Iowa Party Bites
These Iowa Party Bites are a classic Midwestern appetizer—savory, cheesy, and perfect for gatherings, game nights, or quick snacks. They’re made with simple ingredients and baked into little bite-sized pieces that disappear fast at parties!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 loaf party rye bread (or cocktail rye bread)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Cook the beef mixture:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease and let it cool slightly. - Mix the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. - Prepare the bread:
Arrange the rye bread slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. - Assemble the bites:
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture onto each slice of bread. Spread it evenly so it covers the top. - Bake:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are bubbly and lightly golden. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- These bites also freeze well before baking—just bake straight from frozen and add a few extra minutes.
- Try using pepper jack cheese if you want a spicy kick.
Perfect for: parties, potlucks, game day snacks, or quick appetizers.