Hanky Panky Bites

This hanky panky bites recipe is proof that every ingredient becomes a little more elegant when served on teeny-tiny slices of party rye. These savory, cheesy, meaty appetizers aren’t the neatest finger foods, but that’s their beauty. I guarantee no one will bat an eye or complain if this easy appetizer shows up at your next gathering.

Hanky pankies are everything someone wants in an hors d’oeuvre: warm, savory, hearty and wonderfully cheesy little bites. Plus, you can have them ready to serve a crowd in 30 minutes or less.

What is a hanky panky?

The hanky panky is a beloved savory appetizer that originated in southwestern Ohio, particularly around Cincinnati. Today, it’s a popular mainstay around the Midwest, particularly for game-day and holiday gatherings. Recipe contributor Melanie Schlaf of Edgewood, Kentucky, likes to serve hanky pankies around Kentucky Derby time.

Like many of the best midwestern comfort food recipes, hanky pankies are uncomplicated and unpretentious, made with ground beef, pork sausage and a generous amount of Velveeta cheese. Spices and seasonings can vary—this version has chili powder and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—but they’re always made on rye party toast. The combination of meat, salty processed cheese and rye keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Hanky Panky Bites

• Ground beef: A lean ground beef (90/10) is best for hanky panky bites to prevent the topping from being overly greasy.
• Ground pork sausage: Use any variety you enjoy, but a basic bulk pork sausage is the most traditional for a hanky panky recipe. If you can’t find bulk sausage, use links and remove the casings.
• Chili powder: A dash of chili powder adds subtle heat and helps cut through the richness of the beef, pork and cheese.
• Velveeta cheese: Velveeta melts smoothly, has great cheesy flavor and acts as a terrific binder to help hold the meat topping together once baked.
• Snack rye bread: Party rye bread is often found in the deli or in the specialty bread section of your local supermarket. Caraway and pumpernickel rye both work. If you can’t find the cocktail bread, use regular-sized pumpernickel or rye and cut it into small squares.
• Fresh parsley: A little flourish of green parsley adds freshness and color to break up the predominantly beige and brown color of hanky pankies.

Directions

Step 1: Make the meaty, cheesy topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, five to seven minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain the excess moisture.

Add chili powder and cheese, then cook and stir until cheese melts.

Step 2: Scoop on bread and bake

Spread 1 heaping tablespoon on each slice of bread. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges of the bread begin to crisp.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

Garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

Hanky Panky Bite Variations

• Swap in protein options: Some hanky panky recipes use all beef or all sausage rather than a blend. You could make leaner hanky panky bites with ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. For extra flavor and zip, experiment with different types of pork sausage. A sweet Italian would offer sweetness, while a spicy Italian sausage would add a nice kick.
• Try another cheese: Classic Velveeta is traditional, but you could also use cream cheese or an unprocessed cheese like pepper jack, cheddar, Swiss, fontina or smoked Gouda. You could also use American cheese rather than Velveeta.
• Add more spices: You can jazz up your meat topping with an array of other herbs and spices. A few popular additions include oregano, garlic powder, paprika, fennel seeds, cayenne, cumin powder, crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

How to Store Hanky Panky Bites

Refrigerate leftover hanky pankies in an airtight food storage container for up to four days. You can also store the topping in a covered storage container in the refrigerator and unused rye party bread in a gallon-sized zip-top bag at room temperature.

Can you make this hanky panky recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This hanky panky recipe is a terrific make-ahead appetizer. Prepare and assemble as directed. Then, arrange and store in a freezer-safe container in a single layer. Once firm, consolidate and stack the hanky pankies, separating layers with pieces of parchment. Store in the freezer for up to two months. No need to thaw before baking in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat hanky pankies?

Reheat hanky pankies on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 350° oven until heated through. Bake frozen hanky pankies without thawing.

Hanky Panky Bite Tips

Can you use a different type of bread for hanky pankies?

If you cannot find rye party bread, you can use regular rye bread cut into small squares. You can also use a hearty French baguette cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. A hanky panky won’t taste quite the same without the rye flavor, but the topping is delicious on its own. We recommend lightly toasting the baguette slices before assembling to help them hold up to the dense topping.

What else can you serve with hanky panky bites?

With this hanky panky recipe, serve other savory appetizers, from a platter of Buffalo wings to things like Southwest egg rolls or creamy spinach artichoke dip. You can also keep it classic with other vintage favorites, such as three-cheese fondue, grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs, or an oyster cheese log.