My Iowa party bites are one of the most requested appetizers I make from family and friends. Crunchy tortilla chips filled with a warm creamy, cheesy mixture filled with flavor. I never bring them to a party without someone asking for the recipe.

If you need a delicious finger food for a party, game day, or snack, you have to try these Iowa party bites. Every time I serve them, people go crazy for how good they are, and they’re always one of the first things to disappear from the appetizer table.

I have made and tested this recipe many times and found that using canned fiesta corn is my favorite ingredient to use for these corn bites. The mix of corn and colorful peppers adds great flavor with a pop of color.

These bites are also so easy to put together and make about 36 so they feed a crowd. Warm, cheesy, and perfect for entertaining.

Want more delicious finger food bites, be sure to try these taco bites, ham puffs, and pineapple kielbasa bites.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• The best party appetizer. These bites are easy to pick up and eat.
• Easy ingredients. Make these with ingredients you might already have at home.
• Can be made in less than 30 minutes. You can prepare these in minutes.
• Make for a crowd. This recipe is easy to double for a larger crowd.

Ingredients

Iowa party bites are made with a few simple ingredients.

• Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips: These chips are the perfect vessel to hold the filling.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base of the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese gives this delicious cheese flavor. I recommend using freshly grated cheese if possible.
• Egg: This holds the filling mixture together.
• Fiesta corn: I use a can of fiesta corn which is a mixture or corn and peppers. If you can’t find fiesta corn, you can substitute with a can of sweet corn kernels.
• Green chiles: A can of green chiles adds mild heat and flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan adds an extra pop of flavor.

How to make Iowa party bites

Scroll to the bottom for the full ingredients and recipe instructions.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place Tostitos Scoops chips on a baking sheet.

2. Place softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, green chiles, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until combined.
3. Add the drained fiesta corn to the mixture.

4. Stir the mixture until combined.
5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each chip.
6. Top each chip with grated parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Serve these warm and enjoy.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Be sure the cream cheese is softened.
• Drain the fiesta corn well.
• Don’t put too much filling in the chip.

Variations

You can customize these bites to make them your own. Here are a few suggestions:

• Spicy corn bites – Replace the green chiles with a can of diced jalapenos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese – Substitute the mozzarella with monterey jack, colby jack, or a Mexican blend cheese.
• Fresh flavor – Try mixing in some diced green onions or fresh, chopped cilantro.
• Bacon – Mix in cooked, chopped bacon into the filling.

Storage instructions

Place any leftover corn bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer or in the oven.

I don’t recommend freezing them. They do not thaw well.

Frequently asked questions

More easy appetizers

• Bacon wrapped water chestnuts
• Turkey Roll Ups
• Bacon Crackers
• Salami Roll Ups