Iowa Party Bites Recipe
These savory, cheesy little bites are packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch-cheese filling, and optional spicy extras, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked until golden perfection.
Cheesy Ranch Beef Crescents
Ingredients
Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small |
| Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Dough:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough | 1 can (16 oz) |
| Butter, melted | 1 tbsp (optional) |
Optional Add-Ins:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked, crumbled bacon | ½ cup |
| Jalapeño, finely diced | 1 |
| Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack | ½ cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cream cheese and cheddar. Fold in any optional add-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Open the crescent dough and separate into triangles or squares. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each piece. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges tightly to seal, forming small bundles.
Step 5: Bake
Place bundles on the prepared sheet. Brush with melted butter if desired. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
