Iowa Party Bites are the perfect little snacks for any get-together. These tasty bites usually pack in a mix of hearty flavors like sausage, cheese, and sometimes a hint of corn or peppers. They come together in bite-sized pieces that are great for sharing and snacking without the need for utensils.
I love making these because they bring a touch of Midwestern comfort to the party. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, which makes me feel less stressed when guests arrive. Plus, I find everyone can’t help but reach for “just one more” once they start tasting these flavorful little treats.
Whenever I serve Iowa Party Bites, I like to pair them with a cold drink and some simple dipping sauces. It’s fun to watch people gather around the table, chatting and grabbing their favorites. They’re always a hit whether it’s a casual game day or a family gathering, and I think that’s what makes them so special to me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These add the creamy, rich texture I love in Iowa Party Bites. If you want a lighter version, try using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Breakfast Sausage: This gives the bites a hearty, savory punch. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or use cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
Cheese: The mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a good balance of sharpness and stretchiness. If you like stronger flavor, swap cheddar for pepper jack or add some parmesan.
Wonton Wrappers: These make a crispy shell and hold everything neatly. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use small pie crusts or phyllo dough, but keep an eye on baking times.
How Do I Get Crispy, Golden Wonton Cups without Burning?
Getting that perfect crispy shell without burning or drying out the filling is all about careful baking.
- Make sure to grease your mini muffin tin well – I use cooking spray. This helps the wonton wrappers release easily after baking.
- Press the wonton wrappers gently into the tin so they hold their shape but aren’t too thin or folded.
- Fill each cup about 3/4 full – this prevents overflow while baking and makes sure the filling sets nicely.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely after 12 minutes to catch the golden edges without burning.
- Let the bites cool before removing – this helps them firm up and stay intact.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – I find it makes perfect, evenly baked bites that hold their shape.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the cheese, sausage, and other ingredients easily.
- Soup spoon or small scoop – helps fill the wonton cups evenly without spills.
- Cooking spray or brush – for greasing the muffin tin to help remove the bites effortlessly.
- Oven – to get that crispy, golden finish on the wonton shells.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon instead of sausage for a smoky flavor — it adds a crispy texture too.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or peppers for a spicy kick, perfect if you like some heat.
- Replace some of the cheeses with pepper jack or a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add cooked, crumbled ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, milder taste.
How to Make Iowa Party Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Assembly:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Optional:
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salsa or ranch dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great quick snack to get ready for your party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and chopped green onions. Mix everything well so all the flavors combine.
2. Assemble the Wonton Cups:
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pressing it down and folding up the edges to form a cup shape.
3. Fill and Bake:
Spoon the cheese and sausage mixture evenly into each wonton cup, filling about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the wonton wrappers turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Cool, Garnish, and Serve:
Remove the tray from the oven and allow the Iowa Party Bites to cool slightly before carefully taking them out of the muffin tin. If you like, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with chips and salsa or ranch dressing for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for Iowa Party Bites?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but be sure to fully thaw and cook it before mixing it into the filling. This ensures even cooking and avoids extra moisture in the bites.
Can I Make Iowa Party Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bites and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Substitute Wonton Wrappers?
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, small tortilla rounds or phyllo dough can work in a pinch, though baking time may vary and texture will be slightly different.