Iowa Party Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Iowa Party Bites are a savory, cheesy, and meaty appetizer that’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings. These bite-sized snacks feature seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a flavorful filling baked in crispy mini phyllo shells or biscuits. Their convenient size and bold taste make them an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefcream cheesecheddar cheeseWorcestershire saucetaco seasoningscallions or chivesmini phyllo shells or biscuit doughsalt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Add Worcestershire sauce and taco seasoning to the beef and stir to combine.

Lower the heat and mix in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Stir in chopped scallions or chives, then remove from heat.

Spoon the mixture into mini phyllo shells or pressed biscuit dough in a mini muffin tin.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the shells or biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bites.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
Top with diced tomatoes or a dollop of sour cream after baking.
Mix in corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.
They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Iowa Party Bites ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of phyllo shells?
Mini biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, or puff pastry cut into rounds works well.

Are these bites spicy?
Not by default, but you can add spice with jalapeños or chili powder.

Can I serve them cold?
They’re best served warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature.

What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or mozzarella can be used for variety.

Conclusion

Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate savory snack—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick appetizer, these little bites deliver big satisfaction. Make a batch and watch them disappear in minutes!

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