Hanky Panky Recipe

Chef Leo -

Welcome to Flavortown, where we are cranking up the volume on a total crowd-pleaser that is pure culinary dynamite. We are talking about the ultimate hanky panky recipe, a midwestern masterpiece that is basically a party on a plate. This appetizer is the real deal—loaded with savory sausage, melted cheese, and enough kick to keep the engines running all night long. While you are firing up the stove for this legendary spread, you might also want to check out my https://www.recipemosaic.com/2026/01/fried-chicken-fries-recipe.html for even more deep-fried goodness. Trust me, this hanky panky recipe is the ticket to becoming the MVP of your next tailgate or holiday bash!

hanky panky recipe

Ingredients for hanky panky recipe

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage or spicy breakfast sausage (casing removed)
  • 12 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 loaf (12 oz) party/cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread (approx. 36 mini slices)
  • Optional Garnish: 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

Instructions to prepare hanky panky recipe

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep things clean and mean.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
  3. Drain: Carefully tilt the skillet to drain off and discard the excess grease. You want the flavor, not the oil slick! Return the skillet to the heat.
  4. Season: Add the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the white parts of the scallions (if using). Stir well to combine these righteous flavors.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese to the meat mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. Assemble: Arrange the cocktail bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon about one heaping tablespoon of the meat and cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the topping is hot and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the green scallion tops or fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. This is gangster-level snacking!

hanky panky recipe Details

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 36

Expert Tips

Substitutions for hanky panky recipe

If you want to swap things out, try using chorizo for a spicy Mexican twist, or a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese if you are not a fan of processed cheese blocks. You can also use sourdough rounds if you cannot find the mini rye bread at your local joint.

Errors to Avoid with hanky panky recipe

The biggest mistake is not draining the grease! If you leave that fat in the pan, your bread will turn into a soggy mess, and that is definitely not Flavortown style. Also, keep that heat low when melting the cheese so you do not scorch the bottom of the pan.

Alternative Cooking of hanky panky recipe

Want to go low and slow? You can mix the browned meat and cheese in a slow cooker on low heat to keep it warm for a party dip style. Just toast the bread separately and let people scoop their own liquid gold!

Frequently Asked Questions about hanky panky recipe

Q1: Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?

You bet! You can cook the meat and cheese mixture up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove before scooping it onto your bread and baking.

Q2: Can I freeze these before baking?

Absolutely. Flash freeze the assembled but unbaked slices on a tray, then toss them into a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 20 minutes until they are piping hot.

Q3: What kind of sausage works best?

I love using a "hot" breakfast sausage for that extra kick, but if you are cooking for a crowd that likes it mild, a standard sage or country-style sausage is a total home run.