Iowa Party Bites – The Perfect Appetizer for Any Gathering
Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. These bite-sized snacks feature a delicious combination of ground sausage or bacon, melty cheese, and flaky dough, making them perfect for game days, gatherings, or just a fun snack night. Easy to make and customizable, they’ll disappear in minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 bites (Serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb ground sausage or cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
- 1 package crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños, 1 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned or crisp the bacon and crumble it. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent roll or biscuit dough on a floured surface. Cut into small squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir in any optional ingredients like jalapeños, mustard, or green onions.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each piece of dough. Fold the edges over and pinch to seal.
- Bake: Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash before baking.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the bites and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg