Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings. These little bite-sized wonders are filled with savory sausage, cheese, and a blend of spices, making them irresistible for guests of all ages. They’re simple to prepare but packed with flavors that everyone will love.
These bite-sized appetizers feature crescent roll dough wrapped around a seasoned sausage filling, creating a delicious, golden brown exterior. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, Iowa Party Bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients (Makes about 24 bites)
- Ground breakfast sausage – 450 g (1 lb)
- Cream cheese (softened) – 225 g (8 oz)
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 100 g (1 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 100 g (1 cup)
- Garlic powder – ½ tsp
- Onion powder – ½ tsp
- Chili powder – ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Crescent roll dough (refrigerated) – 1 package (8 oz)
- Parsley (fresh, chopped) – 2 tbsp (for garnish, optional)
- Dipping sauce (optional):
- Ranch dressing – ½ cup
- BBQ sauce – ½ cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In the same bowl with the sausage, add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper.
- Stir well until all ingredients are combined into a smooth filling.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.
- Pinch together any perforations in the dough to make it one continuous sheet for each triangle.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll up the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end and working your way to the tip, forming small bite-sized rolls.
- Place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Party Bites
- Bake the Iowa Party Bites in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) for a pop of color.
- Serve with ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve with Veggies – Pair the Iowa Party Bites with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber for a balanced plate.
✔ Mini Sliders – You can also serve these bites alongside mini burger sliders or pulled pork sliders for a fun party platter.
✔ Finger Food Buffet – These bites are perfect for a buffet-style dinner with other finger foods like wings, sliders, and dip.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 24 Bites)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Iowa Party Bites
✔ Make Ahead – You can prepare the bites up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then bake them just before serving.
✔ Spicy Version – Add a bit of jalapeño or hot sauce to the filling for an extra spicy kick.
✔ Frozen Sausage – If using frozen sausage, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to get a better texture in your bites.
✔ Cream Cheese Texture – For a smoother filling, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
✔ Mini Party Bites – If you prefer even smaller portions, use half the amount of filling and roll them up into mini bites.
Extra Additions for More Flavor
- Bacon – Add crispy bacon bits to the sausage filling for a smoky twist.
- Herbs and Spices – Try experimenting with other spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to give the filling a unique flavor profile.
- Pineapple – For a sweet contrast, add small chunks of pineapple to the filling for a Hawaiian twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the Iowa Party Bites and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Freeze? – Yes! Freeze unbaked Iowa Party Bites for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
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