Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

Introduction

Hanky Panky Appetizers are a classic crowd-pleaser, combining savory ground beef and hot sausage with creamy melted Velveeta on rye bread. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bite-sized treats are quick to make and irresistibly delicious.

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

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes.
3. Step 3: Once the meat is cooked, drain the grease off. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just remove most of it from the pan.
4. Step 4: Add the Velveeta cubes to the skillet and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and combined with the meat.
5. Step 5: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt until evenly mixed.
6. Step 6: Preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with slices of party rye bread.
7. Step 7: Place a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of bread.
8. Step 8: 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.
9. Step 9: If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute mild sausage for hot sausage or use all ground beef instead.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Use whole wheat or pumpernickel bread instead of rye for a different taste and texture.
• To make prep easier, assemble appetizers ahead of time and broil just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes, or use the broiler for a shorter time to re-crisp the bread topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat and cheese mixture and assemble the appetizers on the bread in advance. Refrigerate until ready to broil or bake.

What can I use if I don’t have Velveeta?

Velveeta melts smoothly and provides a creamy texture, but you can substitute processed cheese, cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar, or another melting cheese of your choice.

Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

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Hanky Panky Appetizers are a warm, cheesy, and savory bite-sized treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Ground beef and spicy sausage are cooked together and combined with creamy Velveeta cheese and flavorful seasonings. Served on rye bread and broiled until bubbly, these appetizers are quick to prepare and sure to be crowd-pleasers.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers (depending on bread slice size) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Cheese

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
• 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

Seasonings

• 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 completely cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Prepare the Cheese: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes for easier melting later.
3. Drain Grease: Once the meat is fully cooked, carefully drain off the grease from the pan, removing the majority but not needing to be perfect.
4. Combine Cheese and Meat: Add the Velveeta cubes to the skillet with the meat. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring until the Velveeta melts completely, forming a creamy mixture.
5. Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt to the melted cheese and meat mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
6. Preheat Broiler and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Arrange slices of party rye bread on a baking sheet, ready for topping.
7. Assemble Appetizers: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of rye bread, spreading evenly.
8. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese mixture is hot and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Alternate Baking Method: If you do not want to use the broiler, bake the assembled appetizers in a 350°F oven for 15–18 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley over the appetizers after baking to add a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Watch the appetizers carefully while broiling to prevent burning; broiler times can vary between ovens.
• If Velveeta cheese is unavailable, processed cheese alternatives that melt similarly can be used.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot sausage based on your preference.
• These appetizers are best served warm and fresh for optimal taste and texture.

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