Nutritious and Delicious Iowa Snacks: Perfect for a Healthy Gathering

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both flavorful and a little better for you, these Iowa Party Bites are a great choice. They’re cheesy, crunchy, and easy to love, making them perfect for game day, potlucks, or a casual get-together.

The filling is creamy and satisfying, but it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients like corn, cheese, and a touch of spice. They’re quick to put together and come out of the oven warm, golden, and ready to disappear fast.

Ingredients

10 oz. Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips
8 oz. cream cheese, cut into blocks
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
15 oz. can sweet corn, drained
4 oz. can mild or medium green chilies
1 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Arrange the chips: Place tortilla scoops closely together on the sheets, cup side up.
Mix the filling: In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, mozzarella, egg, corn, chilies, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fill the chips: Spoon a small amount of the mixture into each scoop.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with Parmesan if you’d like a little extra flavor.
Bake: Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Tips for Success

Use whole-grain tortilla scoops if you want a little extra fiber and crunch.
Swap in reduced-fat cream cheese if you’d like to lighten it up.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for more depth.
These are best served hot, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to bring back the crunch.

Why You’ll Love Them

These little bites hit the sweet spot between comfort food and mindful eating. The corn adds sweetness, the cheeses bring creaminess and protein, and the chips give you that satisfying crunch. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and always a hit at the table.