Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe
Hanky Panky Appetizers are a savory and indulgent party treat featuring a rich blend of ground beef, spicy sausage, and creamy Velveeta cheese spread over rye bread. These bite-sized snacks are broiled to bubbly perfection, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Broiling (Alternative baking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
Cheese Mixture
- 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, sliced
- Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)
- Cook the Meat: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned and cooked through thoroughly.
- Prepare Cheese: While the meat cooks, cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes for melting.
- Drain Excess Grease: After the meat is fully cooked, drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep flavors rich but not greasy.
- Melt Cheese into Meat: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the Velveeta cubes to the meat mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and evenly incorporated.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Arrange slices of party rye bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Assemble Appetizers: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, evenly distribute the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of rye bread, ensuring a generous topping.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for about 2–3 minutes until the topping is hot, bubbly, and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Alternative Baking: If preferred, bake the topped rye slices at 350°F for 15–18 minutes until heated through and bubbly instead of broiling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried parsley before serving to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use mild sausage instead of hot sausage.
- Velveeta can be substituted with processed cheese slices if preferred, but melting quality and creaminess may vary.
- This appetizer is best served immediately while the cheese is warm and melty.
- Can be prepared ahead by cooking the meat mixture and refrigerating; assemble and broil just before serving.
- Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning due to the sugars in Worcestershire sauce and cheese.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a pop of color and subtle freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Hanky Panky appetizers, ground beef appetizers, sausage cheese bites, party snacks, broiled rye bread appetizers