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Hanky Panky Appetizers Recipe

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4 from 44 reviews

Hanky Panky Appetizers are a hearty and satisfying bite-sized snack featuring a savory blend of ground beef, spicy sausage, and creamy melted Velveeta cheese, served atop rye bread and broiled to bubbly perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual get-togethers, these flavorful appetizers combine simple ingredients with easy preparation to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Meat and Cheese Mixture

  • 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

Bread Base

  • 1 loaf party rye bread

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped parsley (fresh or dried)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meats: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Prepare the Cheese: While the meat cooks, cut the Velveeta into cubes for easier melting.
  3. Drain Fat and Melt Cheese: Drain the majority of the grease from the cooked meat, then add the Velveeta cubes back into the skillet. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth mixture.
  4. Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt until evenly combined, enhancing the flavor of the cheesy meat filling.
  5. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with slices of rye bread arranged in a single layer.
  6. Assemble the Appetizers: Spoon a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the meat and cheese mixture onto each slice of rye bread, spreading slightly.
  7. Broil Until Bubbly: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for about 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, until the topping is hot and bubbly. If you prefer, you may bake instead at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh or dried chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Keep a close eye while broiling as the cheese can burn quickly.
  • Using freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor, but dried parsley works fine as well.
  • For a milder appetizer, use mild sausage instead of hot sausage.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated briefly in the oven or microwave.
  • Substitute rye bread with another sturdy bread if preferred, like sourdough or French bread.