Description
Midwestern charm meets party perfection with Iowa Party Bites, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings zesty flavors and homestyle comfort to any gathering. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with local spirit, these irresistible morsels promise to delight guests and spark instant conversation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) butter, melted
Seasonings and Dough:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8-count)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, consistently breaking it into small crumbles and eliminating excess fat.
- Incorporate softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles, positioning a generous spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each triangle.
- Gently fold the dough over the filling, meticulously sealing the edges to create compact, enclosed pockets that prevent leakage during baking.
- Position the stuffed crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, delicately brushing the tops with melted butter to enhance golden coloration and ensure a crisp exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the crescent rolls transform into a rich, golden-brown color and achieve complete doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before serving warm with complementary dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for varied dietary preferences.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium ranch seasoning and selecting lean meat with minimal added salt.
- Create vegetarian version by replacing meat with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for protein-packed filling.
- Prep ahead by assembling bites and refrigerating before baking, which helps maintain structural integrity and enhances flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg