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Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky is the ultimate party appetizer that combines savory ground beef, spicy sausage, and melted cheese on top of crispy rye bread slices. This retro favorite has been delighting crowds at game day gatherings and holiday parties for decades, and once you taste the perfect blend of meat and cheese with a hint of spice, you'll understand why it never goes out of style.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 40 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 1 pound ground pork sausage regular or hot, depending on your heat preference
  • 1 pound Velveeta cheese cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 loaves cocktail rye bread about 40 slices total
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheets (2 to 3)
  • Knife for slicing bread
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and pork sausage. Break up the meat with your wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring there are no large chunks remaining. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining.
  2. Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out most of the rendered fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Return the skillet to medium-low heat before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and Worcestershire sauce over the cooked meat. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds to toast the spices slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste at this stage.
  4. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the meat mixture and reduce heat to low. Stir constantly as the cheese melts, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture with no cheese lumps remaining.
  5. While the cheese melts, position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and turn the broiler to high. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
  6. Arrange the cocktail rye bread slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the meat and cheese mixture onto each slice, spreading it almost to the edges.
  7. Place one baking sheet under the broiler and watch it carefully. The tops should become bubbly and slightly browned around the edges in 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the sheet as soon as you see golden brown spots forming, then repeat with remaining baking sheets.
  8. Let the Hanky Pankies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.

Notes

Make a double or triple batch of the meat and cheese mixture and freeze portions in freezer bags. When you need appetizers, just thaw, spread on bread, and broil for instant party food that tastes freshly made. Store assembled but unbaked Hanky Pankies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 days. Freeze assembled appetizers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.