Competition Worthy Guacamole is one of the most flavorful guacamole recipes you’ll ever try. A bold mix of jalapeño, crisp bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes lifts this dip far above the ordinary, giving it a delightful combination of heat, salt, and umami that keeps people coming back for more.
This homemade guacamole stands out because of its thoughtful ingredients and balanced textures. It’s easy to make, quick to serve, and perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
I first developed a version of this recipe during a food blogger conference guacamole competition. Teams raced to collect ingredients, then designed a guacamole judged on creativity and, most importantly, taste. Our combination of ingredients won over the judges, and the result is the recipe below—simple, bright, and full of character.
Once you make this guacamole, you’ll understand why it became a favorite: the ingredients complement one another and create a cohesive, memorable dip.
Which avocados should you use for homemade guacamole?
Avocado quality matters. Ripe Hass avocados are my top pick because of their creamy texture and rich flavor, but any ripe avocado will work in a pinch. Look for avocados that yield slightly when gently pressed—too soft and they may be overripe; too firm and they won’t mash smoothly.
When possible, choose locally grown avocados or those you know are in season. Fresh, flavorful fruit makes the difference between a good guacamole and a great one.
What to add to guacamole to make it taste better
This recipe takes a few classic guacamole elements and elevates them. Lime brightens the avocado, a minced shallot adds a milder, more nuanced onion flavor, and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil contribute concentrated tomato sweetness and tang. Cooked, chopped bacon adds savory crunch and depth, while minced jalapeño brings fresh heat—adjust the jalapeño to taste.
Compared with traditional guacamole that often includes raw onion and fresh tomato, these substitutions enhance flavor without overpowering the avocado. The shallot is gentler than raw onion, the sun-dried tomato offers intense tomato flavor without adding extra liquid, and the bacon/jalapeño pairing balances salt, texture, and spice perfectly.
How long does homemade guacamole last?
Fresh guacamole keeps best when refrigerated in an airtight container. It will usually stay good for a couple of days, though the surface can begin to brown as the avocado oxidizes. To slow browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole or use an airtight container to minimize air exposure.
Some home cooks leave an avocado pit in the guacamole to reduce browning, though results vary. For the best appearance, cover tightly and consume within 24–48 hours.
What makes it so good?
The secret is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and balancing bold flavors with the creamy base of avocado. Lime brightens and seasons, the shallot adds subtle onion notes, sun-dried tomatoes deliver concentrated tomato flavor, and bacon plus jalapeño provide savory and spicy contrast. The result is a guacamole that feels familiar yet excitingly different.
Making guacamole from scratch also lets you control texture and seasoning. You can leave it chunky or mash it smooth to your preference, and you can adjust salt, lime, or heat levels to suit your guests.
Love easy appetizer dips?
If you enjoy this guacamole, try pairing it with sturdy, high-quality tortilla chips or serving it alongside other simple dips and spreads. Homemade dips stand out at gatherings and are often more satisfying than store-bought options.
Competition Worthy Guacamole
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced (more if desired)
- 1 tablespoon cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Quarter the avocados, separate from the pit, and remove the skin.
- Add the avocado to a bowl with the lime juice, minced shallot, jalapeño, chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and kosher salt.
- Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust lime or salt as needed. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your preferred dippers.
Notes
Makes about 2 cups. Serving size based on 1/4 cup. Adjust jalapeño to control heat; substitute red onion if you don’t have shallot, though the flavor will be sharper.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 11 kcal; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Sodium: 159 mg; Potassium: 26 mg; Vitamin A: 20 IU; Vitamin C: 2.5 mg; Iron: 0.1 mg. Nutrition information is an approximation.
This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been updated for clarity and detail.