Looking for a smooth, creamy dip packed with bold flavors and a little kick in every bite? If so, you will love this Spicy Avocado Dip, made with fresh jalapeños, lime juice, and a touch of cilantro! Plus, I added red pepper flakes to turn up the heat! It is the perfect dip for tortilla chips, tacos, or nachos. Whether you love a little heat or not, I like how easy it is to adjust the spice level to your liking. And, if you are a fan of avocado dips, don’t miss my creamy Guacamole or Easy Guacamole (a Chipotle copycat)!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Avocados: Use ripe avocados for the dip. To choose one, gently press near the stem. It should feel soft but not mushy. If your finger leaves a dent, the avocado might be overripe.
- Onion: The red onion adds a bit of crunch and a sweet, mild flavor to the dip. If you don’t have red onion, you can use green onions or even a small amount of white onion as a substitute. Just be careful with white onions since they’re a bit stronger in flavor! (But, if you like that, go for it!)
- Jalapeño Peppers: I left the seeds in, which makes the peppers a bit spicier. If you want less heat, you can remove the seeds or use fewer peppers.
- Lime Juice: For the most authentic flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled juice could work in a pinch, but fresh is best!
- Water: The water helps make the dip smoother and creamier. It thins the mixture a little so it’s easier to blend. You can add more or less depending on how thick you want the dip.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes (also called crushed red pepper) can really amp up the heat, and I added a full teaspoon! If you want a milder dip, use less red pepper flakes. Or, leave them out entirely. On the other hand, add more for a spicier dip!
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the dip. It helps balance the heat from the peppers and gives the dip a bright taste. If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out and still enjoy the dip! (But, I encourage you to give it a shot with a little bit, if you can.)
How To Adjust The Heat Level In Spicy Avocado Dip {Milder or Spicier}
There are a few easy ways to adjust the heat level of avocado dip to suit your taste buds perfectly!
To make it spicier:
- Add more jalapeños or use extra-hot varieties like serrano or habanero (which are really hot, so use sparingly).
- Keep the seeds and membranes in the peppers.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or use a hotter pepper like serrano.
To make it milder:
- Use fewer jalapeños and remove the seeds.
- Add more avocado or lime juice to balance the heat.
- Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
Spicy Avocado Dip vs. Guacamole: What Is The Difference?
While Spicy Avocado Dip and guacamole are similar, the main difference is the texture and flavor when it is homemade. Homemade guacamole is usually chunkier and has a fresher, milder taste. Spicy Avocado Dip uses a food processor, which makes it smoother and creamier. It also has extra heat from ingredients like jalapeños and red pepper flakes. (It reminds me of store-bought guacamole.) So, it’s not just spicy guacamole—it’s a different style of dip with more kick and a smoother texture! But whatever you want to call it, it is still a deliciously addicting dip!
What To Serve With Spicy Avocado Dip: Perfect Pairings
Here are some delicious options to serve with spicy avocado dip:
- Tortilla Chips (Try it with lime tortilla chips for even more flavor!)
- Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, or bell pepper strips–Add the dip to your Vegetable Tray!
- Use it as a topping or a side for tacos like my chicken tacos or shredded beef tacos. Or, add a dollop (or two) to your Chicken Burrito Bowl.
- Drizzle it over Pulled Pork Nachos or Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos).
- Pair it with a steak quesadilla or your favorite quesadilla.
- Dip in some grilled chicken or shrimp!
- Add a spicy twist to your burger!
How To Store Spicy Avocado Dip
To store Spicy Avocado Dip, put it in an airtight container and cover the surface with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Then, store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. The dip might brown a little, but you can stir it before serving.
Spicy Avocado Dip
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados, peeled, seed removed
- ½ medium red onion, roughly chopped
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, about 1 ½ medium limes
- 3-5 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- To the bowl of a food processor, add avocados, red onion, jalapenos, lime juice, 3 tablespoons water, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips, over tacos, or with nachos.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love this dip! It is the perfect balance of spicy and creamy.
Elizabeth
This dip is great! I like the heat, and I could probably handle a little more kick!
Stephanie
This dip is perfect for anyone who likes a little spice. Get dipping, I would say.
Bella
I like spice, so I would make my avocado dip even spicier. But, I like the smooth texture.
Annabelle
This is a quick and flavorful dip that is sure to be addiciting!
