Description
These Iowa Party Bites are the ultimate cheesy, meaty appetizer perfect for any occasion! Juicy meatballs are nestled into crispy tortilla shells, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. They’re quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and an instant crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 fully cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 12 tortilla scoops or mini taco shells
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for coating meatballs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Dipping sauces like ketchup, marinara, or ranch (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the meatballs – If using store-bought meatballs, heat according to package instructions. Toss in barbecue sauce if desired.
- Arrange the shells – Place the tortilla scoops or mini taco shells on the baking sheet.
- Assemble the bites – Place one meatball inside each shell and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve and garnish – Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use mini meatballs for easier portioning and eating.
- Mix up the cheese blend with pepper jack, gouda, or your favorite melting cheese for variety.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits or green onions on top after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes