Grinch Guacamole

He may be a mean one, but this Grinch guacamole is sure to bring big smiles to any holiday table. Our whimsical snack board is just as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s a festive project kids will love helping with.

Creamy, bright green guacamole forms the base of the cartoon-like Grinch face. You’ll recreate the red and white trim of a Santa hat using cherry tomatoes and salty Cotija cheese crumbles. Add American cheese, colorful olives and red bell pepper strips to create a mischievous Grinchy expression. This festive appetizer is perfect for holiday parties, family movie nights or even after-school snacking.

How to Make Grinch Guacamole

Foods to include

• Guacamole: This crowd-favorite dip is the perfect shade of Grinch green. Homemade guacamole gives you the freshest flavor and lets you customize the texture, spice level and mix-ins, but a high-quality store-bought version works perfectly for convenience.
• Cheese: We use two kinds of cheese—crumbled Cotija and American cheese slices—to add texture and playful details. Sprinkle the Cotija to resemble the fluffy, white trim on the Grinch’s Santa hat, and cut the yellow American cheese into shapes for his eyes. Can’t find Cotija? Swap in feta crumbles or shredded mozzarella.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bright, juicy little tomatoes make up the main part of the festive red Santa hat. For easier snacking, halve or quarter the tomatoes before layering them on the guacamole.
• Olives: Both green and black olives bring the Grinch’s face to life. Use pimento-stuffed green olives for his mischievous pupils and pitted black olives sliced into thin strips for his eyebrows.
• Bell pepper: Crisp, colorful slices of red bell pepper form the Grinch’s signature scowl and nose.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping and scooping the guacamole and toppings. For extra holiday flair, look for red and green colored chips. Feel free to add pita chips, crackers, corn chips or veggie sticks for additional color and variety.

How to assemble Grinch guacamole

Step 1: Spread the guacamole

Spread your guacamole onto a large platter or wooden cutting board. Use an offset or rubber spatula to smooth it into the shape of the Grinch’s face, rounding the top and chin. Don’t worry about being perfect—it’s meant to be playful!

Editor’s Tip: Grab a copy of the book or pull up a photo of the Grinch to help guide the shape.

Step 2: Build a Santa hat

Sprinkle a band of crumbled Cotija cheese across the top of the guacamole to create the fluffy brim of a Santa hat. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes above it in a triangle shape for the red part of the hat. Sprinkle a little mound of cheese at the tip of the hat for the fluffy pom-pom.

Step 3: Add the face

Use a cookie cutter or a paring knife to cut two oval shapes out of the American cheese and place them on the guacamole for the eyes. Top each with a green olive for the pupils, with the pimento end facing up. You may need to trim the ends of the olives so they stand upright.

Slice black olives into thin strips and arrange them above the eyes to create Grinchy eyebrows. Use thin strips of red bell pepper to form the Grinch’s nose and mischievous grin.  Add extra black olive slices to make a chin dimple and facial folds, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Kitchen scissors make it easy to slice black olives into neat, uniform strips.

Step 4: Serve the Grinch guac

Surround the Grinch face with tortilla chips and any other favorite dippers. Then, all that’s left to do is snap a photo and dig in!

How to Store Grinch Guacamole

Grinch guacamole and chips are best enjoyed fresh, since avocado can brown quickly and the veggie toppings can turn soft or soggy. If you have leftovers, remove the toppings and pack them in baggies or containers. Then, scrape the guacamole into a separate airtight container. Add water to cover the guacamole or press a piece of storage wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Store the guacamole and toppers in the refrigerator, and the tortilla chips in a sealed bag or container at room temperature.

Can you make Grinch guacamole in advance?

You can prepare Grinch guacamole ahead of time, but take a few precautions for the best presentation. Guacamole browns quickly when exposed to air. If you’re making it from scratch, prepare it no more than one day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered with a thin layer of water or storage wrap to keep it airtight and prevent oxidation.

You can also slice the toppings the day before and store them in separate containers in the fridge. It’s best to shape the Grinch’s face just before serving so the guacamole stays bright green and the veggies stay crisp.

How long can you store Grinch guacamole?

Leftover guacamole will last up to four days in the refrigerator when properly stored. It’s still safe to eat if there are a few brown spots—just scrape them off before eating it if they bother you.

Tips for Making Grinch Guacamole

Can you use store-bought guacamole?

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought guacamole works perfectly for Grinch guacamole and chips, especially if you’re short on time or need a last-minute party appetizer. Use it to shape the Grinch’s face, then add all the same toppings. Just be sure to buy enough to fill the platter or board you’re using.

How do you keep guacamole green?

Guacamole can brown quickly when exposed to air, but a few tricks will help keep it bright green and vibrant. If you’re making guacamole from scratch, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice—the acid helps slow browning. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep guacamole from browning by storing in an airtight container with a thin layer of water on top to create an airtight seal. When you’re ready to assemble the Grinch, simply pour off the water and give the guacamole a quick stir.

What kinds of dippers can you serve with Grinch guacamole?

Tortilla chips are a classic choice for scooping guacamole, but pita chips, crackers, corn chips and veggie sticks work, too. For the most festive display, offer a variety of brightly colored dippers.