Iowa Party Bites Recipe

### Instructions: How to Make Iowa Party Bites

#### 1. **Prepare the Sausage Filling**
In a large skillet, cook the **breakfast sausage** over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

#### 2. **Mix the Filling**
In a medium bowl, combine the **softened cream cheese**, **shredded cheddar cheese**, **chopped onion**, **garlic powder**, **black pepper**, and **Worcestershire sauce**. Stir until everything is well combined. Then, add the cooked sausage to the mixture and mix thoroughly. You should have a rich, creamy filling with a savory flavor from the sausage and the cheeses.

#### 3. **Prepare the Crescent Rolls**
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package (typically **375°F** or **190°C**). Unroll the **crescent roll dough** and separate it into individual triangles, following the perforated lines. You can also use **biscuits** if you prefer a fluffier texture.

#### 4. **Assemble the Bites**
Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the widest part of each crescent roll triangle. Roll the dough around the filling, starting from the wider end and pinching the edges to seal the filling inside. If you’re using biscuit dough, simply roll each biscuit into a small ball and press it flat before adding the filling and folding it over.

#### 5. **Bake the Bites**
Arrange the filled crescent rolls or biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave a little space between each one so they can bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the Iowa Party Bites are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped **parsley** or **chives** for an added burst of color and flavor.

### Tips for Perfect Iowa Party Bites

1. **Make-Ahead Option**: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before assembling and baking the bites. This is perfect for saving time on the day of the event.

2. **Use a Sausage You Love**: While breakfast sausage is commonly used in this recipe, you can also use spicy sausage, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different flavor twist.

3. **Add Extra Veggies**: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture.

4. **Customize the Cheese**: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier bite.

5. **Serve with Dips**: These party bites are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce, or marinara for extra flavor.

### Why You Should Try Iowa Party Bites

1. **Deliciously Addictive**: The combination of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and buttery crescent roll dough creates a flavor-packed bite that’s impossible to stop eating.

2. **Great for Large Gatherings**: Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, watching a game, or celebrating a holiday, these bites are a perfect addition to your appetizer spread. They’re easy to grab and go, making them perfect finger food for any occasion.

3. **Affordable and Simple**: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and affordable. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

4. **Quick Cooking Time**: With a prep time of only about 15 minutes and a bake time of 12-15 minutes, you can have these bites on the table in less than 30 minutes!

### Conclusion

**Iowa Party Bites** are a fantastic appetizer that’s sure to impress guests at any event. With their cheesy, savory filling and crispy, golden exterior, these bite-sized treats are always a hit. The best part is that they are quick, easy, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, these party bites will definitely steal the show. Try this recipe for your next event and get ready to see the plate disappear in record time!