Hanky Panky. Just the name itself conjures up images of fun, a little bit of intrigue, and a whole lot of deliciousness. If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the life of any party, a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears in minutes, then you’ve landed in the right place. This isn’t just any dip; it’s a legendary creation that has won hearts and taste buds for generations. What makes this particular Hanky Panky so special, you ask? It’s that perfect symphony of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all melded together into a warm, irresistible concoction. The magic lies in its simplicity, yet the depth of flavor is surprisingly complex. People absolutely adore it because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers an explosion of cheesy, meaty goodness with every single bite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this utterly addictive Hanky Panky!

Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Hot Beef Sausage
- 1 package Velveeta Cheese (16 oz), diced into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 loaf Cocktail Rye Bread
Preparing the Base for Your Hanky Panky
The foundation of a truly memorable Hanky Panky is a rich, savory meat mixture. This is where all the flavor begin extracts, so we’re going to take our time and ensure it’s perfect.
Cooking the Meats
Incorporating the Flavors
With our meaty base ready, it’s time to infuse it with the aromatic spices and the creamy cheese that define the Hanky Panky.
Building the Flavor Profile
- To the cooked and drained meat mixture in the skillet, add the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt. This will provide a foundational savory and garlicky note without being overpowering. Stir it in well to ensure it’s evenly distributed amongst thrum extracteat crumbles.
- Next, measure out and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Oregano brings a wonderful herbaceous quality that complements the richness of the beef beautifully. Stir it thoroughly into the meat mixture.
- Now, introduce the heat with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust this amount slightly if you prefer a milder or spicier Hanky Panky. Stir these flakes in, ensuring they are dispersed so each bite gets a touch of warmth.
- Add the diced 16 oz Velveeta cheese to the skillet with the meat and spices. This is where the magic happens. Stir continuously over low heat. The Velveeta will melt into a luscious, creamy sauce, coating every piece of meat. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smooth, creating a cohesive and irresistible mixture. Don’t rush this step; patience here yields the perfect cheesy texture.
Assembling and Baking the Hanky Panky
The final stgin extract involve bringing together our flavorful filling with the bread and baking it to golden perfection.
Creating the Appetizer
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, arrange the slices from your 1 loaf of cocktail rye bread on baking sheets. You want to create a single layer so that all the slices bake evenly.
- Carefully spoon a generous amount of the warm, cheesy meat mixture onto each slice of cocktail rye bread. Aim for a good mound of the Hanky Panky filling, ensuring it’s spread fairly evenly but doesn’t spill over the edges too much. This ensures each bite has ample filling.
- Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the rye bread are lightly toasted and the cheese mixture is bubbly and heated through. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
- Once they are done, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the Hanky Panky cool for just a minute or two before serving, as they will be extremely hot straight from the oven. The slight cooling period also allows the flavors to meld just a touch more.

Conclusion:
And there you have it! Your delightful journey into crafting the perfect Hanky Panky is complete. We’ve explored the simple yet satisfying process of bringin extractg this classic appetizer to life, from its savory base to its irresistible cheesy topping. This Hanky Panky recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening in. Remember, the beauty of Hanky Panky lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage or cheese to make it your own. Serve your Hanky Panky warm, allowing the cheese to be perfectly gooey and inviting. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or a selection of dipping sauces. Don’t be afraid to get creative and enjoy the process!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hanky Panky:
Can I make Hanky Panky ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of your Hanky Panky ahead of time. The sausage mixture can be cooked and cooled, and the bread can be buttered and toasted. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the Hanky Panky just before serving to ensure the bread is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
What are some other topping ideas for Hanky Panky?
While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to get adventurous! You could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, some finely chopped chives for freshness, or even a layer of caramelized onions for an extra depth of flavor. Another fun variation is to add a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the sausage mixture for a more complex savory note.
How long does Hanky Panky typically stay fresh?
Hanky Panky is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently in a conventional oven or toaster oven to regain some ofgin extracte original crispness. Be aware that the bread may become softer upon reheating.

Easy Beef Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe
A simple and delicious appetizer featuring a savory beef and sausage mixture topped with melted Velveeta cheese on cocktail rye bread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Hot Beef Sausage
- 1 package Velveeta Cheese (16 oz), diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 loaf Cocktail Rye Bread
Instructions
-
Step 1
Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up until browned. Drain excess grease. -
Step 2
Add hot beef sausage to the skillet with the ground beef. Continue to cook until thoroughly cooked through. Drain any remaining grease. -
Step 3
Stir in garlic salt, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Step 4
Add diced Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and smooth, coating the meat. -
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cocktail rye bread slices on baking sheets. -
Step 6
Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto each slice of rye bread. -
Step 7
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread edges are lightly toasted and the cheese mixture is bubbly. -
Step 8
Let cool slightly before serving.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.