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What Spices Go in Guacamole? 16 Best Spices

If you’re looking for a great way to spice up your guacamole, try adding some jalapeno peppers, garlic, and cilantro. These ingredients add a fresh, spicy flavor that’s sure to make your guacamole stand out.

What Spices to put in Guacamole

Ever wondered what spices go in guacamole?

After some research I put together a list of the 16 best spices you can use in your next batch of homemade guac.

Let’s get started!

What Spices Go in Guacamole? 16 Best Spices

Guacamole gets its delicious taste from a variety of ingredients that are mixed together.

Below we take a look at spices that go well with guacamole and also give you some ideas on what to make it more interesting.

1. Cilantro

Cilantro

A staple in Mexican cuisine, cilantro gives guacamole a fresher, brighter taste.

For a very simple guacamole just take a 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and add it to your mashed avocados.

2. Chili Powder

Chili Powder

Chili powder is a blend of spices, including chile peppers, garlic powder and salt.

Its heat level depends on the type of chili pepper used.

You can find mild, medium and hot chili powders.

This spice is a great way to add a little kick to your guacamole.

3. Oregano

Oregano

Believe it or not, oregano is one of the most popular spices in America, especially during the summer months.

Try adding some to your guacamole for a bold new flavor!

4. Garlic Powder

Garlic Powder

What’s the best way to get garlic flavor into your guacamole?

Skip the fresh stuff and use garlic powder.

It’s easy, and it won’t give you bad breath like raw garlic will!

5. Salt

salt

Salt is one of the most important spices in cooking.

Most recipes are bound to include salt as an ingredient, which is why it’s one of the first things that chefs learn about.

Salt brings out the natural flavor of food by enhancing the cells on your tongue and allowing you to taste more vividly.

Guacamole is really no different.

Whether you’re using salt to help bring avocados to life or to make up for a bad avocado, there is no better spice than salt.

It’s the perfect guacamole ingredient.

6. Pepper

Black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper is another must for chipotle-style guacamole.

The sharpness of pepper goes very well with the smoothness of avocados, and it really helps blend all the flavors together.

7. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper

Guacamole is a rich, delicious dip that’s perfect for parties or as a personal snack.

While its main ingredient is avocado, there are many other foods that can be added to enhance the flavor.

Cayenne pepper is one of these items, and it can make guacamole even more delicious.

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that adds a zesty kick to guacamole.

It may be found in some grocery stores, or at specialty stores that sell exotic ingredients.

Cayenne peppers are red and thin, much like jalapeno peppers, but they’re slightly thinner and tend to be hotter than jalapenos.

If you want to use cayenne pepper in your guacamole recipe, start with half a teaspoon of pepper and add more if you want it spicier.

The amount you need depends on your personal taste and the heat level of the cayenne pepper itself.

8. Onion Powder

Onion powder

Onion powder is a staple for many guacamole recipes, although I prefer using fresh onions in mine.

But if you’re looking for that classic flavor without all the hassle of chopping up onions, onion powder is an easy solution.

9. Ground Cumin

Ground Cumin

Ground Cumin is an earthy, nutty spice with a mild heat.

It’s often used in Indian and Middle Eastern food and pairs well with garlic, onion, jalapeno, lime and cilantro.

When using cumin in guacamole, add it at the end of your cooking process so you can taste it along the way.

If you’re not familiar with this spice, start with a small amount and increase it until you’re happy with your recipe.

10. Lime

Lime

Lime juice will give your guacamole a citrusy flavor that is excellent with avocados.

You will probably want to use more than 1 tablespoon of lime juice per cup of guacamole because it really compliments the flavor of the avocado.

If you like, add a splash more when serving.

11. Guacamole Spice Mix

Guacamole Spice Mix

Guacamole spice mix is a great way to add a bunch of kick to your guacamole.

It has a deep, red color, and it packs a delicious combo of ancho chile powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.

You can blend your own guacamole spice mix or buy one that’s ready to use.

12. Chili Spice Mix

Chili Spice Mix

Chili spice mix is a mixture of spices and dried herbs, usually including chili pepper, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and paprika.

You can make your own chili spice mix by combining all of these spices in varying amounts to find the blend that you like best.

13. Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning

One of our favorite additions is taco seasoning.

If you’re already making tacos at your party, having taco seasoning on hand should be no problem.

But even if you’re not using it anywhere else, it’s worth buying a packet for this specific purpose.

A little bit of taco seasoning added to your guacamole will have your guests wondering what that special ingredient is.

Just be sure to taste as you mix so you don’t accidentally end up with overly-spiced guac!

14. Italian Herb Blend

Italian Herb Blend

When I’m making guacamole, I like to use Italian Herb Blend.

I find that it’s a nice way to add color, flavor, and a bit of substance to the guacamole without adding any acidity.

It’s not the best option for all guacamoles, but it’s handy to have on hand for when you need it!

15. Garam Masala

Garam Masala

First off, I know some people like to keep it simple with chili powder or cumin—and yes, those are good choices.

But garam masala isn’t just like one of those flavors—it’s a million flavors rolled into one. And those flavors are the equivalent of a party in your mouth.

Garam masala is a warming spice blend that typically contains coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon—which basically means it tastes like a candy cane that’s been hanging out with a bunch of really cool spices on vacation in India.

It also has a little kick to it—so if you’re looking for something to add heat to your guac without adding actual heat (chili powder), then this is definitely the way to go.

16. Chamoy Sauce

Chamoy Sauce

If you want to spice up your guacamole with sauce, try chamoy sauce!

It’s a Mexican sauce made from pickled fruit (usually apricots) mixed with chili powder and lime juice.

It’s the perfect complement to your avocado!

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try adding in some sliced jalapenos too?

5 Benefits of Adding Spices in Your Guacamole

Benefits of Adding Spices in Your Guacamole

Let’s face it—guacamole is delicious, but sometimes, you’re craving a little something more.

So why not try adding some spices?

1. Spices Add Flavor to Your Guacamole

You might think that avocados are the only way to give guacamole a strong, tasty flavor profile—but you’d be wrong!

There are so many options when it comes to spices you can use in guacamole, and spices will take your guac to the next level.

2. Spices Make Your Guac Unique

There’s nothing wrong with a classic guacamole, but there’s so much more out there for you to explore.

You can make your guacamole unlike any other by adding ingredients that reflect your own personality, or even represent the personality of a loved one!

3. Spices Make Your Kitchen a Place of Mystery and Wonder

Guacamole is an easy food item to keep on hand for when friends come over.

If you’re looking for a new way to impress guests at a party or just surprise people coming over for dinner, then adding spices to your guac will do just that.

4. Spices Add Color to Your Guacamole

Spices Add Color to Your Guacamole

Sometimes you don’t want to serve bland-looking guacamole that is just green.

When you want an appetizer that is as beautiful as it is tasty, use our spicy recipes that feature bright red tomatoes, orange cheese, and yellow peppers.

5. Spices Make the Dish Healthier

Spices have many health benefits, so why not add them to your guacamole?

Cayenne pepper can increase your metabolism and boost digestion.

Paprika has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve pain or reduce swelling in your joints.

How to Pick The Right Spices

How to Pick The Right Spices

Your guacamole probably has salt, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano.

  • But are you sure you’re using enough?
  • Not enough?
  • Are you just winging it?

Here’s how to figure out which spices to add to your guacamole recipe.

  1. First, think about the flavors you want to add. Do you want a smoky flavor? Then consider adding smoked paprika (or even chipotle powder). Do you want a little heat? Consider adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Do you want something tangy? Try vinegar or lime juice. Do you want something nutty? You could try toasted pine nuts or
  2. Next, think about the flavors that would complement the other ingredients in your guacamole—like tomatoes or onions. Try to find a spice that would pair well with those flavors. For example, if you’re making guacamole with fresh tomatoes and onion, consider adding some fresh cilantro and maybe some green onion!
  3. Next, think about the occasion. If you’re making guacamole for a friend’s birthday party, you’ll want something that adds a bit of sweetness—like cinnamon or nutmeg—to make it special. If you’re having people over for game night, then you might want something a little less sweet and more savory like paprika or turmeric (also both great ingredients for making your skin glow).
  4. Finally, think about the flavor of the avocado itself. Would adding something sweet like honey compliment it? Or maybe some spice like black pepper or chili powder?

How To Spice Up Guacamole

Okay, so you love guacamole.

You eat it all the time.

But you’re starting to get bored with it and are looking for a way to spice things up.

We don’t blame you!

Guacamole is delicious, but we understand: What was once exciting can start to feel… stale.

That’s why we wanted to share some of our favorite ways to take your guacamole from meh to marvelous (and then actually eat it).

There are countless ways to spice up your guacamole, but we think these tweaks will give you the most bang for your buck.

1) Add Some Sweetness

Guacamole is great as it is, but adding some sugar can really take it to the next level.

This can be as simple as mixing in a spoonful of brown sugar or sprinkling in a little bit of powdered sugar.

The options are endless—the only limit is your imagination!

2) Try New Spices

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some different spices to make the flavor more complex.

For example, cumin and paprika can add an interesting smoky flavor to your guacamole while ginger and cinnamon give it a sweet kick.

You might also experiment with other herbs like mint or basil if you’re looking for something more savory.

3) Add Some Fruit

In addition to being delicious on its own, guacamole goes great with fruit!

We recommend mixing in diced mangoes or peaches—but feel free to get creative!

Pineapples, strawberries, and even bananas pair well with guacamole too (just make sure they’re ripe).

4. Add a Squeeze of Lime Juice

Citrus is a great way to add a boost of flavor to any dish, and guacamole is no exception.

Whether you use lemon or lime doesn’t really matter, but we think lime goes best with avocados.

If you’re using a whole lemon, one wedge should do the trick, but if you’ve just got a few wedges leftover, we recommend using two or three.

5. Sprinkle Some Ground Nutmeg Over the Top

Now that you’ve added some citrus, let’s get spicy! We love to add a dash of nutmeg over the top of our guacamole to give it some kick without making it too hot.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cinnamon as well for even more bite!

6. Garnish It with Cilantro

We know not everyone is a fan of cilantro, but if you are?

You’ll love this trick!

Just sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over your guacamole and add some crunchy tortilla chips for an easy appetizer that’s ready in minutes—or less than an hour if you want to roast your own tomatoes first (but don’t worry about that part unless you have time).

7. Swap out The Onion for Shallot

Some people like onions and some people do not—if you’re one of those people, this one’s for you!

Shallots offer a subtler onion flavor that brings depth and sweetness to your guac without overwhelming any part of it (or your taste buds).

8. Mix in Some Chili Powder

It’ll add a bit of a kick to your guac and make it seem like you put in more effort than you actually did.

This one’s easy—just make sure it’s mixed evenly throughout, so each bite is as spicy as the last!

9. Add Hot Sauce

Its flavor adds a little extra oomph to any dish, but especially one that’s already spicy.

Hot sauce also gives guac a nice consistency change that’ll make every bite more interesting and keep your tastebuds guessing!

What Spices Go in Guacamole

What Spices Go in Guacamole? 16 Best Spices

Spices can make or break your guacamole. If you don't put in enough, the result is an unbalanced meal that's missing several key flavors and nutrients.
But if you put in too much, you'll end up with a spicy snack that your guests will be unable to enjoy.
Let us help you find that perfect balance.
We've compiled a list of the most popular spices used in guacamole, along with the unique benefits they provide, so that you can make an informed decision when selecting which ones to use.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Spices
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 25 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Cilantro
  • Chili Powder
  • Oregano
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Onion Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Lime
  • Guacamole Spice Mix
  • Chili Spice Mix
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Italian Herb Blend
  • Garam Masala
  • Chamoy Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these spices to put in your guacamole.
  • Prepare the rest of your Mexican meal.
  • Be ready to eat in no time!
Keyword What Spices Go in Guacamole
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.