Guacamole's Cheesy Pair: Finding The Perfect Cheese Match

Guacamole is a popular dip, often served with tortilla chips, that is typically made by mashing avocados and adding ingredients like lime juice, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. But what type of cheese goes well with guacamole?

Some recipes for cheesy guacamole include shredded cheddar cheese or queso fresco. Other recipes suggest using crumbled cotija cheese, which is a Mexican crumbly cow's milk cheese similar to feta. If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich with guacamole, you might use Monterey Jack, Cotija, or Cheddar.

When pairing cheese and avocado, it's important to consider whether the dish is served hot or cold. For hot dishes like grilled cheese, you'll want a cheese that melts well. For cold dishes like salads or guacamole with chips, a milder, saltier cheese may be a better option.

Cheddar cheese and guacamole in a grilled cheese sandwich

Cheddar cheese and guacamole are a match made in heaven, and when you put them together in a grilled cheese sandwich, the result is pure magic. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering delight:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Hearty white bread (such as Pepperidge Farm or Arnold)
• Cheddar cheese (or American or Jack cheese)
• Guacamole (preferably homemade)

Optional Ingredients:

• Crispy bacon
• Tomato

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add two slices of bread to the skillet and cook until pale golden brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer the bread slices to a cutting board, toasted-side-up.
• Place one slice of cheese on top of one slice of bread.
• Spread a generous amount of guacamole over the cheese.
• Top with the second slice of cheese.
• Close the sandwich, with both toasted sides facing inwards.
• Melt another piece of butter in the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add the sandwich to the skillet and cook until deep, even golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the sandwich from the skillet and add the remaining butter.
• Return the sandwich to the skillet, cooked-side up, and season with salt.
• Cook until the second side is deep, even golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted, about another 5 minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavours!

Tips:

• For an extra kick of flavour, add some crispy bacon to the sandwich.
• If you're a fan of tomatoes, slice some up and add them to your basic guacamole recipe. Grilled cheese and tomato is a classic combination.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cotija.
• For a truly authentic experience, make your own guacamole from scratch using ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and your favourite seasonings.

Guacamole with cotija cheese

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe Hass avocados
• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, seeded and diced (keep the seeds if you like it spicy)
• 1 small Roma tomato, diced into chunks (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• Cotija cheese crumbles (to taste)

Optional Extras:

• Lime or lemon juice
• Bacon bits

Method:

• In a large bowl, mash the avocados with a fork or knife. If you prefer a smoother guacamole, mash until creamy.
• Add the lemon or lime juice, and all the other ingredients except the Cotija cheese. Mix well.
• Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese on top. For a more subtle cheese flavour, you can mix the cheese in with the other ingredients.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips, veggies, or gluten-free alternatives. Guacamole discolours quickly, so it's best enjoyed fresh!

Tips:

• Keep the avocado seed inside the guacamole and cover with plastic wrap to prevent oxidation. It will stay fresh for a day or two.
• Use ripe avocados for the best flavour. If your avocados are unripe, place them in a brown paper bag to speed up the ripening process.
• For a fun presentation, serve the guacamole in avocado skins.
• For a unique twist, try adding corn and smoked paprika for a touch of sweetness and spice.

Guacamole with blue cheese in a salad

A salad is a great way to combine guacamole and blue cheese. According to Wisconsin Cheese expert and education manager at Dairy Farms of Wisconsin, Molly Browne, blue cheese goes well with avocado in a salad. The avocado is mild and creamy, and blue cheese helps to punch up the flavour profile of the salad. The potent blue flavour and aroma, along with its rich buttery texture, make it a nice contrast to avocado.

How to Make a Guacamole Salad with Blue Cheese

To make a guacamole salad with blue cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Avocados
• Lime juice
• Tomatoes
• Jalapeno pepper
• Red onion
• Cilantro
• Blue cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

First, make the guacamole by mashing the avocados in a medium-sized bowl and drizzling lime juice over them. Then, add the rest of the ingredients, including the blue cheese, and stir well. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, chill the guacamole salad until ready to serve.

Other Cheeses That Go Well with Guacamole

In addition to blue cheese, other cheeses that pair well with guacamole include:

• Cotija cheese: A Mexican crumbly cow's milk cheese with a salty bite, similar to feta cheese.
• Queso Chihuahua: A softer Mexican-style cheese, similar to a mild cheddar.
• Cheddar cheese: A popular choice for adding a cheesy twist to traditional guacamole.
• Queso Fresco: A Mexican cheese that can be used in place of Cotija cheese.

These cheeses can be added to guacamole or served alongside it, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich or with tortilla chips.

Guacamole with mozzarella in a Caprese salad

Guacamole is a delicious, creamy dip that goes well with many dishes, and mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that is versatile and pairs well with other ingredients. Combining guacamole with mozzarella in a Caprese salad can be a tasty and unique twist on the traditional Italian dish. Here is a suggested recipe for this creative salad.

Ingredients:

• Ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or cherry tomatoes)
• Fresh mozzarella cheese (look for soft, spongy balls packed in water)
• Avocados (ripe Hass avocados work well)
• Basil (fresh leaves)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
• Sea salt (preferably flaky sea salt like Maldon)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: jalapeno or serrano pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, chili powder

Instructions:

• Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can also cut the mozzarella balls in half if they are larger.
• Prepare the guacamole by mashing the avocado in a bowl and adding your desired seasonings and spices. A traditional guacamole includes ingredients like onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add some spice with a jalapeno or serrano pepper.
• On a serving platter, start layering the slices of tomatoes and mozzarella. Tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes, making sure each layer is visible.
• Generously season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the salad.
• Add a creative twist by drizzling or sprinkling guacamole on top of the salad. You can also add extra ingredients like crumbled Cotija cheese or queso fresco, commonly used in Mexican cuisine, for a salty bite.
• Finally, add a tangy touch by drizzling balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the salad.

This unique combination of guacamole with mozzarella in a Caprese salad offers a blend of creamy, salty, and tangy flavours. It is a refreshing and creative take on traditional dishes, perfect for a summer meal or a dinner party spread.

Guacamole with chihuahua cheese in a quesadilla

Quesadillas are a tasty, versatile, and simple meal that can be made in a pinch with just a few ingredients. They are a great option for busy people and can be made even more delicious with the addition of guacamole. Here is a recipe for guacamole with Chihuahua cheese in a quesadilla that is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe Hass avocados
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and diced (keep the seeds if you like it spicy)
• 1 small Roma tomato, diced into chunks (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 6-8 oz Chihuahua cheese, grated
• 1-2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 flour tortillas, taco-sized

Method:

• First, make the guacamole by mashing the avocados into chunks with a fork or knife. Add the lemon and lime juice, jalapeño or serrano pepper, tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Toss until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, grate the Chihuahua cheese. This semi-hard Mexican cheese melts beautifully and can be found in most grocery stores.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt about 1/2-1 tablespoon of butter.
• Place one tortilla in the skillet and add about 3/4-1 cup of shredded cheese.
• Spread a generous amount of guacamole on top of the cheese.
• Place another tortilla on top of the guacamole and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and guacamole.
• Cut into triangles and serve immediately with your favourite toppings and dips, such as sour cream, salsa, or jalapeño slices.

Tips:

• For the best results, use freshly grated cheese and good-quality tortillas. Flour tortillas are typically more flexible and less likely to break than corn tortillas.
• Cook the quesadillas over medium-low heat to ensure the tortilla becomes crispy without burning.
• Get creative with your fillings! You can add veggies like bell peppers, caramelized onions, or spinach, or even protein like chicken or beans. Just be sure to precook any veggies or meat before adding them to the quesadillas.
• If you're serving a crowd, cut the quesadillas into triangles and provide a variety of dips and toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Frequently asked questions