Easy and Classic Hanky Panky Recipe (Quick Appetizers)

Introduction

Discover the enduring charm of a classic hanky panky recipe, a true party favorite. These savory bites feature a mouthwatering blend of seasoned meat and gooey cheese, perfectly spread over crisp party rye bread. This old-fashioned cocktail appetizer is incredibly quick to prep and simple to serve. Plus, you can easily make them ahead or freeze them, making entertaining a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Hanky Panky Recipe

You will quickly adore this delightful hanky panky recipe for many reasons.

• It’s effortlessly delicious party food that disappears fast.
• This appetizer uses simple ingredients to create maximum flavor.
• It is perfect for holiday gatherings, game day, or any casual get-together.
• You can easily customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.
• The recipe is freezer-friendly, allowing for stress-free future entertaining.

Ingredients

To make this fantastic hanky panky recipe, you’ll need just a few key components.

• 1 ¼ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 pound hot pork sausage, I used Jimmy Dean’s
• 1 pound processed cheese, I used Velveeta cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pinch fennel seeds
• 1 loaf thinly sliced party rye bread, sometimes called cocktail rye bread

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. For ground beef, ground chuck or even ground turkey are great alternatives. If hot pork sausage isn’t your style, try mild, medium, or sweet Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. While processed cheese offers the best melt, you can experiment with Fontina or Monterey Jack for a gourmet twist. If party rye bread is hard to find, cocktail pumpernickel or thinly sliced and quartered regular rye bread work beautifully.

Equipment

Gathering the right tools makes this recipe even simpler.

• Large skillet
• Potato masher or large fork
• Small ice-cream scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Instructions

Making this delicious hanky panky recipe is straightforward and fun! Just follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Hanky Pankies bake evenly and get perfectly toasted.
2. Add the ground beef and hot pork sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir and cook until the meat is thoroughly browned. Use a potato masher or a large fork to efficiently break up any large clumps of meat.
3. Once the meat has browned completely, it’s crucial to drain off any excess fat. This prevents your Hanky Pankies from becoming greasy. According to Best Food Facts, draining grease from meat significantly reduces fat and calorie content.
4. Next, add the oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and fennel seeds to the skillet with the drained meat. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Cut the processed cheese into cubes. Add these cheese cubes to the warm meat mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and everything is thoroughly blended into a creamy, savory topping. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Use a small ice-cream scoop (about 1¼ inches in diameter) or a tablespoon to add a generous dollop of the meat and cheese mixture onto each individual slice of party rye bread.
7. Arrange the topped bread slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted around the edges and the cheesy topping is bubbling invitingly.
9. Serve your warm hanky panky recipe bites immediately, or at room temperature if preferred.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the very best results with your hanky panky recipe, keep these tips in mind. Always use processed cheese like Velveeta for the optimal gooey, smooth melt that’s characteristic of this classic appetizer. Thoroughly drain all the excess fat from the cooked meat; this step is vital for a great texture and prevents greasiness. Ensure your meat mixture is creamy and well-blended, not runny, before scooping. Serve the Hanky Pankies warm to enjoy the full gooey cheese experience. If they cool, reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their delicious texture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These versatile little bites are perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious Hanky Pankies as a standalone appetizer or alongside other lighter appetizers. They also make a fantastic addition to a casual lunch when paired with a fresh green salad.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your hanky panky recipe! Transform it into a cheesy dip by adding a can of Rotel tomatoes and cooking it in a slow cooker. Adjust the spice level by using mild sausage and omitting the crushed red pepper. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds an extra layer of savory depth to the meat mixture. For guests with dietary needs, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread.

Topping Ideas

Garnish your finished Hanky Pankies with a sprinkle of freshly diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a fresh crunch. Sliced green onions or black olives add color and a mild zest. For even more indulgence, top with crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A small dollop of sour cream or salsa on each bite can also elevate the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Hanky Pankies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze unbaked Hanky Pankies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated Hanky Pankies in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. You can bake frozen Hanky Pankies directly from the freezer; they will take about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutrition

FAQ

• What are Hanky Pankies made of? Hanky Pankies are primarily made from a savory mixture of ground meat, pork sausage, processed cheese, and aromatic seasonings, spread over small slices of cocktail rye bread.
• Can you make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can easily prepare the meat and cheese topping up to 48 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the unbaked appetizers.
• How do you freeze unbaked Hanky Pankies? To freeze, arrange the assembled but unbaked Hanky Pankies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for storage.
• What can you use instead of cocktail rye bread? If cocktail rye bread is unavailable, you can use cocktail pumpernickel bread or thinly sliced and quartered regular rye bread as a suitable substitute.
• Is Pepperidge Farm party rye still available? No, Pepperidge Farm discontinued their party rye. However, many other brands produce similar thinly sliced cocktail rye bread options that work perfectly for this hanky panky recipe.

The origin of the Hanky Panky appetizer is often attributed to the West Side of Cincinnati, dating back many years.

Conclusion

This easy hanky panky recipe remains a timeless crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful blend of comfort and flavor in every bite. They are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive holidays. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these irresistible appetizers soon. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please rate and comment on the recipe after you try it!

Easy & Classic Hanky Panky Recipe (Quick Appetizers)

A classic and easy appetizer featuring a savory blend of ground beef, hot pork sausage, and melted processed cheese spread over party rye bread, then baked until bubbly and toasted. Perfect for quick entertaining or a satisfying snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 24 pieces

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 1 ¼ pounds ground beef
• 1 pound hot pork sausage I used Jimmy Dean’s
• 1 pound processed cheese I used Velveeta cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pinch fennel seeds
• 1 loaf thinly sliced party rye bread sometimes called cocktail rye bread

Equipment

• large skillet
• Potato Masher or Large Fork
• Small Ice-Cream Scoop or Tablespoon
• Cookie Sheet

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up clumps with a potato masher or fork.
3. Drain any excess fat from the browned meat.
4. Stir in oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and fennel seeds, then cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
5. Add cubed cheese to the meat mixture and stir until melted and thoroughly blended; remove from heat.
6. Scoop a dollop of the meat and cheese mixture onto each piece of party rye bread.
7. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbling.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 12gFat: 13gSodium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

Ensure to drain excess fat from the meat mixture for a less greasy result. For best flavor, use a good quality hot pork sausage. These appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!