- These cheesy, meaty appetizers are a Midwestern classic perfect for parties and game days.
- Rye or pumpernickel party bread creates a sturdy, flavorful base for every bite.
- You can assemble and freeze hanky pankys ahead, then bake them off straight from the freezer.
The party appetizers that instantly transport me back to my childhood are hanky pankys. These savory bites feature thin squares of rye bread topped with a mixture of ground meat and melted cheese. What’s not to love about that?
Back in the 1980s and 90s, my parents and their friends would rotate hosting a monthly card party to play bridge. When my parents hosted, my mom would make a batch of hanky pankys, and I remember the delicious aroma that would arise from the kitchen as they baked. (Meanwhile, I was surreptitiously sneaking from one card table to another, swiping a few M&Ms and roasted peanuts from each of the snack bowls before all the guests arrived.)
The hanky pankys would be served alongside all the other tasty food my parents’ friends contributed to the potluck, giving the house what I affectionately called “bridge smell.”
What are Hanky Pankys?
Hanky pankys are a classic Midwestern appetizer, particularly common in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, that are standard fare at holiday parties, tailgates, and game day get-togethers. Although the exact recipes may differ, these savory bites typically combine ground beef and ground pork with Velveeta cheese and herbs and spices…