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
Scale
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
