(Note: this post was originally published on April 28, 2019. It has since been updated with new photos and a few tweaks.)
If you're a guacamole lover but are feeling bored by the classics, then I have a recipe you need to try. This grilled corn guacamole is a simple yet delicious twist that's packed with flavor and is easy to make. Especially during the summer when you can get your hands on local corn on the cob, I'm confident this will become you're go-to party appetizer.
This guacamole with corn has a truly divine combination of flavors. The avocado mash is rich and creamy, but it also gets freshness from cilantro, complexity from cumin, and acidity from lime. To that mash you'll add grilled red onion, which has a nice sweetness and delicate char. The star of the show, of course, is grilled local corn that is packed with sweetness and juiciness.
Ready to dive in? Once you start making this grilled corn guacamole, you may never want to go back to plain guac again.
This unique grilled corn guacamole is easy to make, especially if you grill the veggies in advance. You'll just cut the onion into rounds and remove the husks from the corn, then grill both until tender and lightly charred. Let the veggies cool, chop the onion and cut the corn from the cob, and stir them into a simple avocado mash with lime juice, cilantro, sea salt, and a bit of cumin.
As written, the recipe uses four avocados and yields enough for 6-8 appetizer sized servings. You can easily scale up or down as needed.
You'll notice that this guacamole with corn omits many of the common add-ins (tomatoes, raw onions, garlic, jalapeno, etc.). That's because I've created this guac version to feel fresh and summery rather than super-savory. That said, you can certainly experiment with adding whatever other guacamole ingredients you typically enjoy.
Like things spicy? You can easily add some heat into this summery guacamole with corn. Feel free to stir in finely chopped or very thinly sliced fresh, grilled, and/or pickled jalapenos, adjusting the heat level to your own tastes. Because corn and red onion both have some sweetness (especially when grilled), adding some heat balances the flavors nicely.
As written, this recipe is vegan. However, if you want to turn this simple guacamole with corn into Mexican street corn guacamole, try stirring in a quarter cup of crumbled cotija cheese. Feta could also work if you can't find cotija.
Because avocados brown quickly, I don't suggest making this grilled corn guacamole ahead of time. However, if you grill the veggies a day in advance (just store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator), the final assembly will take only a few minutes. If the guacamole will need to sit out for a short amount of time (up to 30-60 minutes), try brushing the surface with additional lime juice and then covering it with a layer of plastic wrap.
If you enjoy exploring different guacamole variations, then you've come to the right place. If you have access to an assortment of tropical fruit, then you'll love this tropical fruit guacamole; it's perfect for a summer picnic on the beach. Similarly, this simple pineapple guacamole has tropical vibes that are wonderful for the warmer months.
Winter time? That's ok, guacamole works great all year round. This caramelized onion guacamole has a cozier feel and is great for winter weekends. For November and December, this holiday guacamole with pomegranate and figs is a show-stealing appetizer.
Like more texture? Avocado also works great in salsa, especially alongside other fruit. Check out this fruit salsa guide for tips, ideas, and examples.
Here's what you'll need for this guacamole with corn, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
How will YOU enjoy this easy and flavorful grilled corn guacamole? Although it's wonderful with veggies and chips for dipping, there are many other ways to savor it. Try scooping it onto a salad or dolloping it on top of tacos or even black bean burgers. Thanks to the corn, it can pair with a wide variety of dishes including Mexican fare or summery classics.
The photos in this post depict our ideal date night at home: cocktails (you'll see my favorite Planter's Punch in some of them) and casual finger foods. It's the best way to spend a Friday evening after a long week. I hope you'll enjoy this guacamole with corn as much as my husband and I do!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Grilled Corn, Strawberry, and Avocado Salad
Rainbow Mexican Black Bean Salad
Guacamole gets a BBQ-appropriate update with the addition of everyone's favorite summer veggie: corn on the cob. This grilled corn guacamole is exactly what you'll want at every party this season.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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