Iowa Party Bites
These Iowa Party Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer made with frozen hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and bacon, baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hashbrowns (30 oz) Use a plain, unsauced product.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use mid-sharp or sharp cheddar for best melt.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Cook until crisp and drain on paper towels.
Seasoning and Binder Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dump the package of frozen hashbrowns into a large mixing bowl. Let them thaw for 10 minutes until soft and slightly pliable.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the thawed hashbrowns. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon and fold gently.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt and stir until evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this over the hashbrowns and gently fold until well coated.
- Scoop small portions and form them into compact bite-sized balls, placing each on the prepared sheet.
Baking
- Bake the bites for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the tray and let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Serve immediately while warm; they are best hot from the oven.
- Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the hashbrowns are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture. You can pair the bites with a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor.