Hanky Pankies are a classic American appetizer with a memorable name. They consist of a warm, cheesy meat mixture served on small bread slices or, in this version, soft slider buns.
This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes on the stovetop, making it a fast and satisfying snack for parties or game day gatherings. The simple ingredients and straightforward method mean you can easily prepare a large batch.
Why is Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer a Must-Try?
Using both ground beef and pork sausage gives the filling a balanced, savory flavor and rich texture.
Melting the cheese directly into the meat mixture creates a smooth, integrated filling that holds together well on the buns.
Cooking the meat first and draining the grease ensures the final appetizer is not overly oily.
Ingredients for Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
• Pork Sausage: Use a mild or medium breakfast sausage. If you prefer more heat, a hot variety also works well.
• American Cheese: Processed cheese in a block melts very smoothly. You can also use deli-style American cheese slices; just tear them into pieces before adding to the pan.
• Slider Buns: Pretzel buns offer a nice contrast in texture, but classic Hawaiian sweet rolls or any small, soft dinner roll are great alternatives.
• Cayenne Pepper: This adds a gentle warmth. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste or omit it for a milder version.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
Step 1: Cook the Meats
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and pork sausage. Use a spoon to break up the meat and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling
Carefully drain all the excess grease from the skillet. Return the pan to medium heat and stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Add the cheese and continue to stir until it is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
For extra texture, you can toast the buns by brushing the cut sides with melted butter and warming them in a separate pan. Scoop a generous amount of the warm meat filling onto each bottom bun, add the top bun, and serve right away.
What to Serve with Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
These savory sliders are a great standalone party snack. They pair well with simple sides like pickles, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Expert Tips for Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
Food Safety: Ensure the ground meat mixture is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
Cheese Choice: Processed cheese melts the creamiest. You can substitute with 24 slices of deli American cheese; just tear them into smaller pieces before adding to the pan.
Spice Level: For a milder appetizer, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, use a hot variety of pork sausage.
Make Ahead: The meat filling can be made ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess, before serving.
How to Store and Freeze Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
Store the leftover meat mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the filling in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, then assemble on fresh buns.
Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer Recipe FAQs
Can I make hanky pankies ahead of time?
Yes, the meat filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before scooping onto buns to serve.
What kind of bread is best?
Traditionally, this dish was often served on small squares of rye or pumpernickel cocktail bread. Modern versions often use slider buns, like pretzel or Hawaiian rolls, which are soft and easy to handle.
Can I bake these instead of serving them fresh?
You can. Assemble the sliders in a baking dish, brush the tops with melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until the buns are toasted and the filling is hot.
Hanky Pankies Vintage Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended, 450 g
- 1 lb pork breakfast sausage 450 g
- 1 lb processed American cheese (like Velveeta) cut into 1-inch cubes, 450 g
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- 24 small slider buns such as pretzel or Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted (optional), 28 g
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage.
- Cook the meats, breaking them apart with a spoon, for 8-10 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Carefully drain all the excess grease from the skillet.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the cubed cheese to the meat. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- If desired, brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter. Toast them in a separate pan over medium heat or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the warm meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Place the top buns on and serve immediately.
Notes
