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Hanky Panky

A warm, cheesy appetizer made with ground beef, sausage, and melted cheese served on toasted rye bread that will disappear faster than you can make them at your next party. This retro recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or any time you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
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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
  

Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage regular or spicy
  • 1 pound Velveeta cheese cubed into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Assembly
  • 2 loaves cocktail rye bread about 40 slices total

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets (2 to 3)
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon or small spatula for spreading

Method
 

  1. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and breakfast sausage. Break the meat into small crumbles with your wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops some crispy browned bits.
  2. Transfer the cooked meat to your colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Let it drain for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking occasionally to remove excess grease.
  3. Return the drained meat to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices slightly.
  4. Add the cubed Velveeta to the seasoned meat mixture while the heat is still on low. Stir constantly as the cheese melts, breaking up any large chunks. The mixture should become creamy and fully combined within 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. While the cheese melts, arrange your cocktail rye bread slices in a single layer on your baking sheets. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat your broiler to high.
  6. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat and cheese mixture onto each bread slice. Spread it to the edges, leaving no bare spots.
  7. Place one baking sheet under the broiler and watch it closely. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the edges of the bread just start to crisp and brown.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Hanky Pankies cool for just 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Repeat the broiling process with remaining baking sheets. Serve while still warm.

Notes

Make the meat and cheese mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When party time comes, gently reheat the mixture in a saucepan over low heat until spreadable, then assemble and broil fresh. Assembled but unbaked Hanky Pankies can be frozen for up to 3 months - broil directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.