Cream Cheese Avocado Bacon Bites (Print version)
Crispy fried avocado bites packed with cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeño. A standout party appetizer that goes fast.
# Ingredients:
For the filling
01 -
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
02 -
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
03 -
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
04 -
1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
05 -
2 ripe avocados, diced
06 -
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
07 -
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
08 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
09 -
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
10 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the coating
13 -
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
14 -
1 large egg
15 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
16 -
1 1/2 cups (90 g) plain breadcrumbs
17 -
Vegetable oil for frying
For serving
18 -
Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo for dipping (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Fry the bacon strips until fully crisp, about 8-10 minutes, then drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
02 -
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, bacon, green onion, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Gently fold in the diced avocado so the chunks stay intact. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to shape.
04 -
Place flour in a shallow bowl. Whisk the egg and buttermilk together in a second bowl. Put breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
05 -
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chilled filling and roll into a ball. Dredge each ball in flour, then the buttermilk mixture, then breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
06 -
Freeze the coated balls on the baking sheet for about 1 hour so they hold their shape during frying.
07 -
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or cast iron skillet to 350°F. Fry in batches of 6-8 balls, turning often, for about 2 minutes until deep golden all over. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve warm for the best crispy texture.
02 -
Best consumed the same day they are fried.