Description

These classic Hanky Panky Appetizers are the ultimate cheesy, meaty, retro party bites made with sausage, ground beef, Velveeta, and cocktail rye bread. A Midwestern favorite for generations, these savory snacks bake up hot, melty, and irresistible—perfect for holidays, football parties, potlucks, and game day spreads. They’re quick, freezer-friendly, and always the first appetizer to disappear.

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cocktail rye bread slices

Ingredient Tips:
Swap Velveeta for cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper flavor.
Use ground turkey for a lean variation.
Substitute rye bread with sourdough rounds or mini pita.

Instructions

Preheat: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Brown Meats: Cook sausage and ground beef together in a skillet until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Season: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Melt Cheese: Add cubed Velveeta and stir until smooth and fully melted.
Assemble: Spoon the cheesy meat mixture onto cocktail rye bread slices.
Bake: Arrange on baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until bubbly and crisp.

Notes

Drain meat well to avoid greasy topping.
Pre-toast rye bread if you prefer extra crunch.
Perfect for freezing—assemble and freeze before baking.
Keep warm in a slow cooker when serving at parties.
Customize with hot sausage, jalapeños, or cheddar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Party Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 appetizer piece
Calories: 130
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Hanky Panky Appetizer, Sausage on Rye, Hanky Panky Recipe, Party Rye Appetizers, Hanky Pankies, Beef Sausage Cheese Bites, Retro Appetizer Recipes