Iowa Party Bites Recipe
Iowa Party Bites (Cheesy Ranch Beef Bundles)
These savory little bundles are the life of any gathering—packed with seasoned ground beef, a creamy ranch-infused cheese blend, and optional extras like bacon or jalapeño, all wrapped in golden crescent dough. Perfectly poppable and crowd-pleasing!
🧀 Ingredients
Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough | 1 (16 oz) can |
| Melted butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Optional Add-Ins
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked, crumbled bacon | ½ cup |
| Finely diced jalapeño | 1 |
| Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese | ½ cup |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until fully browned. Drain off any extra fat. Stir in ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and any optional ingredients like bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese. Stir well until creamy and evenly mixed.
4. Assemble the Bites
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles or squares. Add about 1 tablespoon of filling to the center of each piece. Fold the dough around the filling and press edges together to seal. Form into small bundles.
5. Bake
Arrange the bundles on your lined baking sheet. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops with melted butter (optional). Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the dough is fully baked.
6. Serve Warm
Remove from oven and cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo.
