Dinner

Iowa Party Bites Recipe

BySana Jeannette February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

Iowa Party Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any gathering. Crunchy tortilla chips are topped with a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked to golden perfection. These flavorful bites will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A close-up image of a woman’s hand holding a small bite-sized tart with a golden-baked, lightly crisp edge filled with a creamy mixture that shows yellow corn kernels, small spots of red and green vegetables, and melted cheese on top; in the background, several similar tarts rest on a metal tray placed on a white marbled surface, all sharing the same creamy filling and crispy crust texture spread evenly in small, individual portions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

36 Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips
1 (4 ounce) can green chiles

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 (15.25 ounce) can fiesta corn, drained

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, green chiles, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the drained fiesta corn to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Using a tablespoon, scoop the cheese and corn mixture onto each tortilla chip.
Step 5: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of each loaded chip.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
Substitute mozzarella with a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile.

Try using a mix of black beans or cooked bacon bits in place of or alongside the corn for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover Iowa Party Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degrees F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

A close-up image showing a woman's hand holding a small baked appetizer made of a light brown crispy shell filled with a creamy mixture colored yellow and white with visible corn kernels and bits of red and green vegetables. The appetizer has an irregular star shape with soft crispy edges. Several similar appetizers sit scattered on a silver baking tray beneath the woman's fingers against a white marbled background. The filling appears slightly browned on top, indicating it is baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have Tostitos Scoops?

Any sturdy, scoop-shaped tortilla chip will work well to hold the mixture. If you only have regular chips, try using smaller spoonfuls to prevent topping from falling off.