Introduction
Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! Packed with savory sausage or beef, melted cheese, and a touch of Midwestern comfort, these little bundles are perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family gatherings. Their golden, flaky crust and cheesy filling make them impossible to resist — a true taste of Iowa hospitality in bite-sized form!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork sausage (or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tube (8 oz / 230 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground meat, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease. - Season:
Add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. Let it cool slightly. - Add Cheese:
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until the mixture becomes cheesy and gooey. - Assemble:
Unroll the crescent roll or biscuit dough and cut it into small squares (about 2 inches each).
Spoon a little of the filling in the center of each piece, then pinch or fold the edges to seal. - Bake:
Arrange the bites on your baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. - Serve:
Serve warm with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Storage Method
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.
- Freeze: Place unbaked bites on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen — just add 3–4 extra minutes.