TastyRecipesBlog

Hanky Panky Recipe

Let’s talk Hanky Pankies. If you’re anything like me, you have probably had your fair share of delicious, but sometimes overly overrated, food. What are appetizers? What is Hanky Panky? Think of it as the sophisticated, grown-up cousin of pigs in a blanket, but instead of relieving on relying on humans, think of them as human beings. What is the secret behind store-bought spreads? My grandma used to make these for every holiday, and honestly, the party didn’t truly start until the last minute. How did the Hanky Pankies make their entrance? They’re so easy, even I can’t mess them up, and trust me, that’s saying something! What’s the best part? They’re unbelievably flavorful without requiring a ton of effort. What is a good recipe for hanky panky?

Hanky Panky Recipe final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Hanky Panky?

A Hanky Panky is a hot, savory appetizer spread served on cocktail rye bread. Think of it as a super flavorful, cheesy mixture of Ground Beef and sausage, perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh herbs. then broiled until bubbly and golden brown on top of little slices of rye. I know, it sounds a little odd, but trust me on this one! The name? Nobody knows for sure, which just adds to its charm. It’s essentially a mystery! Some say it originated in the Midwest, others claim it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch creation. What’s the origin of this appetizer? Is this one of those recipes that just feels like home?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What is this amazing combination of Ground Beef and sausage, perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of seasoning? What are the right amount of spices? What makes this cheesy, rich, and downright delicious? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is it possible to whip up this in 30 minutes? What are some of the best recipes for hanky panky? Is it easy to make a What are some of the best ingredients for a healthy diet? Is it good to have ground beef and sausage on hand? What are the benefits of a Hanky Pankie? Can you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal? I’ve seen people use the mixture as a topping for baked potatoes or scrambled eggs. This recipe stands out because it is truly tried and true – my grandma’s recipe, perfected over and over again. What are some of the best family gatherings? What is the real deal with fancy hors d’oeuvres?

How do you make hanky panky?

Quick Overview

How do I make a hanky panky recipe? How do you brown Ground Beef and sausage? Next, you’ll stir in the cream cheese, Velveeta (yes, Vulveerts! ), Worcestershire sauce, and some spices. How do you spread the mixture on rye bread slices, and broil until golden and bubbly? Is it so easy to cook? What is the best part about spices? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! The key is to not overcook the mixture in the broiler. You want it to be bubbly and golden, but not burnt.

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:
* 1 pound ground beef – I prefer using 80/20 for the extra flavor, but you can use lean ground meat as well. * 1 pound bulk sausage – Jimmy Dean is my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite brand. What are some ways to use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile? * 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s fully soften so it blends smoothly. * 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed – Yes, VelvéeTa! Don’t knock it til you try it. Is it melts beautifully and gives the mixture a creamy, cheesy texture? * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a depth of flavor. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that garlicky goodness! * 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic powder perfectly. * 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a hint of Italian flavor. * 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper – Adds a touch of spice.

For Serving:
* Cocktail rye bread slices – These are the perfect size for appetizers. You can usually find them at your local grocery store.

Hanky Panky Recipe ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef and sausage over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. How do you break up meat with a spoon? How do you know if your meat is ready? I always do this when I have extra time because, honestly, nothing beats a perfectly perfect day. What is the recipe for browned meat

Step 2: Drain the Grease

Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Why are Hanky Pankies so greasy? I use a colander lined with paper towels to make sure I get all the grease out.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the cream cheese and cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. What is the best way to stir cheeses until smooth. This might take a few minutes, so be patient! Once the cheese is melted, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Serve immediately. What are black pepper and how do they Mix well to combine. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point for .5 oz. of heat.

Step 4: Spread on Rye Bread

Preheat your broiler to high. Arrange the cocktail rye bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of meat mixture on each slice of bread. I like to use an offset spatula for this, but a regular butter knife works just fine too.

Step 5: Broil Until Golden Brown

Place a baking sheet under the broiler and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the Hanky Pankies are crispy. Golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly! What is that one “don’t walk away” moment?

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and let the Hanky Pankies cool slightly before serving. What are the best ways to serve them warm out of the oven?

What should I serve it with?

Hanky Pankies are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other dishes.

For AppetizerServe them with other appetizers like vegetable sticks, olives, and cheeses. What are some good cheese balls to serve with crackers?

For Parties:What are some good party snacks for birthdays and holidays?

For a light meal:Pair them with a simple salad or soup for an easy and satisfying meal. What are the best recipes for tomato soup with hanky pankies?

My family always serves them with a side of dill pickles. The tanginess of pickles complements the richness of the Hanky Pankies perfectly. It’s a tradition that I’ve carried on, and it always has been.

How do I make a perfect hanky panky recipe?

How do I make the best Hanky Pankies?

Don’t overcook meat!Do not overcook ground beef and sausage, as this can make them dry and tough. Cook them until they’re just browned, and drain off the grease.

How do you use softened cream cheese?Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. How do I blend all the ingredients in a blender?

Don’t skip the Velveeta:I know Velveeta gets a bad rap, but it’s essential for the creamy, cheesy texture of Hanky Pankies. Don’t skip this one!

Customize the Spices: How doFeel free to customize the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like the heat. If you prefer a more Italian flavor, add some Italian seasoning.

Keep a Close Eye on the Broiler: Hanky Pankies can burn quickly under the broiler, so keep a close eye on them. Broil them until they’re golden brown and bubbly, but not burnt.

Serve Them Warm!What’s the best way to serve a hanky pankie hot from the broiler?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have leftover Hanky Pankies (which is rare! ), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator Storage: HowCan you store leftover Hanky Pankies in an airtight container in the refrigerator? Be sure the Hanky Pankies are cooled completely before placing them in the container.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the Hanky Pankies, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might not be as crispy.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there isn’t a glaze for this particular Hanky Panky recipe, storing it is a piece of cake!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the mixture on the rye bread and broil as directed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Velveeta is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even a blend of cheeses would all work well. Just make sure they melt easily!
Can I freeze Hanky Pankies?
I don’t recommend freezing assembled Hanky Pankies, as the bread can get soggy. However, you can freeze the meat mixture. Just thaw it completely before spreading it on the rye bread and broiling.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or use a spicier sausage. You could even add a dash of hot sauce to the finished Hanky Pankies.
What kind of rye bread should I use?
Cocktail rye bread is traditional, but you can use any type of rye bread you like. Just make sure it’s sliced thinly enough to be a good appetizer size.

Final Thoughts

Hanky Panky Recipe slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it! My grandma’s famous Hanky Panky recipe, ready for you to make and share. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of my family history. The amazing flavor, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature makes this truly special. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my spinach artichoke dip or my jalapeno popper dip. They’re both easy and delicious appetizers that are always a hit. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

No ratings yet

Hanky Panky Recipe

A delicious and refreshing cocktail perfect for a summer evening.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Fernet Branca
  • 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  • Stir well until chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Notes

Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

Recipes Should You See

Leave A Review!

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on social @nourishwithrecipes and leave a review below!

Tag Me On Instagram

Rate Recipe

As Seen On:

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

as seen on:

as seen on:

Subscribe

Get my free protein Diet + Meal

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Download My FREE Protein Meal Plan!