Description
Creamy avocado, tangy cream cheese, smoky bacon,and shredded cheeses come together to form bite-sized morsels coated in crispypanko bread crumbs, fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or game-daysnacking!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Avocado Cream Cheese Bacon Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each of softened cream cheese)
- 3 large avocados (diced small)
- 1 lb bacon (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ cup red onions (diced)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1–2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 + cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced avocados, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, diced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, and red onions.
- Stir in the garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is evenly seasoned.
- Scoop small portions of the filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) and shape them into bite-sized balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, beat the buttermilk and egg together until well combined.
- Place the flour in a separate bowl and the panko bread crumbs in another.
Coat the Bites:
- Remove the avocado cream cheese balls from the freezer.
- Dredge each ball in the flour, then dip it into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally roll it in the panko bread crumbs, ensuring each bite is fully coated.
Fry the Bites:
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve the avocado cream cheese bacon bites hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy lime crema.
Notes
- Freezing Tip: Freezing the filling balls makes them easier to coat and helps maintain their shape while frying.
- Baking Option: If you prefer baking, arrange the coated balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze the filling balls in advance. Coat and fry them fresh for serving.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, chipotle aioli, or a tangy lime crema pair perfectly with these bites.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Fusion