Classic Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe: Easy Cheesy Party Bites
Make this classic Hanky Panky recipe for your next gathering. These easy, cheesy meat bites on toasted bread are a retro favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game days or holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage or ground beef
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 slices pumpernickel or rye bread rounds (or small slices of French bread)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly toast the bread slices on a baking sheet until they are slightly firm. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage or ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off all excess grease thoroughly.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Stir constantly until all ingredients are completely melted and well combined into a smooth, creamy spread. This mixture is the heart of your easy party appetizer.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto each toasted bread round.
- Place the topped bread rounds back onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is hot and bubbly.
- Serve these savory baked bites warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the sausage with ground pork.
- If you do not have pumpernickel, use small squares of French bread or sturdy crackers as your base for these quick finger foods.
- You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before topping the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35