Hanky Panky Bites
Hanky Panky Bites are a classic party appetizer that combines savory and cheesy flavors in a deliciously satisfying bite. This recipe features a flavorful blend of ground hot sausage and beef, mixed with creamy Velveeta cheese and aromatic spices like oregano and garlic powder.
Served on bite-sized slices of rye or pumpernickel bread, these bites are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a tasty snack. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, Hanky Panky Bites offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Whether for a game day party, family gathering, or casual get-together, these savory bites are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Savory and Spicy Flavor: The combination of hot sausage and ground beef provides a savory, slightly spicy flavor that is perfectly complemented by the creamy, melty Velveeta cheese. This mix of ingredients creates a rich and satisfying taste experience that appeals to many palates.
Perfect Party Appetizer: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties and gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to serve and enjoy, whether at a casual get-together, a game day celebration, or a festive occasion.
Simple and Quick to Prepare: With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare, even for novice cooks. The quick baking time means you can have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.
Versatile and Customizable: While delicious as-is, Hanky Panky Bites are also versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing different types of sausage or adding your favorite seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures makes these bites universally appealing, ensuring they are a hit with guests of all ages. Their cheesy, savory goodness is hard to resist, making them a favorite at any event.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Hot Sausage: This ingredient adds a spicy kick and robust flavor to the bites, making them both savory and exciting. The sausage’s spices blend well with the other ingredients, creating a rich taste.
Ground Beef: Used alongside the sausage, ground beef provides a hearty and flavorful base for the appetizer. Its savory taste complements the spicy sausage and adds depth to the dish.
Velveeta Cheese: Known for its smooth melting properties, Velveeta cheese creates a creamy, cheesy texture that binds the meat mixture together. It adds a rich, indulgent flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Rye or Pumpernickel Bread: These bread varieties offer a firm, flavorful base for the topping. Their robust flavors pair well with the savory meat and cheese mixture, adding a touch of earthiness to each bite.
Worcestershire Sauce and Spices: Worcestershire sauce, along with oregano and garlic powder, provides additional layers of flavor, enhancing the savory and aromatic profile of the bites.
Hanky Panky Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound ground hot sausage
1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (12 oz) package party rye or pumpernickel bread
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage and beef, breaking them into small pieces until they are fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the ingredients are well integrated.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the slices of rye or pumpernickel bread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat and cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the topping is hot and bubbly.
Serve the bites immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using mild sausage instead of hot sausage. Conversely, if you want more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Cheese Alternatives: While Velveeta is recommended for its creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Keep in mind that the texture may vary with different cheeses.
Bread Choices: Party rye or pumpernickel bread is ideal due to its firmness and flavor. However, you can substitute with other sturdy bread like baguette slices or sourdough if you prefer a different base.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bites. This makes the recipe convenient for entertaining and allows for quick assembly when guests arrive.
Freezing Instructions: Hanky Panky Bites can be frozen before baking. Assemble the bites, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions: These bites are best served immediately while hot and bubbly. They make an excellent addition to a party platter and pair well with other finger foods or a fresh salad for a more complete offering.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 150 | Protein: 7 grams | Carbohydrates: 7 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Saturated Fat: 4 grams | Cholesterol: 30 mg | Sodium: 350 mg | Fiber: 1 gram | Sugars: 1 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with other cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but these options will still provide a creamy consistency.
Can I make Hanky Panky Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bites.
This makes it convenient for entertaining, allowing for quick assembly when guests arrive.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
To keep the bread from becoming soggy, ensure that the meat mixture is not too greasy by thoroughly draining the cooked meat.
Additionally, baking the bites for the recommended time will help the bread crisp up and stay firm.
What can I use as a substitute for party rye or pumpernickel bread?
If party rye or pumpernickel bread is not available, you can use other sturdy bread options like baguette slices, sourdough, or even small pita rounds.
Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold the toppings without becoming too soft.
Can I freeze Hanky Panky Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the bites before baking.
Assemble them and place on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
If you prefer a milder version, use regular sausage instead of hot sausage.
For those who enjoy more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to increase the spice level.
What can I do if the cheese mixture is too thick?
If the cheese mixture becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk to help loosen it up.
Stir thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined before spooning it onto the bread slices.
How do I ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked?
When cooking the ground sausage and beef, make sure to break them into small pieces and cook until they are fully browned with no pink remaining.
This ensures the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, while party rye or pumpernickel bread is traditional, you can use other types of bread such as baguette slices, sourdough, or even small rounds of whole wheat bread.
Choose a bread that is firm enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Hanky Panky Bites gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or crackers as the base.
Ensure all other ingredients, such as the sausage and Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free by checking the labels or choosing certified gluten-free products.