Description
Hanky Panky Appetizers are a delicious and savory bite-sized treat featuring a melted blend of ground beef, hot sausage, and Velveeta cheese served on rye bread and broiled until bubbly and golden. Perfect for parties, these warm, cheesy appetizers combine hearty flavors with a crispy base for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
- 1 lb. Velveeta, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
Base and Garnish
- 1 loaf party rye bread, sliced
- Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Velveeta: While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes to ensure even melting later.
- Drain the Grease: Once the meat is cooked, carefully drain off most of the grease from the pan, leaving just enough to keep the mixture moist.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the Velveeta cubes to the cooked meat in the skillet. Continue cooking over low to medium heat until the cheese has fully melted and combined with the meat.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with the rye bread slices arranged in a single layer.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Place a 2-tablespoon scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of rye bread, spreading slightly as needed.
- Broil the Appetizers: Broil the appetizers for 2–3 minutes or until the topping is hot and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to use the broiler.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the finished appetizers with chopped fresh or dried parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the ground hot sausage with mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to taste depending on preferred saltiness and flavor depth.
- For a thicker topping, avoid spreading the mixture too thin on the rye slices.
- Watch the appetizers carefully while broiling to avoid burning since broilers can vary in intensity.
- These appetizers are best served hot and fresh out of the oven for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American