How to Make Your Own Guacamole Seasoning

Some home chefs are born great. Others have greatness thrust upon them the moment they have their “Eureka!” moment in the kitchen. And if your “Eureka!” moment is a homemade guacamole seasoning, you’ve gone from being great to being a legend.

 

Guacamole provides the perfect blank canvas for budding chefs to experiment on. Adding a simple, homemade seasoning to your favorite guacamole recipe can create a signature dip sure to please the entire crowd. Here are four basic homemade guacamole seasonings to help you get started in discovering your signature spice mix.

 

1. Let’s Taco ‘Bout Seasoning

People love dolloping guac onto tacos. So why not flip the script and dollop taco into your guac? We recommend mixing the same spices that season your tacos into a savory guacamole recipe for a traditional flavor palate full of smoke and spice. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make a classic taco seasoning for your guacamole.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

 

You can double (or even triple) the recipe to make extra taco seasoning for future guacamoles and Taco Tuesdays. Label and store in an airtight container for later use.

 

2. Home, Home on the Ranch

We think ranch is cool. We think guacamole with cool ranch is even cooler. Substitute this signature ranch guacamole for the blue cheese dressing in these Buffalo Chicken and Avocado Blue Cheese Hoagies, or as the avocado-based sauce on this Chicago-Style Avocado Chicken Pizza. Coolness overload? You know it, dude.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 2 tbsp. dried dill weed
• 1 tsp. dried chives
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Tip: Adding a 1/2 cup of dried buttermilk powder can round out the flavor profile of this guacamole spice mix and give it a bit more of ranch dressing’s characteristic creamy tang.

 

 

3. Sizzlin’ Seasonin’

For those craving a hit of heat, adding a blend of chipotle seasoning to guacamole is the way to go. Chipotle is especially tasty in guacamole recipes with citrus, such as this Chipotle Pineapple Guacamole. But if you’re going rogue with your seasoning (and we say good on you), here is a base mix to get you started.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. chipotle powder
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. salt

 

Be sure you’re ready to handle the heat. Don’t add too much chipotle seasoning to an already spicy guacamole recipe. It’s best to start off with a small amount and add it bit by bit till it reaches the level of heat just right for you.

 

4. Lemon Pepper Zinger

Traditionally used to season poultry and seafood, lemon pepper can be used to add a tart twist to any basic guacamole recipe. And if you’re planning to add chicken or shrimp to your guac, even better.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. dried lemon zest (directions below)
• 2 ½ tbsp. ground black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 2 tsp. garlic powder

 

DIY Lemon Zest: Bonus recipe because homemade zest is best. Put the zest from one lemon on parchment paper and bake on the lowest oven setting (about 175°F) until completely dry (up to an hour). Let cool before mixing with other seasoning ingredients.

 

 

Whether you are looking for an easy-to-make family snack or want to spice up your guacamole game for an upcoming event, the simple addition of homemade guacamole seasoning can elevate your dip and add a personalized touch.

 

Is your stomach in the mood for more? Check out our guacamole archive for even more recipes.