Description
Savor classic Hanky Panky appetizers that blend zesty sausage and melted cheese on crisp rye bread. Midwestern comfort snacks deliver bold flavors perfect for game day gatherings and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 lb (454 g) ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 16 oz (454 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 loaf cocktail rye bread (or party pumpernickel bread)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, meticulously breaking down into fine, consistent crumbles until thoroughly browned.
- Flavor Infusion: Drain excess fat, then reduce heat and introduce Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, creating a deeply seasoned protein foundation.
- Cheese Integration: Melt Velveeta and cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency that binds ingredients harmoniously.
- Assembly Stage: Systematically arrange cocktail rye bread on a baking sheet, lavishly coating each slice with the molten meat and cheese blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Final Transformation: Choose cooking method – either bake at 375F for 10 minutes until edges crisp and golden, or broil for 2-3 minutes under high heat for a caramelized, bubbling surface.
- Serving Technique: Immediately transfer hanky panky appetizers to a serving platter, presenting while piping hot and texturally perfect for maximum gustatory enjoyment.
Notes
- Manage Meat Texture: Crumble ground beef and sausage into tiny, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
- Control Cheese Melting: Stir cheese continuously on low heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy blend without clumping.
- Watch Browning Carefully: Monitor bread edges during baking or broiling to prevent burning; golden-brown color indicates perfect crispiness.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to personalize heat intensity, making the appetizer mild or zesty based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 648 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg