Guacamole cups are a fun and tasty snack! Picture creamy avocado mixed with zesty lime and fresh herbs, all neatly packed in crisp tortilla cups. Yum!
These little cups are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love how easy they are to make. Just whip up the guac, spoon it in, and you’re ready to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these cups as they are sturdy and crispy. If you can’t find small ones, you can cut larger tortillas into circles. Flour tortillas will also work, but they’ll yield a softer texture.
Avocados: Ripe avocados are essential for creamy guacamole. Choose ones that are slightly soft when you squeeze them gently. If avocados aren’t in season, you could use store-bought guacamole, but fresh is always better!
Tomato: Fresh tomatoes add great flavor. If you’re looking for a substitution, diced red or yellow bell peppers can provide sweetness and crunch instead.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives it a nice flavor and look. If you’re not a fan, consider using fresh parsley or simply omitting it. You can also add lime zest for some brightness!
Queso Fresco/Cotija: These cheeses provide a creamy finish. If they aren’t available, crumbled feta works great too! Just remember it’s saltier, so you might want to adjust your seasoning.
How Can I Make Sure My Tortilla Cups Are Crispy?
The key to crispy tortilla cups is baking them properly. Make sure each tortilla is brushed with oil on both sides to help it crisp up. Here’s how:
- Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with oil. Using cooking spray also works well!
- Press them into a muffin tin or cup shape firmly enough that they hold their form while baking.
- Bake them until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Let them cool completely on a rack for added crispness; this helps them firm up further.
These steps will ensure your cups turn out deliciously crisp, ready to hold that creamy guacamole perfectly!
How to Make Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for brushing
For the Guacamole Filling:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll have fresh and crispy guacamole cups ready in less than 30 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
2. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Lightly brush both sides of each small corn tortilla with cooking spray or vegetable oil. It’s important to grease them so they get nice and crispy when baked.
3. Form the Cups:
Using a muffin pan or a sharp cup, press each tortilla into your desired shape to form little cup shapes. Make sure they fit snugly but not too tightly, allowing them to expand while baking.
4. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the tortilla cups on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to turn golden brown and become crispy. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
5. Make the Guacamole:
While the cups are baking, prepare your guacamole! In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork until they’re creamy, but still have some chunks for texture. It should be smooth but not pureed!
6. Mix in Flavor:
Stir in the diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if you’re using it). Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning so it tastes just right!
7. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time to fill those tortilla cups! Generously spoon the guacamole into each cooled cup until they are heaping with deliciousness.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish it off, sprinkle some extra cilantro and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on the tops of the guacamole. This adds a beautiful look and extra flavor!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your guacamole cups immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this crispy, fresh snack with family and friends!
These guacamole cups are not just delightful to eat but also fun to make. They make for a great appetizer or snack—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, but corn tortillas will yield crispier cups. If you only have larger tortillas, you can cut them down to size using a round cutter.
How Can I Make the Guacamole Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can make the guacamole up to 2 hours ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize air exposure, which will help prevent browning.
How Should I Store Leftover Guacamole Cups?
It’s best to store the guacamole and tortilla cups separately to keep everything fresh. Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the tortilla cups, keep them at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain their crispness.
Can I Customize the Guacamole Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like minced garlic, diced bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust salt and lime juice to balance the new ingredients.
