Description
Savory iowa fiesta bites blend midwestern comfort with zesty mexican flavors. Crispy corn tortillas topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh cilantro create a delightful party appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 10 oz (283 g) bag Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips
- 1 15 oz (425 g) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 4 oz (113 g) can mild or medium green chiles
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Crank the oven to a blazing 425F (220C), setting the stage for crispy, flavor-packed appetizers.
- Chip Arrangement: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and position tortilla chips upright, creating edible vessels ready to embrace a zesty filling.
- Flavor Fusion: Whisk cream cheese, mozzarella, egg, sweet corn, green chiles, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, cohesive mixture that promises tantalizing bites.
- Filling and Topping: Generously spoon the creamy corn mixture into each chip cup, then lavishly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, promising a golden, crispy finish.
- Baking Transformation: Slide the loaded baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, watching as the bites turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese erupts with bubbling excitement.
- Serving Finale: Rescue the fiesta bites from the oven, let them rest briefly to stabilize their molten interior, then serve these irresistible appetizers while they’re still warm and dramatically delicious.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Choose sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that won’t crumble under the cheese mixture’s weight – they’re the foundation of these bite-sized delights.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Crispy Golden Rule: Watch the bites closely during the last 3 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown cheese crust.
- Make-Ahead Hack: Assemble the fiesta bites ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness and minimal last-minute stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 364 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg