Making Jack-o-lantern guacamole is a delightful way to celebrate Halloween with a twist on a classic favorite. I love hosting fall gatherings, and this festive dish has become a crowd-pleaser every year. It’s quick to make and absolutely bursting with fresh flavors, transforming an ordinary dip into a festive centerpiece. Plus, using a hollowed-out pumpkin adds a fun and spooky flair that’s perfect for the season.

This guacamole stands out for its creamy texture and zesty flavor, enhanced by the fresh ingredients that merge beautifully. It’s an ideal snack for any Halloween party or a casual night in, inviting everyone to enjoy the vibrant green dip served with crispy blue corn chips.

Why you’ll love jack-o-lantern guacamole

Quick and easy to prepare.
Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors.
Perfect for Halloween-themed gatherings.
Appealing presentation in a hollowed-out pumpkin.
Enjoyable with various dippers and toppings.

What ingredients do I need for jack-o-lantern guacamole?

3 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
1-2 jalapeños, minced
Salt to taste
Blue corn chips for serving

Ingredient notes & swaps

Avocados: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess; unripe will be hard.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish; bottled may not have the same taste.
Jalapeños: Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference; omit for a milder guacamole.

How do I make jack-o-lantern guacamole step-by-step?

To prepare this festive dip, start by cutting the avocados in half, removing the pit, and scooping the flesh into a bowl. Mash them until smooth, then mix in lime juice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeños, and salt to taste. For a fun presentation, serve the guacamole in a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a bowl.
Mash the avocados with a fork until creamy.
Add lime juice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeños, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the guacamole to a hollowed-out pumpkin to create a ‘jack-o-lantern’ effect.
Serve with blue corn chips for dipping. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: To prevent the guacamole from browning, you can cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole.

How should I serve it?

Present your jack-o-lantern guacamole with colorful blue corn chips for dipping. You can also add a sprinkle of cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color. For an extra festive touch, place the pumpkin on a platter surrounded by additional veggies like carrots and bell peppers for a vibrant spread.

Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?

While the guacamole is best served fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to limit air exposure. It’s not recommended to freeze guacamole, as the texture may change after thawing.

How do I fix common issues?

Bland: Add more lime juice and salt to enhance flavor.
Brown: Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent oxidation.
Too spicy: Mix in more avocado or Greek yogurt to balance heat.

What variations can I try?

Feel free to experiment with your jack-o-lantern guacamole! Add diced mango for a sweet twist, or toss in black beans for extra protein. If you want an extra crunch, stir in some diced bell peppers or swap jalapeños for milder peppers like poblanos.

FAQs

Can I use frozen avocados?
Yes, but they will have a different texture when thawed. Use them for blended smoothies or other recipes where texture is less critical.

What can I use instead of jalapeños?
Try using serrano peppers for more heat or substitute with diced bell peppers for no spice.

How long does guacamole last in the fridge?
Homemade guacamole is best eaten fresh but can last up to 1-2 days if stored properly. Expect some browning, which you can scrape off before serving.

Jack-o-Lantern Guacamole

A festive and zesty guacamole served in a hollowed-out pumpkin, perfect for Halloween gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 pieces ripe avocados Choose ripe avocados for creaminess; unripe will be hard.
1 piece lime, juiced Fresh lime juice brightens the dish; bottled may not have the same taste.
1 small onion, chopped
2 pieces tomatoes, diced
1-2 pieces jalapeños, minced Adjust quantity for spice preference; omit for milder guacamole.
to taste salt
as needed blue corn chips for serving Great for dipping.

Method

Preparation

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a bowl.
Mash the avocados with a fork until creamy.
Add lime juice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeños, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the guacamole to a hollowed-out pumpkin to create a 'jack-o-lantern' effect.
Serve with blue corn chips for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

To prevent browning, cover the guacamole with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly against the surface. For a colorful presentation, serve with cilantro and additional veggies.