Bright, irresistible, and endlessly snackable, Guacamole Cups are my go-to party appetizer for good reason! Perfectly ripe avocado gets mashed with a spritz of lime, a crunch of onion, bursts of tomato, and a kiss of fresh cilantro—then gets tucked into crisp mini shells for a bite-sized treat that disappears fast. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping starter for a gathering or just craving a fresh and colorful snack, these Guacamole Cups deliver in every way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of vibrant ingredients to make Guacamole Cups—and each one plays an important part! The avocados bring creamy richness, lime brightens everything up, and the crunchy shells turn simple guacamole into the ultimate hand-held delight.

2 ripe avocados: The star of the show, yielding creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor—be sure they give gently when pressed.
1 small lime (juiced): Fresh lime juice keeps the avocado green and adds a zingy tang that lifts all the flavors.
1 small tomato (diced): Adds gorgeous color and juicy pops of freshness in every bite.
1 tablespoon red onion (finely minced): For sharp crunch and a dash of color—soaking in cold water mellows its bite if you prefer.
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped): Delivers classic herbal notes and a burst of verdant green; skip if you’re not a cilantro fan.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for unlocking all the flavors—taste as you go!
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the richness of avocado.
1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional): For those who love a little kick! Add as much or as little as you like.
12 mini phyllo shells or tortilla scoops: The crispy edible “cups” that make this appetizer party-ready and fun to eat.

How to Make Guacamole Cups

Step 1: Prep the Avocados

Start by cutting each avocado in half, removing the pits, and scooping that luscious green flesh into a medium bowl. Grab a fork and mash the avocado until it’s mostly smooth, but still has a few chunky bits for texture—there’s nothing better than a rustic, homemade guacamole base!

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor

Pour that fresh lime juice right over the avocado to keep it vibrant and bright. Next, gently stir in the diced tomato, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and jalapeño if you’re feeling spicy. Mix until everything is evenly combined, then give it a taste and adjust the seasoning until it sings to you!

Step 3: Fill the Cups

Lay out your mini phyllo shells or tortilla scoops on a serving platter. Using a spoon (or a small scoop if you want to be extra tidy), add roughly one tablespoon of guacamole into each shell. Don’t be afraid to mound it up a little!

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Guacamole Cups are at their very best right after assembly, when the shells are still super crisp and the guacamole is bright and fresh. Arrange them in a circle, scatter with a bit more cilantro if you’d like, and watch them disappear—no one can resist!

How to Serve Guacamole Cups

Garnishes

Turn your Guacamole Cups into a feast for the eyes by adding fun garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a thin slice of jalapeño on top of each cup. For even more color, toss on finely diced red bell pepper or a few pomegranate seeds for a playful, festive vibe.

Side Dishes

These little cups are fantastic with a platter of crisp veggies, grilled corn salad, or a fruity ceviche alongside. If you’re building a party spread, pair them with salsa, queso dip, or even a southwestern black bean salad to keep the flavors light, fresh, and utterly snackable.

Creative Ways to Present

Guacamole Cups shine whether you pile them high on a rustic wooden board, line them up in shot glasses for an elegant touch, or tuck them into lettuce leaves for a gluten-free twist. Try alternating the filling by adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet surprise, or offer a variety of toppings in little bowls for a DIY guacamole bar experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Guacamole Cups (which is rare, trust me!), store the shells and guacamole separately for best results. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guac before refrigerating to keep it green, and stash the shells in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezing

Guacamole doesn’t freeze terribly well; the fresh veggies and herbs tend to lose their vibrancy and the texture can become watery. If you must freeze, do so before adding tomato, onion, and cilantro—but honestly, Guacamole Cups are so quick and easy, you’re better off making them fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—Guacamole Cups are a no-cook, served-cold delight! If your shells lose crispness, you can re-toast them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C for a few minutes), but assemble with guacamole only right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Guacamole Cups ahead of time?

You can prep the guacamole a few hours ahead—just press plastic wrap directly onto its surface to avoid browning. Fill the cups right before serving to ensure maximal crispness.

What can I substitute for mini phyllo shells?

Tortilla scoop chips, small baked wonton cups, or even thick cucumber rounds work beautifully. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold the guacamole without getting soggy too quickly.

Are Guacamole Cups gluten-free?

They absolutely can be! Use gluten-free tortilla scoops or serve the guacamole in fresh veggie cups to keep things gluten-free and just as delicious.

How do I keep the guacamole from browning?

In addition to using plenty of lime juice, always press plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole’s surface before refrigerating. This seals out air and keeps things as green as possible.

Can I add other mix-ins to the guacamole?

Yes! Try folding in diced mango, pineapple, pomegranate seeds, roasted corn, or even crumbled queso fresco. Guacamole Cups are endlessly customizable—feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a snack that wows at any occasion, you can’t go wrong with Guacamole Cups. They’re quick, delicious, and always the first thing to disappear at the table. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Guacamole Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Guacamole Cups are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Creamy avocado mixed with zesty lime, tomatoes, and cilantro, served in crispy phyllo shells or tortilla scoops for a delightful bite-sized snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Guacamole:

2 ripe avocados
1 small lime (juiced)
1 small tomato (diced)
1 tablespoon red onion (finely minced)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)

Shells:

12 mini phyllo shells or tortilla scoops

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Instructions

Cut the avocados: In a bowl, mash the avocado until slightly chunky.
Add ingredients: Mix in lime juice, tomato, red onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, and jalapeño.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Fill shells: Spoon guacamole into each shell.
Serve: Serve immediately.