Hanky Panky Appetizers are a classic party favorite featuring a rich, cheesy sausage mixture atop crispy cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need a simple yet irresistible appetizer. The combination of seasoned sausage, melty cheese, and a touch of spice makes them an instant crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just cook, mix, spread, and bake!
- Crowd-favorite – Perfect for parties, tailgating, or potlucks.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and freeze for convenience.
- Rich, cheesy, and flavorful – A delicious balance of spice and creaminess.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground pork sausage (hot or mild)
- Ground beef (optional for extra heartiness)
- Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage (and ground beef, if using), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low, add Velveeta cheese, and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Spoon the cheesy meat mixture onto each slice of cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- Bread Alternatives: Use baguette slices, crackers, or puff pastry.
- Bacon Twist: Add crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) appetizers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them unbaked, then bake when needed.
What’s the best bread to use?
Cocktail rye or pumpernickel is traditional, but baguette slices work too.
Can I use real cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes! Use shredded cheddar or a cheese blend, but the mixture may not be as creamy.
How do I make these extra crispy?
Bake them on a wire rack so air circulates underneath.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until crispy and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms add great texture.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli complement these appetizers well.
Can I make these without sausage?
Yes! Ground turkey or beef works, but sausage gives the best flavor.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! Just use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.
Can I double the recipe for a big party?
Absolutely! Just bake in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Hanky Panky Appetizers are a nostalgic, cheesy, and savory snack that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a football party, holiday event, or casual get-together, these bite-sized delights are sure to disappear fast. Make a batch, freeze extras for later, and enjoy this easy and delicious appetizer anytime!
Print
Hanky Panky Appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hanky Panky Appetizers are a retro party favorite made with a rich, cheesy sausage and beef mixture on top of toasted cocktail rye bread. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (16 oz) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 loaf cocktail rye bread (or party pumpernickel bread)
Instructions
-
Cook the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Drain excess grease.
-
Season & melt the cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar (if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
-
Assemble the appetizers:
- Arrange cocktail rye bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture onto each slice.
-
Bake or broil:
- Baking method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes, until the bread is slightly crispy.
- Broiling method: Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until bubbly and golden brown.
-
Serve & enjoy:
- Serve warm as a delicious party snack!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat before assembling and baking.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the appetizers, place on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Substitutes: Swap Velveeta for cream cheese + shredded cheddar for a different texture.