Iowa Party Bites Recipe

Introduction

Iowa Party Bites are crispy, flavorful little morsels perfect for any gathering or snack time. Made with hashbrowns, cheddar, bacon, and a tangy sour cream mixture, these bites are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen hashbrowns (30 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the frozen hashbrowns in a large mixing bowl and let them thaw for about 10 minutes until soft and pliable.
3. Step 3: Break up the hashbrowns into smaller, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a spoon.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the hashbrowns, ensuring it is evenly mixed in.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the mixture and gently combine.
6. Step 6: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt until the spices are well distributed.
7. Step 7: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
8. Step 8: Pour the sour cream mixture over the hashbrown mixture and stir until everything is well coated and combined.
9. Step 9: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
10. Step 10: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into compact, bite-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Step 11: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
12. Step 12: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the party bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Step 13: Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For added spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture before baking.
• Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner option while keeping the smoky taste.
• These bites can be made smaller or larger depending on your preference; just adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover party bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shape and bake the bites just before serving for the best texture.

Can these be frozen?

Party bites can be frozen before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Iowa Party Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

Iowa Party Bites are crispy, savory hashbrown balls mixed with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a flavorful blend of spices, bound together with a creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard mixture. Baked until golden and crispy, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings and parties.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 party bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 package frozen hashbrowns (30 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Dressing

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the party bites.
2. Prepare hashbrowns: Place the frozen hashbrowns in a large mixing bowl and allow them to thaw for about 10 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
3. Break up hashbrowns: Use your hands or a spoon to break the thawed hashbrowns into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and forming.
4. Add cheese: Mix the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the hashbrowns to add a rich, melty texture.
5. Incorporate bacon: Sprinkle in the cooked and crumbled bacon and gently mix it so it is well distributed.
6. Season: Add onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to the mixture, stirring well to disperse the spices evenly.
7. Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8. Combine dressing and hashbrowns: Pour the creamy mixture over the hashbrown and bacon blend, stirring thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
9. Line baking sheet: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
10. Form bites: Scoop out small portions and shape them into compact, bite-sized balls. Place each formed bite onto the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, baking for 20 to 25 minutes until the party bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
12. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving warm as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

• You can substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon for a vegetarian version but it will change the diet classification.
• Make sure to thaw the hashbrowns properly to ensure they bind well during baking.
• These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
• For extra flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Use a non-stick mat or parchment paper to avoid the bites sticking to the baking sheet.

Keywords: Iowa party bites, hashbrown bites, appetizer recipe, baked hashbrown balls, bacon and cheese snacks