Cheesy Hanky Panky
Sizzling ground beef, spicy sausage, melty Velveeta... this cheesy hanky panky appetizer is warm, savory, ridiculously simple, and ready to party on crusty rye bread. Salty, cheesy, zippy, and a guaranteed hit at your table.
36
pieces
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 1 lb (450 g) ground hot pork sausage or mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 lb (450 g) Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes or to taste (optional)
- 1 loaf rye cocktail bread about 36 small slices
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil if desired.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion. Cook, stirring, until the meat is browned and onion is softened, about 7–9 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly while the cheese melts, creating a thick, cheesy meat mixture. Remove from heat once melted and smooth.
- Lay rye bread slices on the prepared baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the hot cheesy meat mixture, spreading to cover.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and bread edges are crisp. Serve hot.
Notes
For milder bites, use regular sausage and leave out the cayenne and pepper flakes.
To freeze: Assemble unbaked pieces and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Store in zip-top bags. Bake straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes. Try switching up the cheese or bread as you like, or add fresh chives before serving for a fancy touch.
To freeze: Assemble unbaked pieces and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Store in zip-top bags. Bake straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes. Try switching up the cheese or bread as you like, or add fresh chives before serving for a fancy touch.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 340mg | Potassium: 130mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg