep the tortilla cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The guacamole can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning.
Can I Freeze Guacamole for Later Use?
You can freeze guacamole! To do this, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it, though the texture might become slightly different after thawing.
