Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

Introduction

Hanky Panky Appetizers are a comforting and flavorful bite-sized treat perfect for gatherings or game day. This savory mix of ground beef, spicy sausage, and melted cheese on rye bread creates an irresistible snack everyone will love.

Several slices of toasted bread form the base layer, each topped with a thick layer of cooked ground sausage mixed with melted yellow cheese, which looks gooey and golden brown with some crispy edges. Small bits of fresh green herbs are scattered on top, adding a touch of color. The toasts are arranged on a white marbled surface, showing a close-up view of the textured toppings and slightly crunchy edges of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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 the majority of it from the pan.
  5. Step 5: Add the Velveeta to the skillet, continuing to cook until it melts completely.
  6. Step 6: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt until well combined.
  7. Step 7: Preheat the broiler to high.
  8. Step 8: Arrange slices of rye bread on a baking sheet.
  9. Step 9: Spoon about 2 tablespoons 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 closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to broil.
  11. Step 11: If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For milder flavor, substitute the hot sausage with sweet Italian sausage or use all ground beef.
  • Try adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use your favorite bread if rye isn’t available, though the slight tang of rye complements the richness well.
  • Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning, as the cheese melts quickly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispness. Microwaving may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Several slices of brown bread are placed in a baking tray with a silver metal scooper adding dollops of a thick, chunky mixture that is yellowish-brown with visible bits of sausage or similar meat spread on each slice. Each slice has one mound of the creamy, textured mixture centered on it. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Hanky Panky Appetizers ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble on bread and broil just before serving for best results.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?

Velveeta melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture. You can try processed cheese blends or mild cheddar, but the texture and meltiness may differ.

Print

Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

Hanky Panky Appetizers are a delicious and hearty party snack featuring a savory blend of ground beef, spicy sausage, and melted Velveeta cheese served on rye bread. This comforting appetizer is quick to prepare, broiled to bubbly perfection, and garnished with parsley for a pop of freshness.

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Cheese Mixture

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

Bread & Garnish

  • 1 loaf party rye bread, sliced
  • 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 fully cooked through, breaking the meat up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
  2. Prepare Velveeta: While the meat cooks, cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes to ensure even melting later.
  3. Drain Grease: Once the meat is cooked, carefully drain off the majority of the grease from the skillet to reduce excess fat but don’t worry about getting it completely dry.
  4. Melt Cheese: Add the cubed Velveeta to the cooked meat in the skillet. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and blends into a creamy mixture.
  5. Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with slices of rye bread arranged in a single layer.
  7. Assemble Appetizers: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, place approximately 2 tablespoons of the hot meat and cheese mixture onto each slice of rye bread.
  8. Broil to Finish: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the appetizers are hot, bubbly, and slightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can bake them at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes if you prefer not to use the broiler.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley over the top for added color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute regular sausage for the hot sausage if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • If you don’t have Velveeta, processed cheese slices or another melting cheese can be used but the texture may vary slightly.
  • Broiling requires close attention to avoid burning; keep the oven door slightly ajar if possible.
  • These appetizers are best served immediately while warm and bubbly.
  • Party rye bread can be substituted with any sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread.

Keywords: Hanky Panky Appetizers, ground beef appetizer, sausage and cheese appetizer, party appetizers, broiled appetizers, rye bread appetizers

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