Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- Prepare the Cheese: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes for easier melting later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Broiler and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Arrange slices of party rye bread on a baking sheet, ready for topping.
- Assemble Appetizers: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of rye bread, spreading evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Keywords: Hanky Panky Appetizers, cheesy sausage appetizers, party appetizers, Velveeta recipes, hot sausage snacks, rye bread appetizers, easy broiled appetizers