Alton Brown’s guacamole is the kind of recipe that keeps everyone asking for more (politely, of course!).
The avocados need to be just ripe—soft but not mushy—and that really sets the foundation for a great guacamole.
I like to dice the onions super finely so they mix evenly without overpowering any single bite.
Fresh lime juice is a must here, not only for the tang but also to keep the guacamole looking vibrant longer.
One thing that really makes this recipe stand out is his use of a pinch of cumin, which adds a warm, earthy layer of flavor.
Let’s build you some yum!
How to Make Alton Brown Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3 Avocados (ripe)
- 1 Lime (juiced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Onion (diced)
- 3 tbsp Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 Roma Tomatoes (seeded and diced)
- 1 Jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
Step 2:
Add lime juice to the avocado and gently toss to coat, preventing browning.
Step 3:
Add salt, onion, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño, and garlic to the avocado mixture.
Step 4:
Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 5:
Stir in cayenne pepper for a subtle heat and adjust seasoning to taste.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Ripe Avocados
For the best texture, make sure they’re just soft enough to yield to gentle pressure, but not overly mushy.
Prevent Browning
If you’re not serving the guacamole immediately, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface before refrigerating.
Adjust Heat to Taste
If you love spice, keep some jalapeño seeds or add a bit more cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch!
Experiment with Add-Ins
You can include extras like chopped mango or pineapple for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
Balancing Flavors
Taste and adjust lime and salt levels to ensure every flavor pops beautifully without overpowering others!
What to Serve with Alton Brown Guacamole Recipe
Corn Chips
Your best friend when it comes to guacamole!
Grab your favorite bag of corn chips for that perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the guacamole.
They’re easy to find and always a hit.
Fresh Veggies
Craving something a tad healthier?
Carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices are fantastic choices.
They offer a crispy texture and allow you to indulge without straying from your health goals.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Looking to try something new?
Grilled shrimp create a fun complement to guacamole, offering both unique flavors and a striking visual presentation.
Serve them hot with a side of lime for squeezing over.
Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re feeling adventurous, sweet potato fries can play wonderfully with guacamole!
Try baking them for a healthier take.
Cheese Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas provide a warm and gooey contrast to the cool, savory guacamole.
They’re easy to prepare, making them a great option if you need something quick but satisfying.
Customize with different cheeses for extra fun.
Roasted Chickpeas
Ready for a snack that’s slightly unconventional?
Roasted chickpeas are a tasty, crunchy addition that’s high in protein.
Season them with your choice of spices to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
Variations and Substitutions
Mix-in Options
You can easily customize your guacamole to match your taste preferences by adding a variety of mix-ins.
Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a hint of sweetness that contrasts the creamy avocado beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different kinds of peppers, like serrano or poblano, to control the heat level.
Spice Enhancements
Spice it up with a dash of paprika or chili powder.
A touch of smoked paprika can give your guacamole a savory depth that pairs well with the lime and cilantro.
For those who like a kick, consider adding a few splashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Texture Adjustments
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the avocados with a hand blender until creamy.
For a chunkier version, mash the avocado gently with a fork to leave larger pieces intact, adding a satisfying bite to each scoop.
Herb Swaps
While cilantro is a classic guacamole ingredient, basil or parsley can offer a unique twist.
These herbs add their own distinct flavors, complementing the avocado without overpowering it.
Feel free to get creative with these substitutions to make the guacamole truly your own!
How to Store Leftover Guacamole
When you’ve made more guacamole than you can eat, the trick is to keep it fresh for later!
Air is the enemy here, so storing is all about creating a good seal.
Use Plastic Wrap
To prevent browning, you should place plastic wrap directly on the surface of your guacamole.
Make sure to press it gently to eliminate any air pockets that might form.
This can significantly slow down the oxidation process!
Try the Water Method
Another handy method involves adding a splash of water on top of the guacamole.
Pour a thin layer of water over the surface and cover it tightly in a container with a lid.
When you’re ready to eat, just pour off the water and give the guacamole a quick stir.
Airtight Containers
Using an airtight container is a must if you’re planning to store guacamole for a day or two.
Transfer the leftovers to a smaller container so there’s less air trapped inside with the guac.
This will help maintain its vibrant green color for a bit longer!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Avocados
You want to grab ripe avocados for that creamy texture and perfect flavor balance.
Unripe avocados will make your guacamole sad and lumpy, while overly ripe ones can turn it mushy.
Give them a gentle squeeze before buying. They should yield to gentle pressure just a bit.
Skimping on Acid
Acid like lime juice is your friend because it keeps your guacamole looking green and vibrant.
Not adding enough can dull both the color and the flavor, leaving you with a less exciting dip.
Taste as you mix, and more lime juice can mean more tangy goodness to enjoy.
Overworking the Mixture
It’s tempting to mash away, but over-mixing can create a texture that’s too smooth.
Guacamole loves some chunkiness, so gently mash with a fork or a potato masher.
An uneven texture makes it perfect for scooping with those tortilla chips!

Alton Brown Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Avocados ripe
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Onion diced
- 3 tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 2 Roma Tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1 Jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Add lime juice to the avocado and gently toss to coat, preventing browning.
- Add salt, onion, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño, and garlic to the avocado mixture.
- Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in cayenne pepper for a subtle heat and adjust seasoning to taste.