Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon – ½ cup
- Jalapeño, finely diced – 1
- Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese – ½ cup
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
- Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese for added flavor and texture.
4. Assemble the Party Bites
- Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles or squares.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef-cheese mixture in the center of each piece.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Shape into neat, small bundles.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional: brush the tops with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara.
Chef’s Tips
- Even Cooking: Make sure the beef is fully cooked and drained to avoid soggy dough.
- Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the filling for extra freshness.
- Customizable Heat: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bundles and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked bundles on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
These Iowa Party Bites are easy to prepare, fully customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
