Description
Iowa Party Bites are deliciously cheesy, savory mini appetizers that combine sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoky paprika all baked in crispy phyllo shells. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these easy-to-make snacks are great for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Binding and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 24 mini phyllo shells or small cracker bases
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the party bites.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sweet corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cooked crumbled bacon if using. Stir these ingredients together to blend the flavors.
- Add Creamy and Spicy Elements: Incorporate the sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined, forming a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Fill the Phyllo Shells: Carefully spoon the mixture into each mini phyllo shell or cracker base, distributing it evenly among the 24 pieces.
- Bake the Bites: Arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells turn a lovely golden color.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven, let them cool slightly for about 3-5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with smoked turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Use fresh corn for the best texture and sweetness, but frozen or canned corn works well too.
- If mini phyllo shells are not available, small tortilla chips or crisp lettuce cups can be used as a base.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially the smoked paprika and garlic powder levels.
