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I'm so excited to share these little bites of heaven with you. My corn and cheese party bites are the snack everyone begs me to bring to gatherings. They're these adorable tortilla scoops filled with the most incredible cheesy corn mixture. I swear they disappear within minutes at every party. The best part? They only take 30 minutes to make.
Why These Are Always a Hit
I've been making these party bites for years and let me tell you they never fail to impress. The combination of crunchy tortilla scoops and that warm gooey filling is just irresistible. They're my go-to for game days and holiday parties because they're so easy to throw together. Plus everyone can just grab and munch while socializing.
What You'll Need
- Tortilla chip scoops: Get extra because you know you'll snack while cooking
- Cream cheese: One block left out to soften makes it super creamy
- Egg: Just one large egg to hold everything together
- Corn: A cup of sweet corn adds the perfect pop
- Diced green chiles: Half a cup gives just enough kick
- Mozzarella cheese: A cup of shredded goodness any cheese works really
- Salt and pepper: Season it how you like it
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon makes everything better
- Parmesan cheese: Quarter cup for that perfect topping
Let's Make These Together
- Get Your Oven Ready
- First thing I do is heat the oven to 425°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper it makes cleanup so much easier. Arrange those little tortilla scoops like soldiers ready for duty
- Mix the Good Stuff
- Grab a bowl and mix your softened cream cheese with the egg until it's smooth. Then throw in your corn green chiles shredded cheese and seasonings. I just use a spoon and mix until everything looks happy together
- Fill Em Up
- Now comes the fun part. Spoon that cheesy mixture into each scoop. Don't be shy fill them up good. Sprinkle some parmesan on top it gets nice and golden
- Time to Bake
- Pop them in the oven for about 12 minutes until they're all bubbly. I like to turn on the broiler for just a minute at the end watch them like a hawk though they can burn quick
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Switch Things Up
- Add Some Heat: Sometimes I use spicy chiles or throw in some diced jalapeños when I'm feeling brave
- Play with Cheese: Try different cheeses whatever you've got in the fridge works great
- Make it Extra: A little hot sauce or fresh cilantro on top takes these to the next level
My Best Kitchen Secrets
Let me share some tricks I've learned along the way. Always buy extra scoops because there are always some broken ones in the bag. Take that cream cheese out early so it's really soft. The corn and chiles need a good drain or things get messy. And I always shred my own cheese it melts so much better than the pre shredded stuff. Keep an eye on them under the broiler trust me I learned this one the hard way.
Prep These Early
Want to get ahead? I often make these up a few hours before my guests arrive. Just cover the tray with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. When everyone shows up throw them in the oven and they'll think you just made them. Nobody needs to know how easy these are.
Saving Some for Later
If you somehow end up with leftovers they'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. I love warming them up in my air fryer the next day for a quick snack. They crisp right back up like they're fresh from the oven.
Perfect Party Food
These little bites are my secret weapon for parties. I set them out with some dips fresh veggies and other finger foods and everyone goes crazy for them. They're just the right size for grabbing while chatting and the crispy cheesy combo gets them every time.
Make Them Your Own
Let me share how you can switch these up. They're already vegetarian friendly but sometimes I add diced avocado on top. Want them heartier? Throw in some shredded chicken or crumbled bacon. A pinch of taco seasoning in the mix gives them an amazing kick.
The Magic Behind These Bites
There's something about that combo of crunchy and creamy that makes these irresistible. The parmesan gets all golden and crispy on top while the filling stays warm and gooey. It's simple food done right and that's why everyone loves them.
What to Serve with Them
I love serving these alongside a fresh cucumber salad or my homemade guacamole. They're perfect with cold beers or margaritas if you're having that kind of party. Really they go with just about anything which is probably why I make them so often.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these party bites ahead of time?
- You can prepare the filling mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Fill and bake the tortilla scoops just before serving to keep them crispy.
- → What can I substitute for the green chilis?
- You can use fresh diced jalapeños for more heat, or finely diced bell peppers for a milder taste. You could also skip them entirely if you prefer.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, you can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. The parmesan adds nice flavor but can be replaced with Romano or Asiago.
- → How do I store leftover party bites?
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
- → Why did my tortilla scoops get soggy?
- Make sure to drain the corn and chilis thoroughly before mixing. Excess moisture can make the scoops soggy. Also, avoid overfilling the scoops with the mixture.