Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (2024)

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This Hanky Panky Appetizer recipe is cheesy, meaty, delicious, and can be made ahead. Freeze them and cook in minutes!

Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (1)

Looking for the perfect, easy, addictive, delicious appetizer for your next party? Look no further than this Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe, the BEST Party Appetizers around! They’re cheesy, meaty, and absolutely delicious. Ground Beef is mixed with Homemade Chicken Sausage and then combined with lots of cheese until its a creamy addictive pot of goodness. Then it is scooped on top of bread, toasts, or crackers, which makes it a canape.

You can make them ahead and freeze them for up to 3 months. Then simply lay them out on a sheet pan frozen and cook them in the oven until the bread/cracker toasts up and the topping is melty. Then serve these meaty appetizers on a platter and watch your guests go crazy for them!

Easy Ingredients to Make Hanky Panky Appetizers

Fridge Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (I used 90% lean) and 1 lb Ground Chicken (I used white meat) – You can use any combination of ground chicken, turkey, beef, and/or pork. You just need to get to 2 pounds in total.
  • Cream Cheese – Cream cheese is what helps to make the meat mixture really creamy and stick together. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use 2 ounces of sour cream and an additional 2 ounces of shredded cheese.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – I love cheddar in this recipe, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Provolone, Manchego, Mozzarella, Gruyere or any other melty cheese.
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped – The fresh parsley brings in a bit of color and freshness, but is not necessary for this recipe to taste great.
  • Fresh Garlic, minced – Fresh is best when it comes to garlic, but you can buy pre-minced garlic to save time or mince it in bulk andfreeze itfor use when you need it!

Pantry or Counter Ingredients

  • Fennel Seed – Fennel seed is the ingredient that brings that Italian sausage flavor. It’s not absolutely necessary, but definitely gives that traditional Hanky Panky flavor.
  • Dried Oregano – Oregano is great for adding more herby flavor. You can substitute in dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, or dried marjoram.
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – You can substitute in vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil.
  • Crackers – I used Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, Original for these. However, the traditional vehicle to carry the meaty goodness is a co*cktail rye square. You can get creative and use sliced baguette, butter crackers, bread slices, or anything you want really!
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Why Are Hanky Panky One of the Best Party Appetizer Recipes?

  1. The name is Hanky Panky! FYI, I did not make this name up! It came about in the early 1970’s in the midwest and the name was likely derived from some fun ‘swinging’ parties.
  2. They include Meat, Cheese, and Bread. I’ve revised the recipe but still keep the essence of these!
  3. They are make-ahead apps. You can make them up to 3 months in advance and keep in the freezer, then pull them out and cook in minutes for a snack, for last minute guests, or for a planned party.
  4. They are super EASY to make. Everything gets made in 1 skillet or pot and then you top bread or crackers and freeze.
  5. This Hanky Panky recipe is updated with real ingredients. The original recipe included a very processed shelf-stable cheese. My recipe swaps that out for shredded real cheddar along with some cream cheese for creaminess.
  6. You can make them Gluten Free. While the original recipe used co*cktail rye breads, I have used Gluten Free Crackers that I tested and work beautifully after freezing and cooking!
  7. My Grandma and my Mom made them since I can remember. Generations of Moms cannot be wrong!
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Time Saving Prep-Ahead Steps for Your Hanky Panky Appetizers

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Prepping meals ahead can make ALL the difference! So, here are the steps you can do the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge…(See the recipe below for more details)

Mix the Chicken Sausage

The traditional recipe includes a combo of Pork Sausage and Ground Beef. My version replaces the Pork Sausage with a homemade Lean White Meat Ground Italian Chicken Sausage mixture that works great in this plus so many other recipes!

Mix all chicken sausage meat ingredients (ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fennel seed, Salt, fresh ground pepper) in a bowl. Either store in fridge until ready to cook or keep going on to the cooking the meat.

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Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (5)

Cooking Your Hanky Panky Appetizers!

This recipe is great because it’s so easy! Everything gets layered into one large skillet, soup pot, or dutch oven.

Start by browning the ground chicken sausage meat mixture. I mean, REALLY browning it. Separate it, then don’t touch it for 4-5 minutes until it gets really, really browned. Then stir and add in the ground beef. Stir again to combine and let the beef cook through.

Then add the cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring until thick and creamy.

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Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (7)

Top Your Hanky Pankies

On a baking sheet pan or cookie sheet that will fit flat into your freezer, lay out the crackers (or co*cktail rye squares or other bottom layer of your choosing). Place a small amount of the cooled cheesy meat mixture on top of each cracker. I used Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, Original. Once all are topped, lightly cover and seal with foil or plastic wrap, and place in freezer. Once completely frozen (approx. 6 hours) transfer gently to a freezer container or freezer bag.

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When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 375 F degrees. Remove the Hanky Panky Canapes from the freezer and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan. Cook in the oven for 12-14 minutes, until warmed through and the crackers are crispy.

That’s it! ENJOY! 😍Carrie

Hanky Panky Recipe FAQS

What can you use for the Cracker or Bread Base?

The traditional base for Hanky Panky is a co*cktail or Party Rye Bread square. However, they are sometimes not available in stores until the holiday season in the fall. I also think they are a little big for a heavy appetizer like this. So, if you are looking for a substitute, you can use a crisp cracker. I used Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, Original. They are the perfect size, not too salty, and because they are plain, they let the Hanky Panky Meat Topping stand out. You can also use pumpernickel bread cut into small squares.

Is there Velveeta cheese in this recipe?

This Hanky Panky recipe is updated with real ingredients and does not use Velveeta cheese, which is a processed shelf-stable cheese. My recipe swaps that out for shredded real cheddar along with some cream cheese for creaminess.

How many Hanky Panky pieces should I estimate per person?

I have estimated 5 Hanky Panky Pieces per person in this recipe, for a total of 70 pieces providing about 14 servings of 5 pieces each. Truthfully, as a caterer in my previous life, I can tell you that the number of pieces per person depends on what you are also serving. I generally estimate a total 10-12 appetizer pieces per person for a co*cktail party with either passed or table appetizers or hors ‘d’oeuvres. That means that if you have 4 different appetizers, then each of those 4 will need to serve about 3 pieces per person. I assumed for this recipe that you will have other food available.

How long will these Hanky Panky Appetizers last in the freezer?

These Hanky Panky Appetizers will last for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the freezer. To freeze, place all of the topped Hanky Panky pieces on a baking sheet, lightly cover and seal with foil or plastic wrap, and place in freezer. Once completely frozen (approx. 6 hours) transfer gently to a freezer container or freezer bag.

What are some other appetizers to serve with Hanky Panky?

I like to serve a variety of individual pieces vs. platters, cold vs. hot appetizers, and vegetarian vs. meat appetizers. For a plater, my Best Bruschetta Topping with Tomato, Artichoke, and Goat Cheese is a favorite among friends. For a cold dip, this Edamame Dip with Gorgonzola and Harissa Oil is unique and delicious! Both of these are vegetarian as well. For more hearty and meaty options, try these make-ahead Easiest Ground Beef Empanadas – Baked or my Make-Ahead Mini Beef Wellington Bites!

Have you tried this recipe? If so, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating in the recipe below! I love to hear your feedback and your rating helps others to find this recipe. Thanks so much!

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Check out the Web Story for these Hanky Panky Canapes!

Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (10)

5 from 1 vote

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Hanky Panky Canapes, The Best Party Appetizers!

These Hanky Panky Canapes are the BEST Party Appetizers around! They're cheesy, meaty, and absolutely delicious. Ground beef is mixed with homemade chicken sausage meat and then combined with lots of cheese until its a creamy addictive pot of goodness. Then it's scooped on top of bread, toasts, or crackers. Freeze to bake whenever you want them!

CourseAppetizer

CuisineAmerican

KeywordBeef, cheese, hanky panky, party appetizers, party food, sausage

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Freeze 6 hours

Total Time 42 minutes

Servings 70 Hanky Panky Pieces

Calories 65 kcal

Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 1lbLean Ground BeefI used 90% lean
  • 1lbGround White Meat Chickenany ground chicken or ground turkey will work
  • 2clovesgarlic
  • 1teaspoonFennel Seed
  • 3tablespoonParsley chopped
  • 1.5teaspoonFresh Ground Pepper
  • 1.5teaspoonSalt
  • 1tablespoonExtra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1teaspoonOregano, dried
  • 4ozCream Cheese
  • 8ozShredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 801″ crackersI used Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, Original

Instructions

Prepare the Hanky Panky for the freezer

  1. Chop 3 tablespoon Parsley.Mince 2 cloves garlic.

  2. To a medium mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, minced garlic, the chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of fennel seed, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper. Mix to combine. Either store in fridge until ready to cook or keep going.

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Make the Hanky Panky Topping

  1. Preheat a large pot or dutch oven. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and then add the ground chicken mixture. Separate the ground chicken to break it up into small pieces and then let it sear to get browned for about 4-5 minutes.

    Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (12)

  2. Next, stir in the ground beef along with another ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground pepper, and the oregano. Let cook for about 6-8 minutes more stirring every couple minutes to ensure the meat cooks completely through.

  3. Turn the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the meat mixture. Stir the cream cheese to combine. Add the shredded cheese and stir to melt and combine.

    Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (13)

  4. Once the meat and cheese are completely combined into a creamy and very thick mixture. Remove from the heat.

  5. At this point, you can top the crackers with a small amount of the meat mixture and serve. If freezing…

    Freezing – On sheet pans that will fit flat into your freezer (if you are freezing), lay out the crackers. Fit as many as you can on the sheet pan. Try to keep them from touching so they do not freezer together. Once the meat and cheese mixture has cooled enough to handle, start placing a small amount of the mixture on top of each cracker. Once all are topped, lay a piece of aluminum foil over top, seal, and place in freezer to freeze. Once completely frozen (approx. 6 hours) transfer gently to a freezer container or freezer bag.

    Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (14)

Frozen – Cook the Hanky Panky Canapes for serving

  1. When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 375 F degrees. Remove the Hanky Panky Canapes from the freezer and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan. Cook in the oven for 12-14 minutes, until warmed through and the crackers are crispy.

  2. Serve and Enjoy!

    Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (15)

Recipe Notes

  1. Serving Size in this recipe for the Calories is based on 1 Hanky Panky.
  2. What can you use for the Cracker or Bread Base? The traditional base for Hanky Panky is a co*cktail or Party Rye Bread square. If you are looking for a substitute, as I did, you can use a crisp cracker. I used Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, Original. They are the perfect size, not too salty, and because they are plain, they let the Hanky Panky Meat Topping stand out. You can also use pumpernickel bread cut into small squares.
  3. How many Hanky Panky pieces should I estimate per person? I usually estimate 5 Hanky Panky Pieces per person in this recipe for a co*cktail party or get together with other food. That means a total of 70 pieces providing about 14 servings of 5 pieces each. I generally estimate a total 10-12 appetizer pieces per person for a co*cktail party with either passed or table appetizers or hors ‘d’oeuvres. That means that if you have 4 different appetizers, then each of those 4 will need to serve about 3 pieces per person. I assumed for this recipe that you will have other food available.
  4. How long will these Hanky Panky Appetizers last in the freezer? These Hanky Panky Appetizers will last for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the freezer. To freeze, place all of the topped Hanky Panky pieces on a baking sheet, lightly cover and seal with foil or plastic wrap, and place in freezer. Once completely frozen (approx. 6 hours) transfer gently to a freezer container or freezer bag.

Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (16)

Hanky Panky Appetizer Recipe - Meaty and Cheesy - Talking Meals (2024)

FAQs

Is Hanky Panky bread being discontinued? ›

The news from Pepperidge Farms comes after a Twitter user asked the company if they were still selling the bread after she hadn't seen it on store shelves for months. Hi Chey. Unfortunately, this has been discontinued. We hope that you can find another favorite among our products!

Where did Hank Panky appetizer originate? ›

A Midwest crowd-pleaser, the origin of the Hanky Panky recipe isn't clear. It became popular in the 70s in Cincinnati, Ohio, though there's no side of the box recipe or newspaper clipping to pinpoint where it got started.

How long to reheat frozen hanky panky in the oven? ›

To reheat: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Place the hanky pankies on a baking sheet in a single layer. If they were stored in the freezer, there's no need to thaw them; you can reheat them directly. Heat them for 10-15 minutes or until they're hot and the cheese is melted.

How many calories are in Hanky Panky? ›

1 oz of hanky panky (Toad-Ally Snax) contains 135 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 63% carbs, 34% fat, and 3% protein. This has a relatively high calorie density, with 482 Calories per 100g.

What happened with Pepperidge Farms? ›

A subsidiary of the Campbell Soup Company since 1961, it is based in Norwalk, Connecticut. On January 18, 2023, the company announced plans to close their Norwalk headquarters, consolidating jobs held there to Campbell Soup Company headquarters in Camden, New Jersey.

Did Pepperidge Farm stop making party bread? ›

"Hi Linda, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but our Pepperidge Farm Party Rye bread has been discontinued.

Why do they call it Hanky Panky? ›

It was a variant of 'Hocus Pocus' and just a nonsense term used to refer to trickery. It wasn't used as a euphemism for sexual activity until 1939. In George Bernard Shaw's play Geneva, a character protests that she's not up for 'hanky-panky' because she's respectable.

Where are Hanky Panky made? ›

Hanky Panky's exclusive copyrighted 100% nylon stretch lace, which is super-soft, stretches to move with your body and never, ever binds or cuts in. Fabric is knitted, dyed, and finished in the northeast USA.

What does a Hanky Panky taste like? ›

A Hanky Panky tastes lightly sweet, but the sweetness is toned down by the bold, bitter herbal flavors in the Fernet-Branca. Add the botanical quality of gin and you've got a complex, aromatic drink that is well balanced but far from boring.

What is the recipe for Hanky panky? ›

brown hamburger, sausage and onion. Add Velveeta cheese until melted, sprinkle cayenne pepper and pepper flakes to taste. Let cool completely. Mound onto co*cktail rye slices and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly.

How do you reheat frozen leftovers in the oven? ›

Heat the oven to 200–250°F (90–120°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Reheating time will vary depending on the leftovers.

Do flavored toothpicks have calories? ›

It is estimated that a toothpick contains between 0.1 and a maximum of 3 calories. This depends on the flavor, the proximity to the knothole (absorbency of the wood), the duration of chewing and the age of the pack (evaporation).

How to return Hanky panky? ›

Please go to Hanky Panky's Return Center to process a return. Is there a cost to return an item? A $10 shipping charge will be deducted from your refund or credit ($14.00 if returning from Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico). The credit will be applied within 30 days once returned merchandise is received and inspected.

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