Description

Iowa Party Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring crispy Tostitos scoops filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, sweet corn, and green chiles, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or game day snacks, these flavorful bites combine cheesy goodness and a hint of spice for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chips

1 (10-ounce) bag Tostitos scoops tortilla chips

Filling

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, drained
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Lightly grease two large baking sheets with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Arrange Tortilla Chips: Place the Tostitos scoops tortilla chips close together on the prepared baking sheets with the bowl side facing up. Use only whole chips to ensure the filling stays inside and does not spill out during baking.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to incorporate all the cheese, then add the large egg and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese, drained sweet corn, drained green chiles, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Fill the Chips: Using a spoon, carefully scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the bowl of each tortilla chip. Be gentle to avoid breaking the chips.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all the filled chips. Then, distribute the remaining 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping starts to brown and bubble.
Serve: Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Serve the Iowa Party Bites immediately while warm and enjoy their gooey, cheesy goodness.

Notes

Ensure the chips are whole to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Drain canned sweet corn and green chiles thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the filling mixture.
These bites can be prepared ahead by assembling on baking sheets and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before baking.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping if desired.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.