CREAM CHEESE AVOCADO BACON BITES

 

Ingredients:

For The Cream Cheese Avocado Bacon Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3 large avocados, diced small
• 1 lb bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup diced jalapenos (pickled, from a jar)
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• ½ cup 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 Coating:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2+ cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

For The Cream Cheese Avocado Bacon Filling:

1. Fry the bacon until crisp, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy.

3. Add all remaining ingredients except for the diced avocados. Stir until well combined.

4. Gently fold in the diced avocados. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

For The Coating:

1. Place flour in a shallow bowl.

2. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.

3. Place Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

4. Using about a tablespoon of the cream cheese avocado bacon mixture, form balls. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat evenly with the Panko breadcrumbs. Place coated balls on a baking sheet that fits into the freezer.

5. Flash freeze the coated balls for about an hour to help them hold their shape while frying.

Frying The Avocado Bacon Bites:

1. In a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully place 6-8 balls into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Turn frequently to ensure even browning.

3. Once golden brown, remove the fried bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Serve the avocado bacon bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

These crispy and flavorful avocado bacon bites make for a delicious appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing with friends and family.