Iowa Party Bites are little pockets of deliciousness that always steal the show at any get-together. These bite-sized treats usually feature a mix of gooey cheese, savory sausage or beef, and a little crispy crust or breading that makes them so fun to pop in your mouth. They’re the perfect mix of flavors and textures—a little crispy on the outside, soft and tasty on the inside.
I love serving Iowa Party Bites because they’re so easy to eat with your hands and pair well with just about any drink or side dish. I usually like to make a big batch and watch them disappear fast! Plus, they’re great for customizing—sometimes I throw in a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick, or add some mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping. I always find that having a good dip makes these party bites even more exciting.
One of my favorite things about Iowa Party Bites is how they bring people together. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a lively weekend party, everyone reaches for these little snacks first. They remind me of good times and easy laughs around the table, sharing bites and stories. If you want something simple, tasty, and crowd-pleasing, these are the bites to go for!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the bites their creamy, rich texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. For a lighter option, try using light cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a nice bold flavor and melts well. You can swap in Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if you want a milder taste.
Bacon: Gives the smoky, savory punch. If you prefer, use cooked sausage or diced ham. For a vegetarian version, try smoked tempeh or omit it entirely.
Wonton Wrappers: These form the crispy edible cups. If you can’t find them, mini phyllo shells or even small tortilla cups can work as substitutes.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Wonton Cups Without Burning?
Using wonton wrappers in a mini muffin tin creates the crispy shells, but you’ll want to watch the oven closely to avoid burning.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Press wonton wrappers gently into muffin tin wells to avoid tears.
- Check baked cups at 12 minutes; they should be golden but not too dark.
- If edges brown too fast, loosely tent tin with foil partway through baking.
- Let cups cool in the pan for a few minutes so they firm up before removing.
This care ensures crispy cups that hold all the tasty filling without becoming burnt or soggy—perfect for party bites everyone will enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – I use it because it helps shape the wonton cups evenly and holds the bites in place while baking.
- Mixing bowls – a medium bowl makes it easy to stir together the cheesy filling.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate amounts of cheese, bacon, and seasonings.
- Oven – essential for crisping up the wonton wrappers and cooking the bites thoroughly.
- Spatula or spoon – for filling the wonton cups smoothly and evenly.
- Cooling rack – helps the bites cool quickly and keeps them crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked sausage or diced ham instead of bacon for a different savory flavor.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or pepper jack cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Swap sour cream for guacamole or a drizzle of ranch dressing when serving for a change in dip options.
Iowa Party Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 24 wonton wrappers (for the cups)
- Sour cream, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups, and then 12-15 minutes to bake them until crispy and golden. Plan for about 25 minutes total so you’ve got plenty of time for baking and a little cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wonton Cups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Press each wonton wrapper gently into the muffin tin wells to form little cups. Be careful not to tear them.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (reserve a little for garnish if you like), chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
3. Fill and Bake:
Spoon the cheese and bacon mixture evenly into each wonton cup. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the wrappers are golden and the filling is bubbly and set.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Let the bites cool a bit before removing from the muffin tin. Add a small dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of reserved bacon, and some chopped green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Oven
- Spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage or diced ham for a different savory twist.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
- Top with Parmesan or pepper jack cheese before baking for extra flavor.
- Try guacamole or ranch dressing instead of sour cream for dipping.
Can I Make Iowa Party Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a minute or two if needed.
Can I Use Frozen Wonton Wrappers?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen wonton wrappers in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Keep them covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any uneaten bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the cups crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
You can use cooked sausage, diced ham, or for a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or omit the meat altogether. Adding extra cheese or spices helps boost the flavor if skipping bacon.
