Homemade

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 bowls of guacamole and Taco Tuesdays. Label the guacamole spice mix and store it in an airtight container for later use.

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.

For those craving a hit of heat, add a chipotle seasoning blend to your guacamole spice mix. Chipotle is especially tasty in guacamole recipes with tangy fruit, such as this Chipotle Pineapple Guacamole. But if you’re going rogue with your guacamole 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 until the heat is just right for you.

Traditionally used to season poultry and seafood, lemon pepper can add a tart twist to any basic guacamole recipe. And if you plan to add chicken or shrimp to your guac, that’s 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