Fiesta! Guac Bar for a Crowd

You say, “Guacamole.” I say, “I’ll bring the margaritas!” Appetizer, side dish, garnish or dip, guacamole means one thing: party.

The perfect guacamole starts with three basic ingredients; ripe avocados, acid (lime or lemon), and salt. But instead of creating the old standby (which, by the way, we love!), dressing up your dip can add spice, flavor or theme to any summer party.

Introduce the Guac Bar, a DIY spot where each guest can create his or her own perfect guacamole. Spicier, sweeter, chunky, smooth — the preference is yours. Toppings can range from classics like onion and cilantro to far out additions like strawberries or cocoa powder. Here’s how you do it:
 

Set Up the Guac Bar

To create your Guac Bar, clear a large table for your ingredients. Include guacamole staples: mashed avocados, acids, and salt. Then place each specialty ingredient in individual bowls, cutting the ingredient into bite size pieces so guests can easily add to mashed avocados.

When guests arrive, give each a bowl and a fork, allowing them to mix at their leisure. By sticking with plastic forks, bowls, and utensils, not only is it more economical, but it also allows each guest the opportunity to make multiple guacamole blends.

Possible add-ins: cilantro, parsley, mint, chives, scallions, strawberries, mango, apple, pineapple, hot peppers, zucchini, cucumber, onion, pine nuts, almonds, cashews, shrimp, chicken, fish, hot sauce(s), salsa(s), feta, cheddar cheese, bacon, sushi-grade tuna, blue cheese, tequila, orange juice, seltzer, cocoa powder, and even chocolate chips!

Don’t forget the chips and salsa. Creating a Guac Bar is more than just the guacamole itself. After all, it’s a party! Add other Mexican staples such as chips, salsa, tortillas (hard and soft), beans, rice, and chili con queso to your table so that guests feel welcome to eat and mingle without the pressure to create a guacamole.