10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (2024)

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Erin McDowell

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (1)

  • Sometimes, purchasing store-bought guacamole is more practical than making it yourself.
  • Simple additions can make store-bought guacamole taste better and slightly more homemade.
  • Adding lime juice, more chopped vegetables, or an extra avocado can make a big difference.

Start by transferring your store-bought guacamole to a large mixing bowl in order to give it a good stir.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (2)

The first step to sprucing up your store-bought guacamole should be to transfer it from the plastic tub it came in into a mixing bowl. Give it a stir to make sure all the ingredients are well-combined. You can also squeeze some fresh lime juice into your bowl for more flavor and to prevent your guacamole from browning.

Adjust the amount of salt or crushed pepper in your guacamole.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (3)

If you taste the guacamole and it's a touch bland, start by adding some salt and freshly crushed pepper to make it more flavorful.

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Other seasonings and spices like paprika or cayenne can add a kick to standard guacamole.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (4)

Crushed red pepper, cayenne, paprika, or even garlic powder can up the flavor in a store-bought guacamole and allow you to cater it to your own tastes.

Adding more chopped red onion can bump up the flavor profile of store-bought guacamole.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (5)

While most store-bought guacamole will already come with red onion, chopping up some more can add more flavor and a more homemade-looking texture that will have you coming back to the bowl for more.

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Chopped tomatoes can also make store-bought guac taste fresh and homemade.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (6)

There's nothing better in the summer than freshly chopped tomatoes, so taking advantage of the season's freshest produce can add a lot to store-bought guacamole. Tomatoes on the vine or hot house tomatoes work well, as do halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness in every bite.

Fresh cilantro or chives can also be added.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (7)

Topping your guacamole with cilantro and chives can add a burst of subtle flavor and prevent your guacamole from looking like it came straight from a grocery store shelf.

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Fresh fruits like mango or pineapple can give your guacamole a more unique flavor profile.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (8)

It's pretty rare to find store-bought guacamole that includes fresh citrus fruits like pineapple or mango, so adding these fruits will certainly take your guac to the next level and impress your guests.

Adding a dollop of sour cream can make your store-bought guacamole taste bright and tangy.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (9)

It's important to gauge how creamy you want your guacamole to be, however. Too much sour cream can easily overpower the other ingredients in your guacamole.

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Adding just one more freshly smashed avocado to the mixture can improve the texture and make it taste more homemade.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (10)

Even if you don't have the energy or time to make guacamole from scratch, dicing and smashing up just one fresh avocado to add to your mixture can make a huge difference texturally.

While some store-bought guacamole can be a little too puréed in consistency, adding freshly smashed avocado will make it a little chunkier and seem much more homemade.

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To make store-bought guacamole look more homemade, you can also serve it in a wooden bowl, a molcajete bowl, or a mortar and pestle.

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (11)

With making store-bought guacamole appear more homemade, a lot can depend on how it's served. Even if you make no additions, try transferring your guac to a stylish serving bowl, a mortar and pestle, or a molcajete bowl, which is the traditional Mexican version of the mortar and pestle.

This will elevate your dish and give the illusion that you were smashing your own avocados to make it, as well as provide a good vessel for adding any extra ingredients.

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10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole (2024)

FAQs

10 easy ways to elevate store-bought guacamole? ›

Fresh fruits like mango or pineapple can give your guacamole a more unique flavor profile. It's pretty rare to find store-bought guacamole that includes fresh citrus fruits like pineapple or mango, so adding these fruits will certainly take your guac to the next level and impress your guests.

How do you upgrade store-bought guacamole? ›

Fresh fruits like mango or pineapple can give your guacamole a more unique flavor profile. It's pretty rare to find store-bought guacamole that includes fresh citrus fruits like pineapple or mango, so adding these fruits will certainly take your guac to the next level and impress your guests.

How to elevate guacamole? ›

If you taste your guac and it is bland, start with more salt. Next, add lime juice. Often an additional pop of citrus is all guac needs to come alive and taste better. If you still aren't happy with the taste, you can rely on mix-ins to jazz it up.

How do Mexican restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

You see, lime is a very strong acidic flavor and it can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the avocado. Instead, finely dice red onions and pickle them with lime juice for 15-30 minutes.

How to dress up store-bought guacamole? ›

Make salt blends yourself by mixing salt and different ingredients, such as onion powder or dried cilantro, or purchase it at the store while picking up the guacamole. Garlic salt is a common and delicious option, while jalapeño or habanero salt can provide a spicy upgrade without having to chop up any chile peppers.

How do you level up guacamole? ›

12 Tips That Will Take Your Guacamole To The Next Level
  1. Use avocados with the perfect ripeness. ...
  2. Don't be afraid of squeezing those limes. ...
  3. Add a good amount of salt. ...
  4. Cover it with water before storing to prevent browning. ...
  5. Give it some zing with garlic. ...
  6. Make chopped guacamole. ...
  7. Add texture and flavor with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Mar 27, 2023

How does Chipotle keep their guacamole so green? ›

Each panned guac gets sealed airtight with Saran Wrap,” he said. “Then it gets lidded, labeled and stored for later use. This process ensures freshness and prevents browning,” he continued.

How much lemon juice to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

I simply squeezed the juice from half a lemon over the surface of the prepared guacamole. I checked for browning after one hour, one-and-a-half hours, and two hours. Results: I couldn't believe how well this worked!

Why does chipotle guacamole not turn brown? ›

To keep the leftover guacamole from browning, the employee rips off a sheet of plastic wrap, then presses it all the way down to the surface of the guacamole, knocking out the air that would be in the container if it was just sealed with a lid.

Why do people put sour cream in guacamole? ›

Sour cream is a simple addition to your favorite guacamole recipe. Just a few tablespoons to a small batch recipe will do it. The sour cream adds a nice tang without being too overbearing and it also creates a creamy, silky mouthfeel. A fabulous contrast to the crunch of tortilla chips.

What to put in guacamole instead of lemon? ›

I like the flavor better with lemon juice, but lime works too. If you're out of fresh lemons or limes, try using bottled lime or lemon juice. Although, freshly squeezed juice is definitely the best! Salt: Salt enhances the flavors and brings it all together.

How do you refresh guacamole? ›

Pour water over the guacamole

Make sure water covers the surface completely—all the way to the container's edge. Editor's Tip: You may have heard a squirt of lemon or lime juice also keeps guacamole from browning. It's true—as long as you cover the entire surface of the dip with citrus juice.

How long is store bought guacamole good for after opening? ›

An unopened package of Wholly Guacamole can last between one to two weeks past its printed date when refrigerated properly. Once opened, however, it should be consumed within 1-2 days to ensure maximum freshness.

How do you change the taste of an avocado? ›

The simplest way to enjoy avocados is by sprinkling them with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also try other seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice.

Is supermarket guacamole healthy? ›

Homemade guacamole is a quick, easy, and healthier choice. Store-bought guacamole often contains sour cream, added sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and a lot of sodium. However, there are some brands, such as Wholly Guacamole, that sell individual pre-portioned guacamole dip packs.

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