Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe
Introduction
Hanky Panky appetizers are a delicious and nostalgic treat combining savory ground meats with creamy melted cheese, served on rye bread. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a warm, flavorful bite that’s sure to please any crowd.
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
- Step 1: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
- Step 3: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes.
- Step 4: Once the meat is cooked, drain the grease off. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just remove the majority of it from the pan.
- Step 5: Add the Velveeta cubes to the skillet and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt until well combined.
- Step 7: Preheat your broiler to high.
- Step 8: Arrange slices of rye bread on a baking sheet.
- Step 9: Place a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto each bread slice.
- Step 10: Broil the appetizers until hot and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to use the broiler.
- Step 11: If desired, sprinkle with fresh or dried chopped parsley after baking. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute hot sausage with sweet Italian sausage or remove some garlic salt.
- Use different bread types, like pumpernickel or sourdough, to vary the flavor base.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute sausage and beef with sautéed mushrooms and plant-based meat crumbles.
Storage
Store leftover Hanky Panky appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly to maintain the best texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meat and melt the cheese mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the appetizers just before baking or broiling.
What can I use if I don’t have Velveeta?
Velveeta melts smoothly, but you can substitute it with processed cheese like American cheese or a blend of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
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Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
Description
Hanky Panky Appetizers are a savory and cheesy blend of ground beef, spicy sausage, and Velveeta cheese served warm on rye bread slices. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for parties or casual gatherings, combining hearty meat flavors with creamy melted cheese and a touch of seasoning, all finished under the broiler for a perfectly bubbly topping.
Ingredients
Meat and 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
Assembly
- 1 loaf party rye bread
- Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)
Instructions
- 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 for even cooking and texture.
- Prepare Cheese: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes to prepare for melting.
- Drain Grease: Once the meat is fully cooked, drain the excess grease from the skillet. It’s not necessary to remove all grease, just enough to reduce excess fat in the mixture.
- Melt Cheese: Add the cubed Velveeta to the cooked meat in the skillet and continue to cook over medium heat until the cheese is completely melted and well incorporated with the meat.
- Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt into the melted cheese and meat mixture to add depth of flavor.
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler to high to get ready for toasting the appetizers.
- Prepare Bread: Arrange slices of party rye bread in a single layer on a baking sheet, ready to be topped.
- Assemble Appetizers: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesy meat mixture onto each rye bread slice, spreading it evenly.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler and cook for 2–3 minutes until the toppings are hot and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to use the broiler.
- Garnish and Serve: After cooking, sprinkle the appetizers with chopped fresh or dried parsley if desired, and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Ground hot sausage adds a spicy kick, but feel free to use mild sausage if preferred.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning; cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Velveeta ensures a creamy, smooth cheese texture; substituting with another cheese will change the outcome.
- These appetizers are best served immediately while warm and gooey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hanky Panky Appetizers, ground beef appetizers, cheesy rye bread snacks, party appetizers, easy broiled appetizers
