How to Make Spicy Guacamole with Homemade Tortilla Chips for Appetizers
Are you ready to turn up the heat and impress your friends and family with a mouth-watering appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to make? Spicy guacamole paired with crispy homemade tortilla chips is the perfect start to any meal or a fantastic snack on its own. Don’t worry if you’re not a master chef. This simple guide will walk you through the process step by step.
The Spicy Guacamole
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (keep the seeds if you like it extra spicy)
- 1 lime, juiced
- A small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Avocados: Start by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pits. Scoop the soft avocado flesh into a mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. Some people like their guacamole chunky, while others prefer it smooth.
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Add the Flavor: To the mashed avocado, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, and finely chopped jalapeño. If you’re a bit cautious about the heat, you can start by adding just half of the jalapeño and adjusting to taste.
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Mix and Season: Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and add a generous pinch of salt. Throw in the chopped cilantro. Stir everything together until well blended. Taste your guacamole and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Maybe it needs a squeeze more lime or a touch more salt.
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Chill (Optional): While it’s tempting to dive right in, letting the guacamole sit in the refrigerator for about an hour can enhance the flavors. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Ingredients:
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take your corn tortillas and cut them into wedge shapes, just like you would cut a pizza.
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Oil and Season: Lay the tortilla wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer, trying not to overlap them. Brush a tiny bit of oil on each wedge. You don’t need much—just enough to help the tortillas crisp up and add a slight richness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a light dusting of chili powder or smoked paprika.
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Bake to Perfection: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chips over to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time; they can go from perfectly golden to overly brown quickly.
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Cool and Serve: Let the tortilla chips cool off a bit after you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Once ready, serve them alongside your spicy guacamole for a match made in appetizer heaven.
Final Tips
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Personalize It: The best part about making your own guacamole and tortilla chips is that you can adjust the recipes to fit your tastes. Don’t like cilantro? Skip it. Love garlic? Add a minced clove to your guacamole.
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Make It a Party: These recipes can easily be doubled or tripled! If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a “guac bar” where guests can customize their own guacamole with various add-ins like diced mango, crumbled queso fresco, or even crispy bacon bits.
Making spicy guacamole with homemade tortilla chips is simple, fun, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or just a way to spice up your meal routine, this duo is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, share the delicious results with friends and family. Happy cooking!
