Guacamole cups are a fun and tasty treat perfect for any gathering! Creamy avocado mixed with fresh lime, tomatoes, and spices is served in crunchy cups—yum!
These little bites are great for parties, and they’re super easy to make. I love how they’re bite-sized, so I can enjoy more than one (or two!). Just grab a cup and dig in! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these cups, but flour tortillas work too. If you’re gluten-free, check for corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free.
Avocados: Ripe avocados are a must! Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. In a pinch, you can use store-bought guacamole, but fresh is always better!
Tomato: Diced tomatoes add freshness. You can swap with cherry tomatoes; just halve them for bite-sized pieces. If you want to skip the tomato, consider adding corn for crunch.
Cheese: I love using queso fresco, but feta works great if that’s what you have on hand. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast sprinkled on top instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Tortilla Cups?
Creating the perfect crunchy tortilla cups ensures your guacamole shines! Here’s how to make them crispy:
- Preheat your oven properly. Getting it to 375°F helps achieve that golden color.
- Press the tortillas firmly into the muffin tin; this creates a nice pocket for the filling.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake—remove them once they are just golden brown to avoid burning.
Allow them to cool slightly before filling so the guacamole doesn’t get warm. Enjoy these delightful bites!
How to Make Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tortilla Cups:
- 10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing
For The Guacamole Filling:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes for baking, so you’ll be enjoying these tasty guacamole cups in about 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure your tortilla cups bake evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Tortilla Rounds:
Using a round cutter or a small glass that’s about 3-4 inches in diameter, cut your tortillas into small rounds. These will fit perfectly into the mini muffin tin.
3. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Lightly spray or brush both sides of each tortilla round with oil. Then, gently press each round into a mini muffin tin cup to form a small cup shape. Make sure they fit snugly!
4. Bake the Cups:
Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortilla cups are crisp and slightly golden brown. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a bit.
5. Make the Guacamole Filling:
While the tortilla cups are baking, you can prepare the guacamole. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until it’s creamy but still slightly chunky. This gives it great texture!
6. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now, add the diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir it all together until well combined.
7. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Spoon the delicious guacamole mixture into each cooled tortilla cup, filling them generously for a burst of flavor!
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle the tops with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese and add some extra cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful, fresh, and crunchy guacamole cups!
Can I Use Other Types of Tortillas?
Definitely! While corn tortillas give a nice crunch, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Just make sure they are cut to fit the muffin tin!
How Do I Store Leftover Guacamole Cups?
Store any leftover filled tortilla cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the tortilla cups may soften over time. If you want to maintain their crunch, store the guacamole separately and fill the cups just before serving.
Can I Make the Tortilla Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the tortilla cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just fill them with guacamole right before serving to keep everything fresh!
What Can I Substitute for Queso Fresco?
If you don’t have queso fresco, feta cheese works wonderfully as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, you could sprinkle some nutritional yeast for added flavor!
