Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hanky Panky Appetizers are the perfect bite-sized treats for any gathering. They are easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy. With a mix of savory meats, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheddar, these appetizers will surely be a hit. Plus, they are simple enough for anyone to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for parties or family get-togethers.
How To Make Hanky Panky Appetizers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound rye bread, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place slices of rye bread on a baking sheet.
- Top each slice with the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
What Type Of Ingredients Should I Use
When making Hanky Panky Appetizers, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients. For the meat, fresh ground beef and breakfast sausage work best. Look for sausages that aren’t overly greasy. You can use either fresh or frozen ingredients, but if you opt for frozen, make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator. Drain any excess liquid from thawed meat to avoid sogginess.
For the rye bread, pick slices that are firm and not too thin so they can hold the toppings well. Fresh bread will provide the best texture and flavor. Lastly, using shredded cheddar cheese rather than block cheese will melt nicely and create a gooey topping.
How To Serve Hanky Panky Appetizers
These delicious appetizers are best served warm. Arrange them on a platter and place them at the center of the table. You can also pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup for extra flavor. They make for an excellent addition to game nights, holidays, or any party where finger foods are a must.
How To Store Hanky Panky Appetizers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Helpful Tip to Make Hanky Panky Appetizers
To make your Hanky Panky Appetizers even easier, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time. Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the appetizers. This way, when it’s time to bake, you can quickly assemble and pop them in the oven.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with Hanky Panky Appetizers! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding spices like red pepper flakes can give them an extra kick. For a vegetarian option, try using a combination of mushrooms and veggies instead of meat.

FAQs
Can I make Hanky Panky Appetizers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure they are layered between parchment paper in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of rye bread?
You can use pumpernickel bread or even baguette slices for a different twist. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the topping.

Hanky Panky Appetizers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Delicious bite-sized treats made with ground beef, sausage, and melted cheddar, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound rye bread, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place slices of rye bread on a baking sheet.
- Top each slice with the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use pumpernickel bread instead of rye.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 appetizers
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg


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