Hanky Panky Appetizers
This 1970’s classic is a crowd pleaser! Hanky Panky Appetizers are the perfect savory appetizer that you can make ahead.
Hanky Panky Appetizers go by a variety unique names like Polish Mistakes, Sausage Snacks, Sh*t on a Shingle (let’s just abbreviate that to SOS!), and Crap on Toast.
Whatever you decide to call them, I think we can all agree that they’re delicious.
They were popular in the 1970’s and 1980’s in particular, but I recently shared these on Instagram, and found out many families still make them today. Scroll through the comments on the hanky panky appetizer video for some laughs about what people call them!
Also, if you’re making these, don’t stop with just one appetizer. Make sure to cover your snack table with lots of tasty options like Cheesy Sausage Balls, Crockpot Little Smokies, RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, and Hawaiian Roll Sliders!
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Ingredients
Check out the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions!
A note on the party-sized rye bread: Sometimes party loaves or cocktail breads are difficult to find. Occasionally you’ll find them on the bread aisle, but most often they are found near the deli counter. If you can’t find them at the grocery store, Amazon sells them. Walmart also often has it.
You could also use pumpernickel cocktail bread (like in these Mini Cucumber Sandwiches).
How to make Hanky Panky Appetizers
Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes.
Once the meat is cooked, drain off the majority of excess grease.
Add the Velveeta, and continue to cook until the Velveeta is melted.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt.
Preheat broiler to high, and line a baking tray with slices of rye party bread.
Place a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of cheesy meat mixture onto each slice of bread. I like using a cookie scoop for this. It’s less messy that way!
Broil the appetizers until hot and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn!
Note: If you don’t want to use a broiler, you can bake the appetizers for 15–18 minutes at 350°F.
Remove from the oven, and top with chopped fresh or dried parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Storage information
Leftover appetizers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat Hanky Panky Appetizers, place them on a baking sheet under the broiler until warm and bubbly (about 2 minutes). Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. You can also place them in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes.
Make-ahead and freezer instructions
These are easy to freeze. Assemble the appetizers as directed, but don’t broil them. To prevent them from sticking together, freeze the appetizers in a single layer on a cookie sheet for an hour. Then place the lightly frozen snacks in resealable freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, place the squares on a cookie sheet, and broil from frozen until warm throughout (2–3 minutes). You can also bake them at 350°F for 20 minutes.
📖 Recipe
Hanky Panky Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground hot sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
- 1 lb. Velveeta
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf party rye bread
- Chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place the ground beef and ground hot sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
- While the meat is cooking, cut the Velveeta into cubes.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain the grease off. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just get the majority of it out of the pan.
- Add the Velveeta, and continue to cook until the Velveeta is melted.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic salt, and regular salt.
- Preheat broiler to high.
- Line a baking sheet with slices of rye bread.
- Place a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop of the cheese and meat mixture onto each slice of bread.
- Broil the appetizers until hot and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn! If you don't want to use a broiler, bake for 15–18 minutes at 350°F.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh or dried chopped parsley after baking. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Replace hot sausage with mild sausage or regular hamburger
- Use soy sauce in place of Worcestershire sauce
- Experiment with the spices. Add a little ground pepper or swap garlic powder for garlic salt. Leave out the oregano and/or chopped parsley, if desired.
- Make these on another type of bread such as sourdough, pumpernickel, or other bread flavor of choice. Use smaller slices of bread. If needed, cut larger slices of bread in half or quarters.
I use Mexican velvet, if I can’t find that then I’ll use a can of rotel drained.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for commenting!
Very good! My mom these 40 years ago. Same exact recipe.
Love to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to comment!