Guacamole Cups are a fun and tasty treat! Crispy tortilla cups are filled with creamy avocado goodness, making every bite a delight.
These cups are perfect for parties or a quick snack. I love to serve them with some crunchy veggies on the side. Can’t resist a little extra guac! 🥑💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas that are labeled as such.
Cheese: I love Monterey Jack for its creamy melt, but you can use cheddar or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Just be aware that different cheeses can change the flavor profile a bit.
Avocados: Use ripe avocados for the best texture. If you can’t find ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana.
Onion: Red onion is ideal for its mild flavor, but you can substitute with green onions for a milder taste or shallots for something a bit fancier.
Jalapeño: It’s optional, but if you want a bit of heat, try a diced poblano for a milder kick or omit it completely if you’re sensitive to spice.
How Do I Get the Tortilla Cups Perfectly Crispy?
Making sure your tortilla cups turn out crispy can be tricky but is crucial for great texture. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven properly; this helps them crisp up right from the start.
- Make sure to coat your muffin pan with oil so they don’t stick.
- Don’t rush the baking! Keeping an eye on them ensures they reach golden perfection, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Let the cups cool slightly before filling them with guacamole; this helps keep the bottom crispy.
How to Make Delicious Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Coarse sea salt for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a quick way to get a delicious appetizer or snack ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your tortilla cups turn out crispy!
2. Cut the Tortillas:
Use a large cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut each tortilla into 4 equal rounds. These rounds will form the base of your cups.
3. Prepare the Muffin Pan:
Lightly spray or brush a mini muffin pan with oil. This will help the tortilla cups to release easily after baking. Press each tortilla round into the wells of the pan to shape them into cups.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into each tortilla cup. This yummy cheese will melt and hold the cups together!
5. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake!
6. Make the Guacamole:
While the cups are baking, prepare your guacamole. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe avocados until they are creamy but still have a bit of chunkiness for texture.
7. Mix in the Ingredients:
Add the diced red onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño (if you like it spicy), and lime juice to the mashed avocados. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
8. Season the Guacamole:
Don’t forget to season your guacamole with salt and pepper to taste. This adds that extra flavor kick!
9. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Once the tortilla cups are baked and slightly cooled, fill each cup generously with the guacamole mixture. Don’t be shy—load them up!
10. Garnish and Serve:
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top and add some extra cilantro if you desire. Serve immediately to keep those tortilla cups crispy and enjoy your delightful Guacamole Cups!
Can I Use Store-Bought Guacamole Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought guacamole can save the day. Just make sure to choose a brand that has fresh ingredients and suits your taste preferences.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The guacamole itself is already vegan-friendly since it’s primarily made of avocados and vegetables!
How Do I Keep Leftover Guacamole from Browning?
To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, making sure there’s no air trapped. You can also add a splash of extra lime juice on top before covering it!
Can I Prepare the Tortilla Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day before filling them. Just wait to add the guacamole until right before serving to keep them crispy!
