Why Make This Recipe
Iowa Party Bites are perfect for any gathering. They are tasty, easy to make, and look great on a party platter. These small bites are rich in flavor, combining beef, bacon, and plenty of cheese to deliver a satisfying snack. Everyone loves them, making them a hit at parties or game day events.
How to Make Iowa Party Bites
Ingredients:
- 0.5 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 0.5 onion (finely diced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 24 mini phyllo shells (or mini biscuit cups)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream (optional)
- Green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the mini shells on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the garlic powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- In a bowl, combine the beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and optional mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Fill each mini shell with the mixture and top with extra cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving. Serve warm with dipping sauces, if desired.
How to Serve Iowa Party Bites
Serve Iowa Party Bites warm on a large platter. You can place a small bowl of dipping sauce, like ranch, barbecue, or hot sauce, in the center. They make a great appetizer or snack at gatherings.
How to Store Iowa Party Bites
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm.
Tips to Make Iowa Party Bites
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid soggy shells.
- You can mix in different cheeses based on your preference.
- Prepare the mixture ahead of time, and fill the shells just before baking.
Variation
You can add vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or jalapeños, for extra flavor and texture. If you want a healthier version, you can use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
FAQs
Can I use regular biscuit dough instead of phyllo shells?
Yes, you can use mini biscuit cups as an alternative. Just make sure to bake them according to package instructions.
Can I make Iowa Party Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Fill the shells just before baking for the best result.
What dipping sauces go well with Iowa Party Bites?
Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and spicy mayo are all excellent choices for dipping. Choose your favorite!
Iowa Party Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 lb ground beef Cooked and browned
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 0.5 onion (finely diced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 24 pieces mini phyllo shells (or mini biscuit cups)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream (optional)
- as needed Green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the mini shells on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the garlic powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- In a bowl, combine the beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and optional mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Fill each mini shell with the mixture and top with extra cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.