These Iowa Party Bites come together in about 30 minutes and are made using a one-bowl method, making them a quick appetizer or snack that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, perfect for using up leftovers or what you have on hand. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for those busy weeknight dinners when you just want something that feels cozy and satisfying!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Hashbrowns
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Black Pepper and Salt
- Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, and Dijon Mustard
Let’s Get Cooking!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Iowa Party Bites come out nice and crispy.
Take the package of frozen hashbrowns and place them in a large mixing bowl. Let them thaw for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and slightly pliable.
Once thawed, use your hands (yes, get a little messy!) or a spoon to break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the hashbrowns, distributing it evenly throughout. The cheesy goodness is what makes every bite heavenly!
Next, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the mixture, mixing gently so that it’s well incorporated. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, heavenly!
Now, toss in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until all the spices are evenly dispersed.
In a separate small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial, just wait until you taste it!
Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrowns and bacon, stirring until it’s all well combined and evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, nobody likes a mess later!
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into compact, bite-sized balls. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, lining them up like little soldiers ready for war!
Once all that goodness is shaped into bites, slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven, your kitchen will smell divine, and let the party bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve immediately while warm, or store them in an airtight container for later. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last long!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack or appetizer that feels like comfort food but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen! It’s super flexible, so you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. I’m a real sucker for anything that allows me to clean out the fridge while creating something amazing. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings. Honestly, my family can’t get enough, my picky 8-year-old even asked for seconds during our last get-together!
If you loved this Iowa Party Bites recipe, be sure to check out my French Dip Sliders, my Miso Roasted Delicata Squash Rings, or my Steakhouse Potato Salad! You won’t regret it!
Why This Recipe Works
Crowd-Pleaser
When hosting parties or family gatherings, you want dishes that everyone will adore. The Iowa Party Bites are deliciously cheesy and crispy, making them a guaranteed hit!
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can whip them up just before guests arrive. You’ll love how fast and simple it is!
Customizable
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Don’t have bacon? No problem! Want to throw in some diced jalapeños? Go for it! You can use whatever ingredients you have.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare the mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you don’t want to cook from scratch.
Comfort Food
These bites are loaded with flavors and textures, making them the perfect comfort food. Everyone will feel warm and happy after having just a few!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These Iowa Party Bites are fantastic as they are but would also pair beautifully with a side of ranch dressing or spicy ketchup for dipping. You can serve them as part of a game day spread, with cocktails at a summer BBQ, or even as a savory snack during movie night!
Storage
To keep your bites fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispiness. Pop them in the microwave if you’re in a rush, but just know, they’ll be a bit softer. But still delicious!
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked bites and pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready to cook. Just remember, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to their baking time.
I hope you give these Iowa Party Bites a try! With all their cheesy goodness and simple prep, they truly embody the spirit of comfort food. And trust me, your family and friends will be asking for the recipe again and again! Enjoy cooking and eating, a little extra warm love in your kitchen always goes a long way! For more Recipe Follow us in Pinterest.
Iowa Party Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, thaw the frozen hashbrowns for about 10 minutes.
- Break the hashbrowns into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the mixture and mix gently.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to the bowl and stir everything together.
- In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrowns and bacon mixture and stir until fully coated.
- Scoop small portions and form them into compact balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.