Iowa Party Bites are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring hearty ingredients and bold flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
- A balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Customizable with different fillings and seasonings.
- Great for both casual and formal gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground pork or beef
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cream cheese, softened
- Jalapeños, diced (optional for spice)
- Green onions, chopped
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crescent roll dough or mini phyllo cups
- Egg wash (for golden crust, optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground pork or beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked meat, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- If using crescent roll dough, roll out and cut into small squares. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square and fold edges together.
- If using mini phyllo cups, simply fill each cup with the mixture.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden crust if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra jalapeños.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda.
- Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of meat.
- Bacon Twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bites for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble just before baking.
What type of dough works best?
Crescent roll dough and phyllo cups are both excellent choices.
Can I use sausage instead of ground pork or beef?
Yes! Italian sausage adds great flavor to the filling.
How do I make them crispier?
Bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for better airflow.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent dough or a gluten-free pastry alternative.
What’s the best way to serve Iowa Party Bites?
Arrange on a platter with dipping sauces for easy snacking.
How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and bake until the crust is fully golden and crispy.
Can I use store-bought filling?
Yes! Pre-made cheese spreads or sausage crumbles can be used in a pinch.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make a batch and reheat for a quick snack or appetizer.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Iowa Party Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer that will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve them as a game day snack or a party treat, these bites are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try this recipe and impress your guests with delicious, savory goodness!
PrintIowa Party Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy tortilla scoops filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, sweet corn, and green chiles, topped with Parmesan and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) bag Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can green chiles, mild or medium
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Lightly grease two large baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Arrange the tortilla chips tightly on the sheets, cup side up.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, sweet corn, green chiles, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Fill Chips: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each tortilla chip cup, filling them generously.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the filled chips.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops begin to brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, cheesy bites!
Notes
- Variations: For added heat, consider using hot green chiles or adding diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
- Serving Suggestions: These bites pair well with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping
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