Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

Introduction

Hanky Panky appetizers are a warm, cheesy, and savory crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering. Combining ground beef, spicy sausage, and melted Velveeta on rye bread, these bite-sized treats are quick to prepare and sure to disappear fast.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
• 1 lb. Velveeta
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 loaf party rye bread
• Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
3. Step 3: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes.
4. Step 4: Once the meat is cooked, drain the grease off. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just remove most of it from the pan.
5. Step 5: Add the Velveeta to the skillet and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
6. Step 6: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt until evenly combined.
7. Step 7: Preheat the broiler to high.
8. Step 8: Line a baking sheet with slices of rye bread.
9. Step 9: Place a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto each bread slice.
10. Step 10: Broil the appetizers until hot and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to use the broiler.
11. Step 11: If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried parsley after baking. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute ground hot sausage with mild sausage or add less Worcestershire sauce.
• Try different bread types like pumpernickel or a sturdy white bread if rye is unavailable.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
• Use shredded sharp cheddar instead of Velveeta for a sharper cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat and cheese mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the appetizers just before broiling or baking to keep the bread fresh and crispy.

What if I don’t have a broiler?

No problem! Simply bake the topped bread slices at 350°F for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

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4.6 from 149 reviews

Hanky Panky Appetizers are a delicious, savory bite-sized snack featuring a melty blend of ground beef, hot sausage, and Velveeta cheese atop rye bread. Enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and herbs, these appetizers are quick to prepare and perfect for parties or casual gatherings served hot and bubbly right from the broiler.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20–24 appetizers depending on bread slice size 1x
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Cheese Mixture

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
• 1 lb. Velveeta, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt

Bread & Garnish

• 1 loaf party rye bread
• Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the meat: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat up as it cooks into small crumbles.
2. Prepare cheese cubes: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes so it will melt evenly.
3. Drain grease: Once the meat is fully cooked, carefully drain off the majority of the grease from the skillet to avoid sogginess and excess fat.
4. Melt cheese with meat: Return the skillet with meat to the heat and add the Velveeta cubes. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese has fully melted and combined with the meat.
5. Season mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt evenly throughout the cheese and meat mixture for robust flavor.
6. Preheat broiler: Set your oven broiler to high heat to prepare for toasting the appetizers.
7. Assemble on bread: Line a baking sheet with slices of party rye bread. Spoon a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the hot cheese and meat mixture onto each slice.
8. Broil until bubbly: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the appetizers for 2–3 minutes until the topping is hot and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer a gentler heat.
9. Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh or dried chopped parsley over the top after broiling. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Hanky Panky Appetizers!

Notes

• Use ground hot sausage for a spicy flavor—mild sausage can be substituted for a less spicy version.
• Draining grease after cooking the meats is important to prevent the appetizers from becoming greasy.
• If you don’t have a broiler, baking at 350°F for 15-18 minutes works well to melt and heat the toppings thoroughly.
• Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor but is optional.
• For a crispier toast, you can lightly butter the rye bread slices before assembling.

Keywords: Hanky Panky, appetizers, party food, melted cheese, ground beef, hot sausage, rye bread, quick snacks, broiled appetizers