Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Print Version)

Creamy avocado dip with crispy bacon, tangy Cotija, and fresh lime. A bold twist on the classic Mexican favorite.

# 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 (approximately 1 lime)

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and crumble after cooling.
02 - Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency.
03 - Add diced red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to mashed avocados. Mix gently until incorporated.
04 - Fold majority of crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese into guacamole mixture, reserving remainder for garnish.
05 - Transfer guacamole to serving bowl. Top with reserved bacon and Cotija cheese.
06 - Serve immediately with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The smoky bacon adds a richness that makes ordinary guacamole feel like a party dish.
  • Cotija cheese brings a salty, crumbly texture that balances the creaminess perfectly.
  • It comes together in under half an hour and always gets compliments.
  • You can adjust the heat level easily by adding or skipping the jalapeño seeds.
02 -
  • Don't skip seeding the tomato or your guacamole will turn watery and lose that thick, creamy texture.
  • Let the bacon cool completely before crumbling or it will turn greasy and clump together in the bowl.
  • Taste before adding extra salt, the bacon and Cotija already bring plenty of saltiness to the mix.
03 -
  • Save the avocado pits and press them into the guacamole before covering, it helps slow down browning even though it sounds like a myth.
  • Use thick cut bacon if you want chunkier, meatier bites that stand out in every scoop.
  • Make the guacamole just before serving so the avocado stays bright green and the bacon stays crispy on top.
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