Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Printable Version)

Creamy avocado dip with crispy bacon, tangy Cotija cheese, and fresh lime for a smoky, bold twist on tradition.

# 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

# How To Make It:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • The smoky bacon adds a savory depth that makes every bite more interesting than the last.
  • Cotija cheese brings a salty, tangy contrast that keeps you reaching for another chip.
  • It comes together in under half an hour and feels special enough for company.
  • The creamy avocado balances all the bold flavors without losing its freshness.
02 -
  • If you don't drain the bacon well, the grease will make the guacamole greasy and heavy instead of rich and balanced.
  • Always add the lime juice right before serving or the avocados will start to brown and lose their vibrant color.
  • Don't overmix after adding the bacon and cheese or the guacamole turns mushy and loses its texture.
03 -
  • Cook the bacon until it's deeply browned and crispy, not just lightly cooked, so it stays crunchy even after mixing into the guacamole.
  • Taste the guacamole before adding all the salt because the bacon and Cotija are already salty and you don't want to overdo it.
  • If you like things spicy, leave a few jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
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