Can I make Iowa Party Bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the filling 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best crispiness.

Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely—480°F for 5–6 minutes works great in most air fryers. Just watch those edges; wontons crisp fast!

Can I freeze Iowa Party Bites?

Freeze them after baking. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. They won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, but still incredibly tasty.

What protein works best?

All three—bacon, chicken, and beef—pair beautifully with the creamy cheese base. Bacon is the most popular, but chicken makes them a bit lighter, and beef gives them that tailgate energy.

Iowa Party Bites: 6 Irresistible Steps to Pure Joy

Name: Iowa Party Bites: Irresistibly Cozy Crowd-Pleasers (Just 6 Steps!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 wonton wrappers1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)4 oz cream cheese, softened½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)½ cup shredded mozzarella¼ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon onion powderSalt & pepper, to tasteChopped parsley or chives, for garnish; Optional Protein (choose one):½ cup finely crumbled baconOR ½ cup finely diced cooked chickenOR ½ cup cooked, seasoned ground beef

Description

These crispy, cheesy Iowa Party Bites are made with golden wonton cups filled with a creamy cheddar mixture and topped with bacon or herbs. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

24 wonton wrappers
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Optional Protein (choose one):
½ cup finely crumbled bacon
OR ½ cup finely diced cooked chicken
OR ½ cup cooked, seasoned ground beef

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Bake Wonton Shells: Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Bake for 6 minutes, until lightly crisp but not fully golden.
Make Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, half of the cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in your protein of choice.
Fill Shells: Add about 1 tablespoon of filling into each pre-baked wonton cup. Top with a little extra cheddar.
Bake Again: Bake for 8–10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and crispy.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

You can prep the filling up to a day ahead.

For extra crispy edges, add 1–2 minutes to the initial wonton pre-bake.

Bacon is the most popular topping, but chicken and beef both work wonderfully.

Best served warm, straight from the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American