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
- 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
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