These irresistible Cream Cheese Avocado Bacon Bites combine the creamy richness of avocado and cream cheese with the smoky crunch of perfectly cooked bacon, all nestled in bite-sized cups for the ultimate handheld appetizer. Far superior to anything you’ll find in the freezer section, these homemade bites deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress your guests at any gathering. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re as convenient as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of warm, crispy bacon with cool, creamy filling creates an irresistible texture contrast
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving
- Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors
- They’re customizable with various herbs and seasonings to suit your taste
- Much more economical than store-bought appetizers with fresher, bolder flavors
Ingredients
For the Cups
Phyllo dough sheets – Creates delicate, crispy cups that shatter beautifully with each bite
Unsalted butter – Brushed between layers for richness and to help achieve that perfect golden crispness
For the Filling
Ripe avocados – Provides creamy texture and nutritious fats that balance the richness of other ingredients
Cream cheese – Creates a smooth, tangy base that holds the filling together beautifully
Crispy bacon – Adds smoky flavor and satisfying crunch that complements the creamy elements
Fresh lime juice – Brightens the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning
Garlic – Infuses the filling with subtle aromatic depth without overpowering
Chives – Adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast to the filling
Salt and pepper – Enhances all flavors and provides perfect seasoning balance
Red pepper flakes – Delivers a subtle heat that cuts through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Phyllo Cups
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and lightly brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 4 layers. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut the stacked phyllo into 2-inch squares. Gently press each square into the wells of a mini muffin tin, creating small cups. The edges should extend slightly above the rim to hold the filling. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking the Bacon
While the phyllo cups are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces, ensuring they’re small enough to fit easily into the phyllo cups while still providing textural contrast in each bite.
Making the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mashed avocado, mixing until smooth and well incorporated. Add the minced garlic, chopped chives, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fold in three-quarters of the chopped bacon, reserving the remainder for garnish. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed, keeping in mind that the bacon will add additional saltiness.
Assembling the Bites
Once the phyllo cups have cooled completely, fill each cup with a generous spoonful of the avocado-cream cheese mixture. Top with the reserved bacon pieces and additional chopped chives for garnish. For the best presentation, arrange the bites on a serving platter with small sprigs of fresh herbs scattered between them.
Pro Tips
- For the crispiest bacon, start with a cold pan and heat gradually to render the fat properly
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest filling texture
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness
- Make the phyllo cups up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container
- For a time-saving alternative, use pre-made phyllo cups from the freezer section
Storage Tips
These Cream Cheese Avocado Bacon Bites are best enjoyed within a few hours of assembly due to the avocado’s tendency to oxidize and the phyllo cups’ propensity to soften over time. However, you can prepare all components separately in advance for quick assembly before serving. The phyllo cups can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The bacon can be cooked, chopped, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For the filling, mix the cream cheese with all ingredients except the avocado and lime juice up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to serve, simply fold in the freshly mashed avocado and lime juice, then fill the cups. If you absolutely must store assembled bites, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap makes contact with the filling surface to minimize air exposure, and refrigerate for no more than 4-6 hours. The lime juice will help prevent significant browning, but the texture of the cups may soften slightly.
Customization Ideas
These versatile bites can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. For a spicier version, add finely diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. To create a Mediterranean twist, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh basil in place of the bacon. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon. Seafood lovers might enjoy adding finely chopped smoked salmon or crab meat to the filling. Vegetarians can substitute the bacon with roasted, chopped nuts or crispy fried shallots for a similar textural contrast. During holiday seasons, try incorporating seasonal herbs like thyme or sage for a festive flavor profile. The phyllo cups can also be replaced with cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or hollowed cherry tomatoes for a completely grain-free alternative that’s perfect for low-carb diets.
Special Technique: Perfect Phyllo Handling
The key to exceptional phyllo cups lies in proper dough handling. Many home cooks struggle with phyllo dough, finding it tears easily or dries out too quickly. For perfect results, thaw your frozen phyllo in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature, which causes condensation that makes the sheets sticky. When ready to work, set up your station completely before unwrapping the dough: melted butter with brush, cleared countertop, and muffin tin ready. Cover the phyllo stack with a very slightly damp kitchen towel while working, but never wet, as excess moisture ruins the delicate sheets. Work with one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered. When brushing with butter, use gentle strokes from the center outward, and be especially gentle around the edges where tearing often occurs. If a sheet tears, simply layer it with another and continue—the multiple layers will hide any imperfections. For the crispest cups, avoid overfilling the wells of your muffin tin, as this prevents proper air circulation. Following these techniques ensures perfectly crisp, golden cups that provide the ideal vessel for your creamy filling.
Common Questions
Can I make these completely ahead of time?
You can prepare all components separately ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble just before serving. The phyllo cups will begin to soften once filled with the creamy mixture.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
The lime juice in the recipe helps prevent browning. For additional protection, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling if storing it separately.
Can I use wonton wrappers instead of phyllo dough?
Yes! Wonton wrappers make an excellent substitute. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
Crispy fried shallots, toasted pine nuts, or smoked almonds provide a similar textural contrast without meat. Smoked paprika can help replace the bacon’s smoky flavor.
How can I tell if my avocados are perfectly ripe?
The avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Remove the small stem at the top—if it comes away easily and is green underneath, the avocado is ready to use.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 8 slices bacon (about 8 oz/225g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and lightly brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat until you have 4 layers of buttered phyllo.
- Cut the stacked phyllo into 24 equal squares (approximately 2-inch squares). Gently press each square into the wells of a mini muffin tin, creating cups. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, then let cool completely.
- While the phyllo cups bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into small pieces once cooled.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mashed avocados, mixing until smooth. Add the lime juice and stir immediately to prevent browning.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the avocado mixture. Stir until well combined, then fold in three-quarters of the chopped bacon.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasonings if needed, keeping in mind the bacon will add additional saltiness to the final bites.
- Once the phyllo cups have cooled completely, spoon the filling into each cup, creating a slight mound. Top with the reserved bacon pieces and additional chopped chives for garnish.
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If not serving right away, refrigerate for up to 2 hours but be aware the cups may soften slightly.
- For optimal presentation, add a small herb leaf or a tiny drop of hot sauce on top of each bite just before serving to add a vibrant color accent.
- Serve at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop and the filling to maintain its creamy texture.
Notes
- Warm your cream cheese package in a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes if you forget to take it out early to soften
- Score your avocado into small cubes while still in the skin for easier mashing
- For perfectly uniform phyllo squares, use a pizza cutter with a ruler as a guide
- Brush your knife with oil before chopping bacon to prevent sticking