Iowa Party Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Moderate

Description

These Iowa Party Bites are the perfect savory appetizer for any gathering! Made with a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a flaky crescent roll crust, these bite-sized snacks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for game days, potlucks, or holiday parties.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Dough:

• 2 (8-oz) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough

For Topping (Optional):

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat.

2. Add onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions soften.

3. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Party Bites

1. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.

2. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.

3. Press each piece into the mini muffin tin, stretching slightly to form a cup.

4. Fill each cup with 1 tbsp of the beef mixture.

5. (Optional) Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

• Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve warm with ranch dressing, sour cream, or hot sauce for dipping.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Bite)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

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Variations

• Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling.

• Cheesy Twist: Mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Turkey Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.

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Final Thoughts

These Iowa Party Bites are a guaranteed hit—easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a big game watch party or a casual get-together, these savory bites will disappear fast!