Iowa Party Bites: Cheesy, Creamy, Crunchy Appetizers Everyone Will Love
Looking for the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist? These Iowa Party Bites are your new go-to for game nights, potlucks, holidays, and backyard gatherings. Made with crispy Tostitos Scoops and filled with a rich, cheesy cream cheese and mozzarella blend, each bite delivers the ultimate combination of flavor, crunch, and comfort. Whether you’re serving kids or impressing guests, these little treats will disappear in minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz) bag of Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: sliced black or green olives, sun-dried tomato bits, or chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. - Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mozzarella. Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until creamy and smooth. - Fill the Scoops:
Lay out the tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet. Using a small spoon, fill each chip with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Don’t overfill to avoid spills during baking. - Add Optional Toppings:
Add a slice of olive, a pinch of sun-dried tomato, or a bit of green onion to each chip for extra color and flavor. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to bubble. The edges of the chips may brown slightly — that’s perfect. - Serve Hot:
Serve immediately while warm and gooey. These pair well with ranch dressing, hot sauce, or pizza dip on the side.
Serving Tips:
- Serve on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Keep warm in a low-heat oven if preparing in advance.
- Garnish with extra parsley or drizzle with sriracha for a kick.
Variations and Add-Ons:
- Swap mozzarella with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for bolder flavor.
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or sausage to the mix for meat lovers.
- Want a Tex-Mex twist? Mix in a bit of taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
Nutrition Estimate (per bite):
- Calories: ~70
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: <1g
Conclusion (Call to Action):
These Iowa Party Bites are the kind of recipe you’ll be asked for again and again. Quick to prepare and even quicker to vanish, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any event. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and make sure to double the batch — they go fast!