Iowa Party Bites are savory, cheesy appetizers with a warm, biscuit base and a rich, flavorful sausage and cheese filling. They’re the kind of snack I love serving during game day, holidays, or family get-togethers—quick to make, easy to eat, and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how these bites come together in under 30 minutes and deliver that perfect mix of creamy, salty, and buttery. The biscuit cups make them portable and fun, and the filling is rich and satisfying. I can prep the filling ahead of time and even freeze leftovers, which makes them incredibly convenient for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground sausage (chicken, turkey, or plant-based all work great)
- Velveeta cheese
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
Directions
- I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin.
- In a skillet, I cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then drain any extra grease.
- While it’s still hot, I stir in cubed Velveeta cheese and mix until smooth and fully melted into the sausage.
- I flatten each biscuit slightly and press it into the muffin cups to form a base.
- I spoon the cheesy sausage mixture into each biscuit cup.
- I bake the bites for about 10–12 minutes, or until the biscuit edges turn golden brown.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes around 20 to 24 bites. I usually spend about 15 minutes on prep and 10 to 12 minutes baking, so everything’s done in roughly 30 minutes.
Variations
I like changing things up by using spicy sausage for a little heat, or adding finely chopped onions or peppers for more texture. If I’m out of Velveeta, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack works well too. Sometimes I mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
storage/reheating
I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I use a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave them for 30–40 seconds. They freeze well, too—I just reheat them straight from frozen in the oven for the best texture.
FAQs
What type of sausage should I use?
I like using ground chicken or turkey sausage. Plant-based sausage also works well if I’m making a meatless version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I usually prep the filling ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I just assemble and bake.
How do I keep the biscuits from sticking to the pan?
I always lightly grease the muffin tin before adding the dough, which makes the bites easy to remove once baked.
Can I use another type of dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough or even pizza dough can work in a pinch—just adjust baking time if needed.
What cheeses can I substitute for Velveeta?
I’ve had good results with shredded cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a mix of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella.
Conclusion
Iowa Party Bites are easy, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. I like how flexible the recipe is and how reliably tasty the results are. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just making a batch for family snacking, these savory little bites always deliver.
Print
Iowa Party Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate cheesy, savory appetizers made with buttery biscuit dough and a creamy sausage filling. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these crowd-pleasing bites are quick, easy, and freezer-friendly. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (chicken, turkey, or plant-based)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- While sausage is hot, stir in cubed Velveeta cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Slightly flatten each biscuit and press into the muffin tin to form a cup.
- Fill each biscuit cup with the sausage-cheese mixture.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until biscuit edges are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Spice it up with hot sausage or add diced onions/peppers.
- Substitute cheese with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cream cheese blend.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
- Freezes well—reheat from frozen at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *