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Let me share this amazing party appetizer that's been making people happy for generations! These Hanky Pankies combine seasoned meat melty cheese and crispy rye bread into the perfect bite. I learned this recipe from my grandma and now it's my go-to for game days holiday parties or when I need an easy dinner win!
Why These Are Special
- Perfect Party Food
- Easy to make ahead feeds a crowd and disappears fast!
- Simple But Amazing
- Just a few ingredients create something magical together.
- Super Versatile
- Works as an appetizer quick dinner or game day snack.
Round Up These Ingredients
- The Meat Mix
- Ground beef (get that 80/20!) and hot pork sausage for extra flavor.
- The Creamy Stuff
- Velveeta cheese diced up makes everything melty perfect.
- The Seasonings
- Garlic salt oregano red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- The Base
- Little cocktail rye breads they're just the right size.
Let's Start Cooking
- Get Ready
- Crank that oven to 400°F line a baking sheet with parchment saves cleanup later.
- Cook The Meat
- Brown your beef and sausage together break it up nice and fine. Drain off that extra fat nobody wants greasy bites!
- Make It Cheesy
- Add your diced Velveeta right into the hot meat. Throw in garlic salt oregano those pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir until everything's melty and married together.
- Build Your Bites
- Line up those rye breads on your sheet. Top each one with a good scoop of meat mixture don't be shy with it!
- Bake To Perfect
- About 8-10 minutes is all it takes. Watch for bubbly tops and toasty bread edges that's your sweet spot.
- Serve 'Em Up
- Let them cool just a minute arrange them pretty on a platter watch them disappear!
Let's Make Them Shine
- Serving Ideas
- Make it a meal with light soup or salad on the side. Extra cheese on top never hurt anybody!
- Dress Them Up
- Drizzle some Worcestershire sauce sprinkle Italian seasoning makes them fancy.
- Party Perfect
- Set up a topping bar let folks customize their own makes it fun!
Switch It Up
- Bread Choices
- Try pumpernickel regular rye even gluten-free works great.
- Meat Options
- Use mild sausage turkey sausage Italian sausage make it yours!
- Cheese Swaps
- Not a Velveeta fan? Sharp cheddar works amazing too.
- Get Creative
- Turn it into a dip with Rotel serve with chips totally different take!
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Make Them Perfect
- Prep Smart
- Cook your meat mixture ahead saves time when you need it.
- Mix Well
- Really blend those seasonings through every bite should be perfect.
- Watch The Heat
- Let them get bubbly and toasty but don't burn those edges!
Save Some For Later
- Fridge Time
- Meat mixture keeps 3 days wrapped up tight perfect for planning ahead.
- Freezer Magic
- Freeze portions up to 3 months thaw when needed instant party food!
- Heat And Eat
- Spread on fresh bread bake till bubbly tastes just like fresh made.
Why Everyone Loves These
- Budget Friendly
- Simple ingredients make something special no fancy stuff needed.
- Always A Hit
- Kids adults everyone goes crazy for these never any leftovers!
- Make Ahead Easy
- Perfect when you're busy but want to impress your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make ahead?
Yes, prepare meat mixture ahead and assemble/bake later.
- → What bread works best?
Cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread.
- → Can I freeze the mixture?
Yes, freeze meat mixture up to 3 months.
- → Can I make it less spicy?
Use regular sausage instead of hot.
- → Can I serve for dinner?
Yes, makes a great casual meal.