How You Can Make Chipotle's Guacamole Even Better At Home

In case you missed it, Chipotle's former executive corporate chef, Chad Brauze, took to Instagram back in April 2020 to give the people what they want: a lesson on how to make Chipotle's classic guacamole. Brauze skillfully shared how to make the fast-casual chain's incredibly popular dip, which features ripe avocados (typically the Mexican Hass variety), jalapeños, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. The chef also shared a few recipes for making "super extra guac," including elevated versions of the dip featuring pomegranates, hemp and chia seeds, and even an option with ranch dressing. 

Before diving into how to make Chipotle's cherished spread at home, the chef shared a few helpful substitutions, such as using serrano pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you're all out of jalapeños — or opting for green peppers if you don't like the heat. Similarly, instead of red onions, Brauze said white, yellow, or Spanish onions could be used as well, or even a bit of chives or scallions. Of course, instead of limes, he said a few spritzes of lemon juice would do the trick, too.

Before showing viewers how to make their Chipotle-style guac "even more extra," the company's former executive corporate chef Chad Brauze first shared how to master the basics. Instead of mixing his guacamole ingredients into one bowl, he noted his preference for using two separate bowls. He uses a larger bowl for mashing the avocados and a smaller one for combining the chopped and diced aromatics, including the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño, with a bit of freshly squeezed lime juice. This, he explained, helps the ingredients macerate, or soften, to better draw out their natural flavors.

To elevate the already delicious creamy guacamole dip, the chef topped it with pomegranate seeds for a fresh, acidic kick. For a more nutritious option, he added chia seeds, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, for a nice crunch. He also sprinkled in some hemp seeds — also high in essential fatty acids — for a slightly toothsome, nutty flavor. Chef Chad also made a creamy ranch-guac concoction, featuring his homemade dip blended with a bit of dressing, which is perfect for slathering atop tacos, nachos, and more. 

The good news is the guac fun doesn't stop there. There are a seemingly infinite amount of ways to spruce up the avocado-based spread. For those who liked the nutritious boost of the chia and hemp seeds, you can make your dip even greener by adding in broccoli, spinach, or even frozen peas– all of which can be used as a replacement for a portion of the guac's avocado for those looking to pare down the fats.

If you enjoyed the textural mouthfeel of the chia seeds, try garnishing your guac with pepita or sunflower seeds. You could also toss in some chopped cucumber or corn for a more refreshing crunch, or kick up the heat with crunchy chili crisp, another game-changing ingredient you should add to guacamole.

For a similarly spicy bite, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can certainly bring the heat, too. You could also take things up another fiery notch with some hot sauce or even a couple of splashes of sriracha or Cholula. If heat isn't your thing, keep things sweet and simple by adding in diced pineapple, mango, or even some chopped strawberries. No matter which guac upgrade you choose, your spread is guaranteed to be delicious.