If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s packed with flavor and melts in your mouth, these Iowa Party Bites are the answer. Flaky crescent dough wraps a savory ground beef and creamy ranch-cheese filling, with optional spicy or extra cheesy twists for maximum indulgence.
Perfect for parties, game days, or any get-together, these bite-sized bundles are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Iowa Party Bites Recipe (Cheesy Ranch Beef Bundles)
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 small |
| Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 packet (typically 1 oz) |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Cream Cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crescent Roll Dough | 1 (16-ounce) can |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
Optional Add-Ins:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked and crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup |
| Jalapeño (finely diced) | 1 |
| Shredded Mozzarella or Pepper Jack Cheese | 1/2 cup |
How To Make Iowa Party Bites Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Add any optional mix-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble Party Bites
Open the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles or squares (if using sheets, do not unroll). Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each piece of dough. Fold over the dough, pinching edges tightly to seal, forming small bundles.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the bundles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear fast!
