Guacamole Cups Recipe

Looking for the kind of appetizer that disappears as soon as it hits the table? These Guacamole Cups are vibrant, creamy, and loaded with flavor, all perched in perfectly crunchy mini phyllo shells or tortilla scoop chips. Whether you’re hosting a casual Taco Tuesday or an all-out party, these beauties deliver a burst of zesty, fresh guacamole in every delightful bite—and they’re as easy to make as they are to eat. With their bite-sized convenience, you’ll win over even the pickiest snackers, and trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Guacamole Cups is that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something totally irresistible. Each add-in brings its own punch of flavor, color, and texture, giving these little bites their trademark freshness and flair.

• Avocados: Choose large, ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest guacamole base.
• Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice not only adds zing, but also helps keep your guacamole bright and green.
• Salt: A little salt goes a long way in balancing the flavors and enhancing the natural taste of avocados.
• Black Pepper: Just a touch gives a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
• Diced Tomato: Adds burst of juicy freshness and a pop of color with every bite.
• Red Onion: Finely diced red onion brings a sweet-sharp crunch that makes the guacamole sing.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro introduces a bright, herbal note that’s classic in any guacamole.
• Jalapeño (optional): For those who crave a little heat, minced jalapeño is the perfect finishing touch.
• Mini Phyllo Shells or Tortilla Scoop Chips: These create a crisp, edible vessel for your guacamole and make for effortless, mess-free snacking.

How to Make Guacamole Cups

Step 1: Mash the Avocados

Start by placing your peeled and pitted avocados in a medium bowl. Add the fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Using a fork or potato masher, mash everything together until it’s mostly smooth with just a little bit of texture. This creamy base is what makes every Guacamole Cup totally irresistible!

Step 2: Stir in the Mix-Ins

Add in the diced tomato, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño (if you like a hint of heat). Gently fold these in so the guacamole stays chunky and full of gorgeous color. This is where those signature flecks of red, purple, green, and (if you dare) a touch of fiery green appear in every bite.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your guacamole a taste, then tweak with a little more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño if needed. Every avocado is different, so don’t be afraid to adjust until it’s perfect for your palate. Remember, the flavors will intensify slightly as the guacamole sits.

Step 4: Assemble the Guacamole Cups

Right before serving, spoon the fresh guacamole into each mini phyllo shell or tortilla scoop chip. Fill them generously, but be gentle—overstuffing can cause the shells to crack. This step ensures your cups stay super crisp and your guacamole stays gloriously green.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle each Guacamole Cup with a little crumbled queso fresco, an extra pinch of cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear at lightning speed!

How to Serve Guacamole Cups

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Top your Guacamole Cups with crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a few extra bits of tomato and onion for a burst of color and flavor right on top. For a crowd that loves heat, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce will take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

Pair Guacamole Cups with crisp veggie sticks, a bowl of tortilla chips, or fresh salsa for a perfectly rounded appetizer spread. They also play so nicely with Mexican-inspired mains—think tacos, grilled corn, or black bean salad. You really can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow the crowd, arrange your cups on a serving platter in concentric circles, alternating colors for visual pop. Serve them in a muffin tin for easy grab-and-go access, or nestle cups in taco holders for a playful twist. However you present them, Guacamole Cups are sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few Guacamole Cups left over? Remove any unfilled shells from the platter if possible, as filled cups can soften over time. Store the guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed right on the surface to guard against browning, and stash the shells separately at room temperature.

Freezing

Guacamole doesn’t love the freezer, but if you must, you can freeze plain guacamole in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out. Don’t freeze the filled Guacamole Cups or shells, as their texture will suffer. For best results, enjoy fresh!

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat anything here—all the magic of Guacamole Cups comes from their fresh, cool flavors paired with crisp shells. If the shells lose crispness, you can briefly re-toast phyllo shells (empty) in the oven before filling them with fresh guac.

FAQs

Can I make Guacamole Cups ahead of time?

You can prepare the guacamole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to help prevent browning. Keep shells or chips separate and only assemble the cups just before serving for maximum crunch.

What kind of shells work best for Guacamole Cups?

Mini phyllo shells and tortilla scoop chips are both fantastic for this recipe. Phyllo offers a flaky, light crunch, while tortilla scoops bring a classic Mexican vibe. Just make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough to hold the guacamole without getting soggy too quickly.

How do I keep guacamole from browning?

Lime juice is your best friend for keeping guacamole green and vibrant. Always press plastic wrap right against the surface of your guacamole if storing ahead, and only fill your cups at the last minute for the freshest look and taste.

Are Guacamole Cups gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free tortilla scoop chips or verified gluten-free phyllo shells, this appetizer is completely gluten-free! Always double-check your packaging to make sure.

Can I add other ingredients to the guacamole?

Absolutely! While the classic combination in this recipe is fantastic, feel free to mix in diced mango, roasted corn, more chilies, or even a little bit of crumbled bacon for your own creative spin on Guacamole Cups.

Final Thoughts

There’s something joyful about sharing a platter of Guacamole Cups—a burst of flavor, color, and crunch in a bite-sized package. I truly hope you give these a try at your next gathering. They’re quick, easy, and bound to be the star of the spread every single time!

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