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Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

4.5 from 86 reviews

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.

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