Hanky Panky Recipe

If you’re looking to craft a crowd-pleasing appetizer, the Hanky Panky recipe is a must-try.

You’ll begin by gathering kitchen essentials: a skillet, baking sheet, and spatula.

Precisely measure out ground beef, pork sausage, and Velveeta cheese.

Brown the meats over medium heat, ensuring even cooking.

Blend in the cheese until smooth and savory.

Curious about the next steps to perfect this appetizer? Let’s dive deeper into the process.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Skillet
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 loaf rye cocktail bread
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook & Prep Time

To create an efficient timeline for preparing the Hanky Panky appetizer, consider the following steps based on the provided prep and cook times:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Read through the recipe to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment.
   • Set out the skillet, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, baking sheet, and oven.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes)
   • Chop the Velveeta cheese into cubes.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Cooking Time (15 minutes)
   • Browning Meat (5-7 minutes):
   • Heat the skillet over medium heat.
   • Add ground beef and pork sausage to the skillet.
   • Cook until browned, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
   • Draining & Melting Cheese (3-5 minutes):
   • Drain excess fat from the skillet.
   • Add Velveeta cheese cubes to the meat mixture.
   • Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
   • Seasoning (2 minutes):
   • Mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
   • Stir well to combine.
4. Assembly & Baking (10-15 minutes)
   • Arrange slices of rye cocktail bread on a baking sheet.
   • Spoon the meat and cheese mixture onto each bread slice.
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbly.
5. Serving (2 minutes)
   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
   • Let the Hanky Panky appetizers cool slightly before serving them warm.

Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and pork sausage over medium heat.

Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Add the Velveeta cheese cubes to the meat mixture and stir until melted.

Mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Arrange rye cocktail bread slices on a baking sheet.

Spoon the meat and cheese mixture onto each bread slice.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbly.

Serve warm.

Serving Tips

• Fresh Vegetable Platter: Serve alongside crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a revitalizing contrast.
• Pickles and Olives: Add a tangy and savory complement with a selection of pickles and olives.
• Mixed Nuts: Offer a bowl of mixed nuts to provide a crunchy texture variation.
• Simple Salad: Pair with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette for a invigorating palate cleanser.
• Fruit Skewers: Balance the savory flavors with sweet fruit skewers, featuring grapes, pineapple, or melon.

Storage

To store leftover Hanky Panky, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.

Freezing

To freeze Hanky Panky, arrange prepared bread slices with topping on a baking sheet.

Freeze until solid.

Then transfer to airtight containers.

Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

To reheat Hanky Panky, place the slices on a baking sheet.

Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Verify they’re heated through and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Hanky Panky appetizer is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

With its savory meat and cheese topping on crispy rye bread, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.

The combination of ground beef, pork sausage, and Velveeta cheese creates a rich and flavorful topping.

Adding Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhances the taste even further.

The preparation is straightforward, and the use of cocktail rye bread makes for convenient bite-sized servings.

If you’re looking to add a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do the trick.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

You can make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef and pork sausage with 2 pounds of plant-based meat. Keep other ingredients the same. Follow the same cooking steps to guarantee the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your vegetarian version!

What Type of Sausage Works Best in This Recipe?

You should use a mild pork sausage for the best flavor balance in this recipe. It complements the ground beef and Velveeta cheese, ensuring a savory, cohesive mix. Avoid overly spicy or sweet sausages for ideal results.

How Can I Prevent the Bread From Becoming Soggy?

To prevent soggy bread, toast it before adding toppings. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place rye slices on a baking sheet, bake for 5 minutes. This creates a crisp base, maintaining texture during final baking.

Is It Possible to Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the rye cocktail bread with gluten-free bread slices. Verify all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels for hidden gluten sources to avoid contamination.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Appetizer?

Pair this appetizer with a fresh coleslaw for crunch, a tangy, marinated vegetable salad for acidity, or crispy, oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary. Balance flavors by ensuring sides complement the rich, cheesy topping without overpowering.

Hanky Panky Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Equipment

• 1 Skillet
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 loaf rye cocktail bread
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese cubed
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a skillet, brown the ground beef and pork sausage over medium heat.
• Drain excess fat from the skillet.
• Add the Velveeta cheese cubes to the meat mixture and stir until melted.
• Mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Arrange rye cocktail bread slices on a baking sheet.
• Spoon the meat and cheese mixture onto each bread slice.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbly.
• Serve warm.

Notes

For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you can’t find rye cocktail bread, cut regular rye bread into smaller pieces. The cheese can be substituted with any other smooth melting cheese for a different flavor. To save time, prepare the topping in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.