Hanky Panky Recipe: A Tasty, Savory Snack for Any Party

Hanky Panky is a delicious and fun appetizer that combines savory ground meats with melted cheese, all served on small pieces of rye or pumpernickel bread. This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together, a football game, or a holiday celebration. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, Hanky Panky is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party.

For more appetizer ideas, check out these Cheesy Meatball Sliders or Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Hanky Panky Recipe: A Savory, Cheesy Party Appetizer

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 20-25 pieces 1x

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Description

Hanky Panky is a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a savory mixture of ground pork and beef, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cumin. It’s then melted together with creamy Velveeta cheese and served on small, bite-sized pieces of party rye or pumpernickel bread. Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where finger foods are a must!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

• 1 loaf of party rye bread or pumpernickel bread (cut into 2”x2” pieces)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork and ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Season the Meat: Add the Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ground cumin to the cooked meat. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together for about 2 minutes.

3. Melt the Cheese: Add the Velveeta cheese cubes to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined into a creamy, cheesy mixture.

4. Prepare the Bread: While the meat mixture is cooking, arrange the party rye bread or pumpernickel bread pieces on a baking sheet. You can lightly toast the bread under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes if desired, but this step is optional.

5. Assemble the Hanky Pankies: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto each piece of bread.

6. Bake or Serve: Once all the bread pieces are topped, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Alternatively, you can serve them right away after assembling.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm. These are best served immediately!

Notes

Meat Options: If you’d like to make a leaner version, you can swap out the ground pork for lean ground turkey or chicken.

Bread Substitutes: If you don’t have party rye or pumpernickel, any small, sturdy bread (like baguette slices or small dinner rolls) can work, but rye or pumpernickel gives a nice flavor contrast.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then heat it up before assembling on the bread. This is perfect for party prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Finger Foods
• Method: Stovetop/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Hanky Panky Recipe

Instructions:

Cook the Meat Mixture

1. Brown the Meat:
   In a large skillet, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings:
   Once the meat is cooked, add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ground cumin. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Melt the Cheese

3. Add the Velveeta Cheese:
   Lower the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously as the cheese melts and combines with the meat mixture. You want a creamy, cheesy consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Simmer:
   Once the cheese has fully melted and mixed with the meat, allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Hanky Pankys

5. Prepare the Bread:
   Arrange the 2”x2” pieces of party rye bread or pumpernickel bread on a baking sheet. If desired, lightly toast the bread in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to give it a bit of crunch. However, this step is optional.
6. Spoon the Meat Mixture onto the Bread:
   Spoon a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture onto each piece of bread, spreading it evenly over the top.

Bake the Hanky Pankys

7. Bake in the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pieces with the meat mixture on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bread are crispy.
8. Serve:
   Once the Hanky Pankys are done, remove them from the oven and serve hot. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still warm and gooey.

Advanced Techniques

How to Elevate Your Hanky Panky Recipe

1. Add Extra Cheese:
   While Velveeta provides a creamy and smooth texture, adding shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella can enhance the flavor. A blend of cheeses will create more depth in the taste.
2. Spicy Hanky Panky:
   Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also top the sliders with pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
3. Use Flavored Bread:
   If you want to get creative, you can use flavored bread, such as garlic bread or sourdough, for added taste. These breads will complement the savory meat and cheese mixture.
4. Make It Vegetarian:
   For a vegetarian version of Hanky Panky, swap out the ground pork and beef for crumbled plant-based protein or lentils. Add some sautéed mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture and flavor.
5. Try Different Spices:
   Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. Try smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for unique twists.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store and Reheat Hanky Pankys

Hanky Pankys make for excellent leftovers, and they store and reheat very well. Here are some tips for storing and reheating them:

• Refrigeration:
  After the Hanky Pankys have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The bread may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Freezing:
  You can also freeze Hanky Pankys for later enjoyment. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips:

• For refrigerated Hanky Pankys:
  To reheat, simply place the sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per slider, though the texture won’t be as crispy.
• For frozen Hanky Pankys:
  To reheat from frozen, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as you would refrigerated sliders.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

How to Make Hanky Pankys Fit Your Dietary Needs

This Hanky Panky recipe is easy to adapt for different dietary preferences. Here are some simple substitutions:

1. Gluten-Free:
   To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the rye or pumpernickel bread with gluten-free slider buns or crackers. Make sure to choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check the seasonings for gluten content.
2. Dairy-Free:
   For a dairy-free version, replace Velveeta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
3. Low-Carb/Keto:
   If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, use lettuce leaves as the base for the Hanky Pankys instead of bread. You can also choose a low-carb bread option, such as almond flour bread.
4. Vegetarian:
   For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

FAQs About The Recipe

Q1: Can I make Hanky Pankys ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready, simply spoon the mixture onto the bread and bake.

Q2: Can I use different cheeses for Hanky Panky?
A2: Absolutely! While Velveeta is traditional for its smooth melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda to suit your flavor preferences.

Q3: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A3: To prevent sogginess, you can lightly toast the bread before adding the meat mixture. This helps the bread hold up better while absorbing the flavors of the meat and cheese.

Q4: Can I freeze Hanky Pankys?
A4: Yes! Hanky Pankys freeze very well. Just follow the freezing instructions above, and you can enjoy them anytime with minimal prep.

Q5: Can I make these without Velveeta cheese?
A5: While Velveeta creates a creamy texture, you can use other cheeses like cream cheese or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hanky Panky is a simple, yet utterly delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or enjoying a casual meal at home, these cheesy, savory bites will always be a hit. With the option to customize the recipe based on dietary preferences or spice levels, Hanky Panky is versatile enough to please any crowd. Give this recipe a try for your next celebration or casual dinner, and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness in every bite!