Guacamole's Best Cheese Companion: Finding The Perfect Match

Guacamole is a popular dip with a creamy tang that can be served with a variety of dishes. It is typically made with avocados, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. However, some variations include adding cheese to the mix, such as cheddar, queso fresco, or cotija. This adds a unique flavour and texture to the guacamole, making it even more delicious. So, what kind of cheese goes well with guacamole?

Cheddar cheese and guacamole

Ingredients and Preparation

To make cheddar cheese and guacamole, you will need ripe avocados, lime juice, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro to enhance the flavour and texture.

Start by mashing the avocados in a medium-sized bowl and drizzling lime juice over them. Then, add the remaining ingredients, including the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir well. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. It is recommended to serve the guacamole chilled, accompanied by crackers, tortilla chips, or pita chips.

Customisation and Variations

The beauty of this combination lies in its versatility. You can customise your cheddar cheese and guacamole by experimenting with different types of cheddar, such as mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, to find the flavour that suits your taste. Additionally, you can explore adding other types of cheese to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, shredded cheddar cheese can be combined with queso fresco, as suggested by Two Peas & Their Pod, to create a creamy and tangy guacamole.

Furthermore, you can get creative by incorporating additional ingredients into your guacamole. Black beans, garlic, corn, olives, red pepper flakes, green onions, or hot peppers can be excellent additions to elevate the flavour and provide a surprising twist to your dip.

Serving Suggestions

Storage and Freshness

It is important to note that guacamole is best served fresh, as avocados tend to oxidise and turn brown after being exposed to air for a while. To maintain freshness, prepare the guacamole just before serving. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the guacamole to minimise air exposure. Properly stored, it can last in the fridge for up to two days.

Mozzarella and guacamole

Caprese Guacamole

This recipe combines the classic flavours of a caprese salad with guacamole, resulting in a fresh and addictive twist. To make it, you'll need grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, white balsamic vinegar, and kosher salt. Simply combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring gently to mix. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or your favourite bread. This unique blend of flavours and textures is perfect for dipping and is sure to impress!

Guacamole-Mozzarella Bites

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, try these guacamole-mozzarella bites. Start by slicing mozzarella into thin rounds. Cut some sun-dried or confited tomatoes into small pieces. Place each mozzarella slice on a plate, and top with a spoonful of guacamole. Garnish with a piece of tomato and a sprinkle of chilli powder. Serve chilled for a refreshing bite that's sure to satisfy!

Avocado Naan Pizzas

Take your pizza game to the next level with these avocado naan pizzas. They're the perfect after-school snack or quick dinner option. Simply spread guacamole on naan bread and top with mozzarella, chives, and tomatoes. Feel free to add other toppings of your choice, such as basil or meat. Bake until the cheese is melted and enjoy!

Baked Plantain with Mozzarella and Guacamole

For a tropical twist, try this delicious combination of baked plantain with mozzarella and guacamole. Slice ripe plantains and bake them with a drizzle of canola oil until they're golden brown. Top with shredded mozzarella and pop them back in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of guacamole for a sweet and savoury treat.

In addition to appetizers and snacks, you can incorporate mozzarella and guacamole into heartier meals. Try adding them to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos. You can also create your own unique dishes by pairing them with proteins like chicken or beef and starchy sides like potatoes or spaghetti squash. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Cotija cheese and guacamole

Cotija cheese is a Mexican crumbly cow's milk cheese with a salty bite. It is often described as a Mexican feta, similar to salty feta or parmesan cheese. It is a great topping for guacamole, adding a nice salty bite to the creamy avocado.

How to Make Guacamole with Cotija Cheese

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the guacamole, you will need:

• Avocados
• Lemon and lime juice
• Onion
• Cilantro
• Tomato (optional)
• Jalapeno or serrano pepper
• Garlic
• Cumin (optional)
• Chili powder (optional)

For the topping, you will need crumbled Cotija cheese.

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Mash the avocado into chunks with a fork or knife. If you prefer a smoother guacamole, mash it further.
• Add the lemon and lime juice, and the rest of the ingredients (excluding the cheese). Mix until well combined.
• Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese on top.
• Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• Keep the guacamole in an airtight container with the avocado seed inside to prevent it from turning brown.
• Use ripe avocados for the best flavor.
• If you can't find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or Parmesan cheese.
• For a unique twist, try adding grilled corn to your guacamole for a touch of sweetness.
• If you like spicy guacamole, keep the seeds in your jalapeno or serrano pepper.

Enjoy your delicious Cotija cheese guacamole! It's the perfect appetizer or dip for tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetables.

Grilled cheese with guacamole

The warm, gooey, crisp, buttery comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich is a classic. But what happens when you add the creamy tang of guacamole to it? Well, you might just have the best thing ever!

How to Make Grilled Cheese with Guacamole

The key to this sandwich is, of course, the guacamole. You can either make your own or buy some from the store, but it's important to have it ready before you start grilling your sandwich. Here's a simple recipe for homemade guacamole:

Ingredients:

• Avocados
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Tomatoes (medium-sized, diced)
• Jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely diced)
• Red onion (finely diced)
• Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• Cheese (shredded cheddar or your favourite variety)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Mash the avocados in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with lime juice. Lightly mash with a fork.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Chill until ready to serve.

Now that you have your guacamole ready, it's time to assemble your grilled cheese sandwich. You can use any type of bread you like, but a hearty white bread tends to work well. Butter both slices of bread on one side and place them butter-side down in a large skillet over medium heat. You'll also want to butter the cheese slices if you're using a variety that comes in slices, like American or cheddar.

Once the bread is toasted to a pale golden brown, it's time to build your sandwich. Place one slice of cheese on top of one slice of bread, followed by a generous amount of guacamole. Top with the second slice of cheese and close the sandwich, with both toasted sides facing inwards.

Melt some more butter in the skillet and add the sandwich, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook until the sandwich is a deep, even golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the sandwich, add the remaining butter to the skillet, and return the sandwich to the skillet with the cooked side facing up. Season with salt and cook until the second side is deep golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted, about another 5 minutes.

Tips and Variations

You can add extra ingredients to your grilled cheese with guacamole sandwich to take it to the next level. Try adding sliced tomato or crispy bacon for a classic flavour combination. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even sprinkle on some crumbled Cotija cheese, a Mexican crumbly cow's milk cheese with a salty bite, similar to feta.

So, there you have it! A delicious and indulgent grilled cheese with guacamole sandwich that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy!

Chihuahua cheese and guacamole

Chihuahua cheese is a mild, semi-soft to semi-firm cheese produced in Mexico. It has a buttery flavour with a hint of acidity or sharpness. The cheese is soft and mouldable at room temperature, but when heated, it becomes smooth, stretchy, and flowing.

When pairing cheese with avocado, one of the most important elements to consider is whether the dish is served hot or cold. For hot dishes, such as quesadillas, a cheese that melts well is essential. For cold dishes, like guacamole, a milder and saltier cheese is a better option.

Chihuahua cheese is an excellent choice for adding a cheesy twist to guacamole. It has a mild, buttery flavour and melts beautifully, rounding out the creamy, nutty profile of the avocado. The cheese's smooth and stretchy texture when melted will also add a delightful creaminess to the guacamole.

To prepare, simply mash some ripe avocados in a bowl and add lime juice, along with other desired ingredients such as chopped cilantro, diced onion, and minced jalapeño. Then, mix in the shredded Chihuahua cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the guacamole before serving. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita chips. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions