Description
Iowa Party Bites are delightful, cheesy corn and bacon-filled mini phyllo shells perfect for any gathering. Combining fresh sweet corn, sharp cheddar, crunchy red bell pepper, and optional crispy bacon with a creamy mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise, these bite-sized appetizers are baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Binding Mixture
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 24 mini phyllo shells or small cracker bases
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the bites.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sweet corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped green onions, and the cooked crumbled bacon if using. This blend forms the flavorful base of the filling.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: Add sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy, well-seasoned mixture.
- Fill Shells: Evenly spoon the prepared filling into the 24 mini phyllo shells or small cracker bases, making sure each is generously filled for perfect bite-sized portions.
- Bake: Arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the phyllo shells turn golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool slightly. Garnish each with fresh parsley for a fresh herbaceous note and serve warm to enjoy the melty, savory goodness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and consider adding finely diced mushrooms or extra bell peppers for texture.
- Mini phyllo shells can be found in the frozen section of many grocery stores; thaw slightly before filling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated in a low oven to retain crispness.
- Use fresh corn for best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well as convenient alternatives.
