This Loaded Guacamole is creamy, salty, crunchy, and completely addictive. It’s my forever answer to “what should we snack on?” and honestly feels like a full meal in guac form. And with the big game coming up... this needs to be on your game day menu.
Recipe name at a Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes
- 👪 Servings: 4–6
- 🍝 Cuisine Type: Mexican / Tex-Mex Appetizer
- 🧂 Flavor Profile: Creamy avocados loaded with lime, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and crunchy, salty add-ins for maximum texture and flavor
- 📖 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free; dairy-free; vegan-friendly
- 📦 Storage Notes: Best enjoyed immediately. If needed, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate for up to 1 day
- ⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A next-level Loaded Guacamole that goes beyond basic. Packed with flavor, texture, and crowd-pleasing extras that make it the first bowl to disappear.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I first stumbled on a version of this Loaded Guacamole at Frontera Grill in the O’Hare airport in Chicago and immediately became a changed person. Guacamole and chips as a pre-flight snack? Hell yes. I still passionately believe every airport should have a little stall serving fresh guac and chips to go, truly life altering.
Until that dream becomes reality, we’re making it at home. This version of Loaded Guacamole has creamy smashed avocados topped with crispy salty bacon, sun dried tomatoes, cotija, pepitas (optional depending on my mood lol), and roasted jalapeño for just the right kick. It comes together in minutes, feels fancy without trying too hard, and works equally well as a party appetizer or a solo snack situation that accidentally turns into lunch.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Loaded Guacamole Base
- Ripe Hass avocados
- Red onion (sub shallot if needed)
- Fresh chives (green onions work too)
- Lemon
- Lime
- Fresh jalapeño
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Toppings
- Bacon
- Jalapeño (for roasting)
- Pepitas (optional)
- Sun dried tomatoes (optional)
- Cotija cheese
Substitutions & Swaps
🍅 Mix-In Swaps
- Roasted tomatoes — deeper, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Corn (fresh, grilled, or roasted) — adds sweetness and crunch
🌶 Heat Options
- Jalapeño — classic and mild.
- Serrano — spicier, use less.
- Pickled jalapeños — tangy heat with extra punch.
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce — easy heat control.
- Skip the heat — still delicious and totally crowd-friendly.
🧅 Onion & Crunch Swaps
- Red onion — sharp and colorful.
- Shallots — milder and slightly sweeter.
- Scallions — softer onion flavor.
- Crispy onions or fried shallots — for crunch and texture. (and FYI you can buy Crispy Onions online if you dont want to make them)
🍋 Citrus Options
- Fresh lime juice — non-negotiable brightness.
- Lemon juice — works in a pinch.
- Add lime zest — extra pop of citrus flavor.
🌿 Herb Variations
- Cilantro — classic guacamole herb.
- Chives — subtle oniony freshness.
🧀 Loaded Add-Ins
- Cotija or queso fresco — salty and crumbly.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack — melty, Tex-Mex vibes.
- Crumbled bacon or chorizo — smoky and indulgent.
- Everything bagel seasoning — unexpected but very good with the bacon!
🍽 Serving Swaps
- Tortilla chips — classic.
- Plantain chips — sweet-savory contrast.
- Veggies — carrots, jicama, cucumbers, bell peppers.
- Use as a topping — tacos, burgers, burrito bowls, or eggs.
How to Make
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, lime juice, red onion, chives, chopped jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until half smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer Loaded Guacamole to a serving bowl and top with bacon, roasted jalapeño, pepitas, sun dried tomatoes, and cotija.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
🥑✨ Tips & Tricks for the Best Loaded Guacamole
Don’t overthink it. Loaded guac is meant to be fun, a little messy, and totally customizable. Follow your cravings.
Start with perfectly ripe avocados. They should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy. Good avocados do most of the work for you.
Mash by hand, not smooth. Use a fork and keep some texture. Chunky guac > purée every time.
Season early. Salt the avocados as soon as you mash them. This brings out their flavor and keeps the guac from tasting flat.
Use fresh lime juice. It brightens everything and balances the richness. Add it gradually so it stays zippy, not sour.
Fold in the mix-ins gently. Tomatoes, onions, jalapeños etc. Whatever you’re loading in should be mixed in lightly so the guac stays fluffy.
Add crunchy toppings last. Things like toasted pepitas, chips, or crispy bits should go on right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Taste and adjust before serving. Avocados vary a lot, so always do a final taste for salt, acid, and heat.
Serve immediately for best color. Guacamole is happiest fresh. If you need to hold it briefly, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
Use a wide bowl. More surface area means more toppings and better scooping for everyone. This pairs BEAUTIFULLY on top of cheese crisp too!!
FAQ's
Can I make this Loaded Guacamole ahead of time?
You can prep the toppings ahead, but mash the avocados right before serving for best flavor and color.
What if I don’t eat bacon?
Skip it or swap in crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts for crunch. Or omit and use extra crunchy crispy onions.
How long does guacamole last in the fridge?
Ideally, no more than 1 day. This one however will get a bit soggy with the mix-ins. A straight OG guacamole, could handle 1 day in the fridge if it was covered with an air tight plastic wrap.
Similar Recipes
Loaded Guacamole
Ingredients
- 4 ripe Hass avocados
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
- ½ lemon juiced
- ½ lime juiced
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2-3 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeno roasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons pepitas toasted (optional)
- 2 whole sun dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cotija crumbled
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, lime juice, red onion, chives, chopped jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until half smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer guacamole to a serving bowl and top with bacon, roasted jalapeño, pepitas, sun dried tomatoes, and cotija. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
I want to make this for new years. Can it be make a few days in advanced? Thank you.
Nope, I wouldn’t. Guacamole is best made right before serving. You can prep the mix ins ahead, but mash the avocados day of so it stays fresh and green.
Looks delicious! Where are your serving platter and bowl from? 🙂
I made this & added grilled shrimp & it was unreal!!!
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil? or dry?
in oil, but drain the oil! that way they are softened
Why half lime & half lemon juice is crucial? What's the difference between that and all lime or all lemon juice? Thank you.
YES! Crucial! I promise.
One day Gaby can you share how you would make homemade nacho chips ?!
just plain homemade tortilla chips?
Dear plain guacamole please move aside for "loaded Guacamole," there's a new favorite in town! Wow, oh wow, does this look amazing.
Loaded Guacamole....brilliant!
I would be hovering over this bowl!
Get in my belly!
omg, I'm not the only one who uses lemon in guacamole! 🙂 Love this mix, pass the chips please!
I think i need your avocado book! And woman, why are you not in Texas more? The best GUAC ever. But I will take your word on this loaded one, for sure!