Hanky Panky Recipe
Introduction
Hanky Panky is a warm, savory appetizer featuring a delicious blend of sausage, beef, and melted cheese on rye or pumpernickel bread. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 pound hot pork sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Rye bread or pumpernickel bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the hot pork sausage and ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then return the meat to the pan.
- Step 2: Add the Velveeta cheese, garlic salt, salt, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Step 3: Spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly onto slices of rye or pumpernickel bread.
- Step 4: Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the topping is bubbling.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute hot pork sausage with sweet Italian sausage or use less garlic salt.
- Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Use Swiss or cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta for a different cheese texture and taste.
- Serve with a side of pickles or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Storage
Store any leftover mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet before serving. Prepared bread with topping is best eaten immediately for optimal crispness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meat and cheese mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat before spreading on the bread and baking.
Is it possible to make Hanky Panky gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free bread instead of rye or pumpernickel to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
PrintHanky Panky Recipe
Hanky Panky is a savory, cheesy meat spread made from a combination of hot pork sausage, ground beef, and Velveeta cheese, seasoned with garlic salt, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce, served on toasted rye or pumpernickel bread. This flavorful appetizer is perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a warm, bubbly topping on crispy bread in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound hot pork sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Bread
- Rye bread or pumpernickel bread (individual-sized slices)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, brown the hot pork sausage and ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease carefully and return the meat to the pan.
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes and add to the hot meat, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in garlic salt, salt, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare the bread and bake: Spread the hot meat and cheese mixture evenly over individual-sized slices of rye or pumpernickel bread arranged on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 5 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping is hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Use rye or pumpernickel bread for an authentic flavor and texture, but any sturdy bread can work.
- Drain the cooked meats well to avoid a greasy topping.
- You can adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve warm immediately for best taste and texture.
- This makes a great party appetizer and can be doubled easily for larger crowds.
Keywords: Hanky Panky, hot sausage spread, Velveeta cheese recipe, party appetizer, cheesy meat spread, rye bread topping

