Guacamole cups are fun little snacks filled with creamy avocado goodness! Just think of crispy tortilla cups loaded with a tasty guacamole made from fresh avocados, lime, and spices.
They’re perfect for parties or a quick bite. I love popping these tasty cups in my mouth—they’re like little flavor balloons waiting to burst! Just watch out for the mess! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Use small corn tortillas for the cups. If corn isn’t available, flour tortillas work in a pinch, but they’ll have a different texture. Whole wheat tortillas add a nice flavor, too.
Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield gently when pressed. If you can’t find ripe ones, place hard avocados in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.
Jalapeño: This ingredient adds nice heat, but you can skip it or replace it with a milder pepper like a red bell pepper if you prefer less spice. You can also use diced green chili if you want a different flavor.
Queso Fresco or Cotija: These cheeses add a nice salty touch. If they’re not available, feta cheese is a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
How do I make sure my tortilla cups are perfectly crispy?
Getting those tortilla cups just right is all about the baking method. Make sure to brush or spray the tortillas evenly with oil so they cook properly and don’t become soggy. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- When shaping the tortillas in the muffin tin, press them down firmly to create deep cups. This helps them keep their shape while baking.
- Check them around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden brown, but keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Let cool a bit before filling them—this helps maintain their crispiness and makes them easier to handle.
Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying)
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 15-20 minutes baking the tortilla cups and making the guacamole. It’s quick, simple, and the perfect appetizer for your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure the tortilla cups crisp up perfectly!
2. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Take your small corn tortillas and lightly brush or spray both sides with cooking oil. This helps them get nice and crunchy. Using a muffin tin, press each tortilla into the cups to form a cup shape. Make sure they fit snugly.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake the tortilla cups for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. It’s a good idea to check them frequently to avoid burning. Once they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
4. Make the Guacamole:
While the tortilla cups are baking, prepare the guacamole. In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados until creamy, but still a bit chunky. This gives your guacamole a great texture!
5. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Add the finely diced tomato, chopped onion, jalapeño (if you want some kick), cilantro, and lime juice to the mashed avocado. Gently mix everything together until it’s well combined.
6. Season Your Guacamole:
Now, sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give your guacamole one last gentle mix—it should be flavorful and delicious!
7. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Carefully spoon the guacamole into each cooled tortilla cup. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; it adds character!
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you like, garnish each cup with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, along with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro for a pop of color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your guacamole cups immediately to keep the tortillas crispy. They’re perfect for sharing or as a quick bite when you’re hungry!
Enjoy these crispy, creamy, and fresh guacamole cups — they’re a hit at any party or for a quick snack! Happy munching!
Can I Use Store-Bought Guacamole?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought guacamole can save you a lot of effort. Just scoop it into the tortilla cups and skip the mixing steps. You’ll still get a delicious appetizer!
How Can I Make the Tortilla Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the tortilla cups a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just fill them with guacamole right before serving for the best crunch!
What Are Some Ways to Customize the Guacamole?
Feel free to customize your guacamole to your taste! You can add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist, or mix in black beans for added protein. Experiment with spices like cumin or garlic powder for different flavor profiles!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Guacamole Cups?
If you have leftovers, store the tortilla cups separately from the guacamole. The cups stay crispy in an airtight container at room temperature, while the guacamole should be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Just remember, guacamole can brown, so adding extra lime juice helps preserve its color!
