Name: Avocado Bacon Bites
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened.; 3 large avocados, cut into small cubes.; 1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp.; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar.; 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese.; 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped.; 1/2 cup sliced green onions.; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.; 1/4 cup diced red onion.; 1 teaspoon garlic salt.; 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1 teaspoon lime juice.; 1 cup buttermilk.; 1 large egg.; 1 cup all-purpose flour.; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.; Vegetable oil for frying.

A close-up image of crispy, gold-brown fried balls, with one cut open to reveal a creamy filling containing green ingredients and bits of bacon. | recipesbyclare.com

These little bites came from my last minute dinner party inspiration. I love how my favorite flavors cream cheese avocado and bacon come together in one perfect bite. My test kitchen smelled so incredible while making these I could barely wait for them to cool before trying one.

What Makes These Special

Every time I serve these at parties people ask for the recipe. Something magical happens when warm cream cheese meets fresh avocado and that crispy bacon crunch takes it over the top. Plus that golden crunchy coating is simply irresistible.

Your Kitchen Checklist

Avocados: Pick 2 ripe but firm ones they should give slightly when pressed.
Cream cheese: One 8 oz block left out to soften naturally.
Bacon: 6 strips of your favorite kind.
Cheddar cheese: Grate your own ½ cup it melts so much better.
Parmesan cheese: Fresh grated ¼ cup adds such lovely flavor.
Green onions: ¼ cup gives that fresh zip.
Red onion: Just 2 tablespoons finely diced.
Jalapeños: One fresh pepper seeds removed if you like.
Cilantro: 2 tablespoons fresh really brightens everything up.

Lets Start Cooking

First Up: Get that bacon perfectly crispy in your favorite pan. While it cools get all your chopping done the prep makes everything easier.
Bowl Time: Mix up your cream cheese until its smooth then fold in those gorgeous fresh ingredients.

Setting Up Your Coating Station

Flour: ½ cup in your first shallow dish.
Eggs: 2 large ones whisked with buttermilk makes them extra rich.
Bread crumbs: 1 cup seasoned just right.

A close-up of a crispy, golden-brown ball cut in half, revealing a creamy interior filled with avocado and bits of bacon. | recipesbyclare.com

Assembling Your Bites

Getting Shaped: Scoop tablespoons of your filling and roll into perfect little balls.
The Dipping Dance: Each ball gets its three layer coat flour egg crumbs repeat until done.

Cooking to Golden Perfection

Watch your oil temperature carefully around 350°F is just right. Drop them in a few at a time and let them get perfectly golden. Those two minutes feel like forever when your kitchen smells this good.

Serving These Beauties

Set out your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear. I love seeing which sauce becomes the party favorite usually its my spicy ranch but sometimes the honey sriracha wins.

Making Them Your Own

The basic recipe is just the beginning. Sometimes I add different spices to the coating or switch up the cheese blend. Last week I tried them with pepper jack and they were incredible.

Keeping Fresh

Store any leftovers in your fridge they stay good for a couple days. Just pop them in a hot oven to crisp up again and theyre almost as good as fresh.

A plate of golden-brown fried balls filled with creamy avocado and cheese, with one cut open to reveal its green interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Freezer Tips

Make a double batch and freeze half before frying. They go straight from freezer to fryer just add an extra minute of cooking time. Perfect for surprise guests.

All About Texture

Getting that perfect crunch outside while keeping the inside creamy is all about temperature. Make sure your oil stays steady and dont crowd the pan.

Party Planning

These work perfectly for any gathering. I often make them for game days birthday parties or just weekend snacking. They pair beautifully with cold drinks and good company.

Making It Gluten Free

Simply swap regular flour and crumbs for your favorite gluten free versions. The inside is naturally gluten free so its an easy switch.

The Freezing Secret

That quick chill in the freezer before frying makes all the difference. It helps them keep their shape and prevents the filling from escaping.

A close-up of golden-brown fried balls filled with a creamy green filling, some of which are partially bitten open to reveal the texture inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Quick Sauce Ideas

Mix up some sour cream with your favorite hot sauce and lime juice. Takes just seconds but tastes like you spent hours on it.

Air Fryer Method

Pop them in your air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes flipping halfway. They get just as crispy with less oil.

Perfect Party Food

These are always the first to go at parties. Something about that crispy outside and creamy inside just keeps people coming back for more.

Common Questions

Can I use turkey bacon? Absolutely works just as well and makes them a bit lighter.
What about baking? Yes spray with oil and bake at 400°F they get nice and crispy.

Final Thoughts

These cream cheese avocado bacon bites have become my signature party dish. Theyre just the right mix of fancy and familiar. Give them a try and I promise theyll become your go to recipe too.

A close-up of golden-brown, breaded avocado bites cut in half, revealing a creamy filling with chunks of avocado and herbs inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?: You can prepare the filling mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The assembled bites can be frozen for up to a month, then fried directly from frozen.
→ How do I prevent the avocados from browning?: The lime juice in the recipe helps prevent browning. Make sure to cover the mixture tightly with plastic wrap and minimize air exposure when storing.
→ What dipping sauces work well with these bites?: Ranch dressing, chipotle aioli, or sriracha mayo pair great with these bites. The creamy sauces complement the crispy exterior and rich filling.
→ Can these be baked instead of fried?: While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Spray them with cooking oil first for better browning.
→ Why do they need to be frozen before frying?: Freezing helps the bites maintain their shape during frying. It also ensures the coating sticks well and prevents the filling from leaking into the oil.

Avocado Bacon Bites