Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Printable Version)

Smoky, creamy avocado dip with crispy bacon, Cotija cheese, and fresh lime for bold flavor in every bite.

# What You 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

# Steps:

01 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
02 - Cut avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop flesh into a large bowl. Mash with a fork to your desired consistency.
03 - Add red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados. Mix gently to combine.
04 - Fold in most of the crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese, reserving a portion of each for garnish.
05 - Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl. Top with reserved bacon and Cotija cheese.
06 - Serve immediately with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes regular guacamole feel incomplete.
  • Cotija brings a salty tang that balances the richness without overpowering the avocado.
  • It comes together in under half an hour and disappears even faster.
  • You can prep the bacon ahead and just fold everything together before serving.
02 -
  • If you skip seeding the tomato, the guacamole will get watery within twenty minutes.
  • Add the lime juice right after mashing the avocados to slow down browning, especially if you're making it ahead.
  • Don't fold in the bacon while it's still warm or it will wilt the avocado and make everything greasy.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the bacon while it cooks for an even deeper smoky flavor.
  • If Cotija is hard to find, crumbled feta works in a pinch, though it's a bit creamier and saltier.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the lime, salt, or heat, every avocado is different and sometimes you need a little more balance.
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