One of the most universally enjoyed snacking dips, guacamole may have originated in Mexico but is now enjoyed all over the world.
Though guacamole is easy enough to make from scratch, there is a high chance that you will make too much and have plenty of leftover guacamole. Instead of keeping your leftover guacamole in the fridge where it will only last a few extra days, why not freeze it instead.
To freeze guacamole, scoop it out into small airtight containers, seal and then pop them into the freezer for around 3 months. You can add extra lemon juice to the guacamole to prevent it from turning brown.
How to Freeze Guacamole
Because guacamole is simply an upgraded version of smashed avocado, the longer that guacamole is exposed to oxygen, the more it will discolour.
Most guacamole recipes will already require the use of lemon juice. But adding some extra to the mix before freezing will allow the acidity of the lemon to better preserve your guacamole.
Here is how to freeze guacamole:
- Add Lemon Juice
Depending on how much guacamole you have left, add 1 – 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and mix it into your guacamole thoroughly. Typically, 1 tablespoon for every 2 whole avocados used in your guacamole is the perfect balance to prevent your mix from tasting entirely of lemon. - Separate Into Airtight Containers
Decide how much guacamole you want to defrost at a time and dish out your mixture into clean, secure containers with no holes or cracks. You can use airtight bags so long as they are properly sealed. - Flatten With a Spoon
Using a spoon, push down the guacamole until there is no air between the mixture. This will help you fit more into your containers and allow an even freeze. Be careful while flattening your guacamole, as you do not want to change its texture. - Label and Secure the Containers
Guacamole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to make this clear when you label your guacamole. Once labelled, you need to properly secure your storage containers or bags and check for any gaps where oxygen could leak in. - Flash Freeze for 24 Hours
Once you are confident that your storage choices are airtight, place them to the back or side of your freezer, so they touch the freezer walls. These will be the coldest parts of the freezer and will allow the guacamole to rapidly freeze at an even rate. - Move Guacamole
After 24 hours, check that the guacamole is frozen and move the mixture somewhere more convenient in your freezer.
To defrost quickly, microwave guacamole on a low setting for 2 minutes. If you don’t mind waiting longer, leave the container in cold water to bring down the freezing temperature. Guacamole should not be defrosted at room temperature.
How to Freeze Store-Bought Guacamole
Unlike when you make fresh guacamole at home, you do not need to as thoroughly prepare your guacamole to freeze if you buy it pre-made. Though there are still some steps you should follow:
- Move to a Different Container If Necessary
Most guacamole manufacturers will package their products in cheap, flimsy plastic. While this is fine for immediate use, using such a container to freeze your guacamole could cause freezer burn. Transferring the guacamole to an airtight container will allow it to freeze better. - Squash and Seal
Just as you would with homemade guacamole, flatten store-bought guacamole with a spoon and make sure that you seal the goods away in an airtight container. - Label
Though store-bought guacamole will have its own use-by date, that date is irrelevant to how long it will last in the freezer. Like homemade guacamole, store-bought guacamole will last 3 months from the day you freeze it, so ensure that you make that clear in your labelling. - Flash Freeze
You will still need to flash freeze store-bought guacamole for 24 hours with the container touching the freezer’s walls before moving it to a better place in your freezer.
It is not always clear exactly what extra ingredients manufacturers use in their guacamole. That is why it is best to let store-bought guacamole defrost slowly using the cold water method above instead of the microwave method. Some added ingredients may not react well to the microwave’s heat.
How to Freeze Guacamole Successfully
Guacamole is very prone to discolouring or going off if not frozen successfully. Here are a few tips you can use to ensure your frozen guacamole is good to go the next time you are craving some chips and dips:
- Properly Flash Freeze – If you do not flash freeze your guacamole, some areas will be more thoroughly frozen than others. This will make your guacamole an odd texture when it is then defrosted. Before moving the guacamole elsewhere in your freezer after 24 hours, open the container to see if the mixture has frozen evenly. If not, leave it at the back of the freezer for a little longer.
- Only Use Airtight Storage – Oxygen exposure will make your guacamole turn brown and rotten in the freezer. Most food storage containers will be airtight already. Still, double-check to ensure that any storage containers are properly sealed before freezing.
- Always Label Containers – Because of how bacteria-prone avocado is, frozen guacamole more than 3 months old can be dangerous to consume. Use a wipeable marker to show a clear, exact date for when your frozen guacamole needs to be used.
Does Guacamole Freeze Well?
You can freeze guacamole for 3 months without it turning into an unpleasant colour or the fresh taste becoming too diluted. That is, provided that you have an airtight storage container to properly store your guacamole.
Freezing Guacamole FAQs
Still got questions? Then these FAQs about freezing guacamole might help you out:
Yes, it is possible to store guacamole in the freezer without it turning brown by simply adding a splash of lemon juice. You should then try to use it up within a few weeks to reduce the risk of it turning brown.
If you keep guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge, then it will last for 3 to 4 days. Beyond this, it will begin to turn brown and the flavour will turn acrid.
Acacia may be a freelance writer by day, but they are a food fanatic by night. They are always trying out new recipes or finding different ways to elevate classical dishes. But their biggest culinary aim is to educate others on the basics of the kitchen so that they too can enjoy delicious food.
