Hot Rye Pizza Squares
Hot Rye Pizza Squares offer a savory combination of spicy sausage, ground beef, and melted Velveeta cheese on rye bread, perfect for quick appetizers or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and hot sausage together in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add oregano, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and Velveeta cheese to the cooked meats.
- Mix well and heat until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Spread the meat and cheese mixture onto slices of party rye bread.
- Freeze the prepared rye slices on cookie sheets until solid.
- Store the frozen slices in plastic bags for later use.
- To serve, broil the rye slices until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you can't find party rye bread, pumpernickel or regular rye bread cut into small squares can work as a substitute. Using low-fat Velveeta can help reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning before spreading the mixture on the bread.
Serving Suggestions
These Hot Rye Pizza Squares make a fantastic appetizer or party snack, perfect alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dips. Pair them with a cold beverage or serve with a side of Homemade Onion Soup Mix for dipping. They are also great for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, making them a versatile addition to any menu.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place any prepared pizza squares in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, broil them directly from frozen until bubbly and heated through, typically around 5-7 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Rye Pizza Squares contains roughly 628 calories, with 33g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and calcium (148% 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 make these pizza squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture, spread it on the rye bread, and freeze them until you're ready to serve. This makes them a convenient option for parties, as you can simply broil them when guests arrive.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer a more natural cheese option, you can substitute Velveeta with a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. This will give you a creamy texture and rich flavor similar to the original recipe.
How do I ensure the meat mixture is not too greasy?
To minimize greasiness, make sure to thoroughly drain the fat after browning the ground beef and sausage. Additionally, using leaner cuts of meat or a combination of turkey sausage and beef can help reduce the fat content.
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).