Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Printable)

Creamy avocado dip with crispy bacon, tangy Cotija, and fresh lime—bold and delicious in 25 minutes.

# 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 slices in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and crumble once cooled.
02 - Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a large bowl. Mash with a fork to desired consistency.
03 - Add diced red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to mashed avocados. Mix gently to incorporate.
04 - Fold in most of crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese, reserving portions for garnish.
05 - Transfer guacamole to serving bowl. Top with reserved bacon and Cotija cheese.
06 - Present immediately with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • Cotija cheese brings a tangy, salty contrast that balances the richness of the avocado perfectly.
  • It comes together in under half an hour, so you can whip it up right before guests arrive.
  • The flavors are bold enough to stand out on a crowded appetizer table.
02 -
  • Don't let the bacon cool in its own grease or it will soften and lose that essential crunch you're after.
  • Mash the avocados with the lime juice first if you're worried about browning, the acid acts fast and keeps everything vibrant green.
  • Taste before you add more salt, I've oversalted this more than once because I forgot how salty Cotija can be.
03 -
  • Cook the bacon until it's just past crispy, that way it stays crunchy even after sitting in the guacamole for a while.
  • If Cotija is hard to find, crumbled feta works in a pinch, though it's a bit creamier and less salty.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce takes this from great to unforgettable if you want an extra layer of flavor.
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