Rice Cups With Guacamole & Salsa
Description
These savory rice cups offer a delightful twist on traditional appetizers, combining crispy baked rice bases with a luscious, homemade guacamole topping. The rice is seasoned with cumin and red pepper, then baked until firm to create perfect edible vessels. The guacamole blend features ripe avocados, lime juice, fresh cilantro, onion, salsa, and sour cream for a creamy yet tangy contrast. This dish is ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a healthy snack. It balances textures beautifully and brings vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors to the table without the fuss of complex preparation.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Coat mini-muffin tins with vegetable cooking spray.
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In a medium bowl, combine hot cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, ground cumin, ground red pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
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Press the rice mixture firmly and evenly into each muffin cup, ensuring the base and sides are well-packed to hold shape.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rice cups are set and slightly golden.
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Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
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While rice cups cool, mash ripe avocados with a fork in a medium bowl until desired consistency is reached.
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Immediately sprinkle lime juice over the mashed avocados to prevent browning.
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Stir in minced cilantro, minced onion, prepared salsa, sour cream, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well blended.
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Fill each cooled rice cup with the guacamole mixture.
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Garnish each cup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a light sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 504.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21.7g34%
- Saturated Fat 13.4g67%
- Cholesterol 61.7mg21%
- Sodium 5418.9mg226%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.2g18%
- Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
- Sugars 0.4g
- Protein 22.8g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: These rice cups are best served fresh. If preparing ahead, store the baked rice cups and guacamole separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
Preventing Browning: To keep the guacamole green, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating.
Variations: For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free sour cream substitute.
Safety: Ensure avocados are ripe but firm for the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought salsa, check for freshness.