Here’s a fun and delicious recipe for Iowa Party Bites—a tasty appetizer that combines cream cheese, savory meat, and a variety of flavors in bite-sized portions. Perfect for parties or gatherings!
Iowa Party Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage, depending on preference)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package mini dinner rolls (or Hawaiian rolls, sliced into small bite-size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper (if using) and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and combined.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
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Prepare the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the mini dinner rolls (or Hawaiian rolls) into small bite-sized portions, but leave them connected in the sheet. Alternatively, you can slice individual rolls if you prefer.
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Assemble the Bites:
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese and meat mixture on the bottom half of each mini roll.
- Top each with the top half of the roll, pressing down gently to secure the filling.
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Bake the Iowa Party Bites:
- Arrange the stuffed rolls on a baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the filling is warm and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- These Iowa Party Bites are perfect as appetizers for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- Serve with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup, if you like!
These Iowa Party Bites are savory, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. They’ll be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy!
