Hanky Panky Bites are the ultimate savory snack that combines hearty sausage, savory spices, and gooey melted cheese, all piled on top of crispy cocktail rye bread. These little bite-sized appetizers are perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with something simple, delicious, and utterly addictive. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a total crowd-pleaser!

Personal Story & Background

I first came across Hanky Panky Bites at a family gathering years ago, and they quickly became a staple at every holiday, birthday, and casual get-together after that. The dish’s funny name always brings a smile, and the combination of flavors—sausage, cheese, and a punch of seasoning—makes them so irresistible. It’s one of those appetizers that disappears almost as quickly as you can make them, and no one can ever seem to get enough.

What makes these bites so special is that they pack all the flavor of a hearty snack into a bite-sized morsel, and they’re just as easy to prepare as they are to eat. Whether I’m hosting a small gathering or bringing something to a potluck, Hanky Panky Bites are always a hit. And honestly, they’re the perfect blend of savory and cheesy, making them impossible to resist!

Ingredient Notes

Ground sausage: The base of the filling, providing richness and a savory, slightly spicy flavor. You can use breakfast sausage or Italian sausage, depending on your taste preference. For a milder flavor, opt for a sweet sausage, and for extra heat, go for a hot sausage.
Cream cheese: This ingredient adds a creamy, smooth texture and helps bind the sausage mixture together. It also balances out the savory sausage flavor with a slight tang.
Cheddar cheese: Grated sharp cheddar cheese is perfect for melting and adds a bold, cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.
Rye cocktail bread: The traditional base for Hanky Panky Bites. The small, square slices of rye bread hold up well to the hearty sausage and cheese mixture, offering a nice crunch. If you can’t find cocktail rye bread, you can also use regular rye bread or even crackers as an alternative.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a bit of savory depth and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the mixture.
Onion: Sautéed onions add sweetness and a little extra flavor to the sausage filling. You can skip this if you’re not a fan of onions or use shallots for a milder taste.
Mustard powder: A touch of mustard powder adds a little zing, enhancing the savory flavor of the sausage and balancing out the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbly. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set it aside.

2. Sauté the onions

In the same skillet, add a little oil or butter and sauté the diced onions until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. If you’re using shallots, they’ll cook even faster and add a milder flavor.

3. Combine the filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage, sautéed onions, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the cheese begins to melt into the mixture.

4. Prepare the bread

Place the rye cocktail bread slices on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper if you like. This will make cleanup easier. If the slices are larger, you can cut them into smaller squares to make bite-sized pieces.

5. Spoon the filling onto the bread

Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto each slice of rye bread. Be generous—each bite should be packed with flavor!

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the Hanky Panky Bites for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the bread is crispy around the edges.

7. Serve and enjoy

Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. These bite-sized delights are best enjoyed hot and fresh!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overcook the sausage: You want the sausage to be browned and crispy, but not overly dry. Drain off any excess fat to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
Use room-temperature cream cheese: If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be harder to mix into the sausage and cheese filling. Let it soften at room temperature for a smoother blend.
Add extra cheese: For an extra cheesy bite, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bite before baking. It will create a gooey, golden crust.
Make ahead: You can assemble these ahead of time! Prepare the filling and top the bread slices, then store the uncooked bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven!

Serving Suggestions

Hanky Panky Bites are perfect on their own as a snack, but they can also be served as part of a larger appetizer spread. Here are a few ideas to complement them:

Crisp veggies: Serve with a side of crunchy carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy bites.
Dipping sauces: Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Cocktail: These little bites pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine, beer, or a classic cocktail like a gin and tonic or a Bloody Mary.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but they hold up pretty well if you want to enjoy them later.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled Hanky Panky Bites (before baking) for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, keeping an eye on them until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave them, but the bread won’t stay as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bread instead of cocktail rye? Yes, you can use regular rye bread, baguette slices, or even crackers. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You can assemble them the night before and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Yes, you can customize the filling to your liking! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Can I make these with ground turkey or chicken? Yes, if you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken will work fine, though they may be a bit drier. Consider adding a bit more cream cheese to keep the filling moist.

Conclusion

Hanky Panky Bites are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and deliciously satisfying. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a snack to share with family, these bite-sized treats are always a crowd favorite. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you—feel free to share your thoughts or any fun twists you add in the comments!

Hanky Panky Bites: A Deliciously Savory Appetizer for Any Occasion

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 22–28 bites (yield increased by 2–4 servings) 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Hanky Panky Bites are the ultimate savory snack, combining hearty sausage, savory spices, and gooey melted cheese on top of crispy cocktail rye bread. Perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 loaf rye cocktail bread (or regular rye bread, crackers)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard powder
1 medium onion, diced (or shallots for a milder taste)
1 tbsp butter or oil for sautéing onions

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Instructions

Brown the sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and crumbly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté the onions:
In the same skillet, add butter or oil and sauté the diced onions until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. If using shallots, they’ll cook faster and provide a milder flavor.
Combine the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the browned sausage, sautéed onions, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined and the cheese starts to melt into the mixture.
Prepare the bread:
Place the rye cocktail bread slices on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using larger slices, cut them into bite-sized squares.
Spoon the filling onto the bread:
Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto each slice of rye bread, packing it generously.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the bread is crispy around the edges.

Serve and enjoy:
Allow the bites to cool for a minute before serving. Best enjoyed hot and fresh!

Notes

Don’t overcook the sausage: Ensure the sausage is browned but not dry. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
Room-temperature cream cheese: For smooth mixing, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before adding it to the filling.
Extra cheese: For an even cheesier bite, sprinkle more shredded cheddar on top of each bite before baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the bites and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 25mg