Bacon Guacamole With Cotija Cheese (Printable version)

Smoky avocado dip with bacon, Cotija cheese, lime, and jalapeño. A bold twist on the classic Mexican favorite.

# What You'll 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

# Directions:

01 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and crumble once cooled.
02 - Cut avocados in half lengthwise, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a large mixing 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 combine without over-working.
04 - Fold in majority of crumbled bacon and Cotija cheese, reserving portions for final garnish.
05 - Transfer guacamole to serving bowl. Crown with reserved bacon and Cotija cheese.
06 - Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable slices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes every bite feel indulgent without any extra effort.
  • Cotija brings a tangy, crumbly richness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
  • It comes together in under half an hour, so you can make it right before guests arrive.
  • The flavors are bold enough to stand out at any gathering, yet familiar enough that everyone goes back for more.
02 -
  • Don't skip seeding the tomato, or you'll end up with a watery dip that slides off your chips.
  • Taste the guacamole before adding extra salt, because the bacon and Cotija are already salty enough to season the whole bowl.
  • If you're making this ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep it from browning, though it's always best fresh.
03 -
  • Cook the bacon until it's shatteringly crisp, because it will soften slightly once it's folded into the creamy avocado.
  • Reserve some of the bacon fat and drizzle a tiny bit over the finished guacamole for an extra layer of richness.
  • Serve this in a shallow bowl rather than a deep one so everyone can see the bacon and cheese on top.
Return