Hankey Panks
Hankey Panks are cheesy, savory snacks featuring seasoned ground beef and sausage spread on rye bread, then baked to perfection—ideal for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and hot sausage in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese, garlic salt, and oregano to the skillet with the meat.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- Spread the meat and cheese mixture on slices of party rye bread.
- Place the prepared bread slices on cookie sheets and freeze.
- Store the frozen Hankey Panks in a Ziploc bag for future use.
- To serve, bake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes on a cookie sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of Velveeta and cream cheese. If you're looking for a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy sausage. To make this dish healthier, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. Make sure to finely chop your herbs for better flavor distribution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hankey Panks as a hearty appetizer at parties or game day gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or alongside a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a bowl of Dorthy'S Goulash for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the frozen Hankey Panks in a Ziploc bag, ensuring they're well sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 300°F for about 15 minutes, until heated through and golden.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hankey Panks contains roughly 336 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and calcium (146% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 48g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly. For a bolder flavor, try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
How do I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the Hankey Panks in advance by following the recipe up to step 6. After freezing, store them in a Ziploc bag for easy access. This makes them perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.
Can I bake them from fresh instead of frozen?
Yes, if you choose to bake them fresh, preheat your oven to 300°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).