Hanky Panky Recipe (Quick and Easy Appetizers) - Grits and Pinecones (2024)

There is nothing improper about this Hanky Panky Recipe for old-fashioned, delicious co*cktail rye bread appetizers.

Sometimes called Polish Mistakes, Hanky Panky appetizers feature a combination of sausage, hamburger meat, and, what else, lots of gooey cheesy goodness!

If you have never had a Hanky Panky appetizer, you are in for a treat! They are one of my favorite snacks because they only take a few minutes to prepare and even less time to heat up and serve.

Hanky Pankies are perfect for holiday parties, game day parties, and the Super Bowl, along with Fried Oysters, Potato Skins, Chicken Egg Rolls, Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs, and Fried Crab Claws. They also make a great light lunch or dinner.

Reader’s comment from Prairie: “We make and freeze these every year. They’re an integral part of the holidays! You can heat up just a few for a wine snack or take a tray full to a get-together. Don’t turn your nose up at the Velveeta. It’s the “glue” that holds them together without being oily.”

These little jewels are also a make-ahead wonder and freeze beautifully, so you can stock them in your freezer for impromptu guests or just when you want a little snack or individual appetizers.

Have no fear when it comes to making hanky pankies! They are simple enough for beginner cooks, and I have included a short “how-to” video and easy step-by-step directions.

What are Hanky Pankies?

Hanky panky appetizers are a popular baked snack often served at parties, especially in the American Midwest. They consist of a savory mixture of ground beef, sausage, and melted processed cheese (like Velveeta) spread on co*cktail rye bread or party bread.

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Ground beef: there are many different types of ground beef available. I usually look for an 80/20 mixture for this recipe, meaning it’s 80% meat and 20% fat. A higher fat percentage means more flavor, and the meat will be juicy. You can also use ground chuck or ground turkey.
• Hot pork sausage: this sausage is also called breakfast sausage, and it usually comes in rolls wrapped in plastic wrap. Jimmy Dean’s is a common brand. It comes in hot, regular, and mild sausage. For this recipe, I like to use the hot. You can, however, use medium or mild if you don’t want any heat. The cheese tones down the heat, but it is spicy. For a different taste, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage.
• Processed cheese: if you were around in the ’90s, I’m sure you remember processed cheese. It doesn’t have to be refrigerated and comes in big blocks or loaves. Velveeta is a common brand, and it’s often used to make queso dip. The big plus with processed cheese is that it melts easily and is smooth and creamy when melted.
• Party Rye or co*cktail Rye Bread: sometimes called party bread, these thin slices of bread only measure about two inches by two inches and are the perfect size for appetizers.
• Spices and Seasonings: oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and fennel seeds all come together to add maximum flavor to these party rye bread appetizers.

Complete measurements are in the recipe below.

How to make Hanky Pankies:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Add ground beef and sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir and cook until browned.

3. Use a potato masher or large fork to break up any large clumps of meat.

4. When the meat has browned, drain off any excess fat.
5. Add oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and fennel seeds. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 20 minutes.

6. Cut the cheese into cubes and add to the meat mixture.

7. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is thoroughly blended, and then remove from the heat.

8. Use a small ice cream scoop (about one and a quarter inches in diameter) or a tablespoon to add a dollop of the meat and cheese mixture to each piece of bread.

9. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbling. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:

Recipe variations:

This hanky panky recipe is extremely versatile, and you can change it up to suit your family’s preferences:

• You can transform it into Hanky Panky Dip by adding a can of Rotel and cooking everything in a crock pot or slow cooker until the cheese is melted. Serve with sturdy chips like tortilla chips or Frito scoops.
• This recipe is spicy. If you prefer less spice or heat, substitute regular sausage for hot sausage and leave out the crushed red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you want to make the Hanky Pankies spicier, use spicy Veelveta cheese or add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes.
• You can also substitute turkey sausage or Italian sausage for the breakfast sausage. And, you can leave out the hamburger meat and use all sausage.
• Add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture while it cooks.
• Make it gluten-free by swapping out gluten-free bread.
• Party rye bread or pumpernickel bread can be used.

Topping ideas:

The recipe for hanky pankies is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to change things up a bit, here are some ideas for toppings you could add:

• Bell Peppers:Finely diced colored bell peppers not only add flavor but also a burst of color.
• Jalapeños:For those who like a bit of kick, thinly sliced jalapeños or even pickled jalapeños would be nice.
• Diced Tomatoes:Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes can add a tangy twist.
• Green Onions:Sliced thinly for a mild onion flavor.
• Olives:Sliced black or green olives can be a salty addition.
• Bacon:Crumbled bacon or bacon bits bring a smoky flavor.
• Parmesan:A sprinkle of grated parmesan can add a salty, nutty touch.
• Blue Cheese:For a bolder flavor, crumble some blue cheese on top.
• Feta:Crumbled feta can bring a tangy twist.
• Pesto:A dollop of basil pesto can complement the flavors.
• Hot Sauce:A dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the heat.
• BBQ Sauce:Drizzle a little barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt:A small dollop can add creaminess and a tangy note.
• Salsa: Adds a spicy Tex-Mex flair.

Leftovers, storage and reheating:

Hanky Pankies are best eaten hot right after baking; however, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. It’s best to freeze them if you wish to keep them longer (up to two months).

To freeze:Allow the hanky pankies to cool to room temperature. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one to two hours. This step will prevent them from sticking together when stored in a container or bag.

Transfer them to an airtight storage container or a resealable freezer bag once frozen. If using a container, stack them with parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to two months.

To reheat: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Place the hanky pankies on a baking sheet in a single layer. If they were stored in the freezer, there’s no need to thaw them; you can reheat them directly.

Heat them for 10-15 minutes or until they’re hot and the cheese is melted. The time may vary based on whether they were refrigerated or frozen. The bread is so thin it does tend to dry out quickly, so be careful when reheating.

Although it’s quicker, reheating in the microwave will change the texture of the bread making it softer so I don’t recommend it. If using the microwave, place the hanky pankies on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 20-30 second intervals until hot.

Recipe FAQs:

Expert tips and tricks:

• I recommend using processed cheese like Velveeta in this recipe; if you’re not a fan, you can experiment with cheeses that melt well, such as Fontina or Monterey Jack.
• Be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the meat mixture to prevent the mixture from becoming too greasy.
• The meat and cheese mixture should be creamy and spreadable but not runny. It might not spread well on the bread if it’s too thick, and if it’s too runny, it could make it soggy.
• Serve hanky pankies warm. If they cool down and the cheese solidifies, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

More appetizer recipes:

If you need more appetizer menu ideas or recipes, check out my collections of 40+ Quick and Easy Game Day Snacks and Appetizers or 47 Christmas Party Appetizer Recipes.

Or, here are links to all of my appetizer or snack recipes.

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