Hanky Panky Sliders Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, Hanky Panky Sliders are the answer. These cheesy, savory mini sandwiches are loaded with a blend of seasoned beef and sausage, smothered in creamy Velveeta, and tucked neatly into bite-sized buns. Every bite bursts with bold flavor and gooey texture, making them impossible to resist at parties, game days, or even a casual family night. Trust me: once you try Hanky Panky Sliders, they’ll become your new go-to dish for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hanky Panky Sliders is in their simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for the role it plays, from creating a flavor-packed filling to adding just the right hint of spice and creaminess. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need, and a little tip for each.
- Ground Beef: This is the hearty foundation—choose 80/20 for perfect juiciness in every bite.
- Ground Pork Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick that makes the filling extra flavorful.
- Garlic Powder: Just a little bit makes the meat mixture so much more aromatic and rich.
- Onion Powder: Compliments the garlic and brings a mellow sweetness to balance out the sausage.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like some heat, don’t skip these—they add a subtle punch without overwhelming spice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A drizzle deepens the umami notes and ties everything together.
- Salt: Essential for boosting all the other flavors—season generously but taste as you go.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a bit of background spice and warmth.
- Velveeta Cheese: This is the secret weapon! It melts down creamy and smooth, making every slider deliciously gooey.
- Slider Buns or Dinner Rolls: Soft, pillowy rolls are what make these perfect hand-held treats.
- Butter (Optional): Brushing your buns with melted butter before toasting takes them over the top with color and crunch.
- Sliced Pickles or Jalapeños (Optional): These little extras add a pop of acidity or heat to balance all that rich, cheesy filling.
How to Make Hanky Panky Sliders
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add both the ground beef and ground pork sausage, breaking them up with a spatula as they cook. You want small, crumbly bits for the perfect slider texture. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains—this usually takes about 8 minutes. Once done, drain off any extra grease so your sliders don’t end up greasy. This step is crucial for flavor and makes the foundation of your Hanky Panky Sliders.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Return the pan to the heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. As these hit the warm meat, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely mouthwatering. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to ensure every crumble gets fully coated in flavor. This seasoning step brings complexity and depth so every bite of your Hanky Panky Sliders is savory and satisfying.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese right into the skillet, turning the heat down to low. Stir frequently as the cheese melts—within a few minutes, it should become a silky, rich sauce coating the meat mixture. Keep the skillet on low to keep everything warm and ready for assembly. The oozy cheese is what sets Hanky Panky Sliders a notch above all other party food!
Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended!)
If you want the buns to have a delicious toasty edge, brush the cut sides with a bit of melted butter and toast them in a skillet or in the oven until lightly golden. This extra step adds both crunch and a hint of richness. Don’t skip it—especially when you want to impress guests with that perfect bite.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a couple of pickles or jalapeños if you love a little zing, and cap with the other half of the bun. Press down just a bit to make them easy to pick up, then serve warm. Congratulations, you’ve just made a plateful of irresistible Hanky Panky Sliders!
How to Serve Hanky Panky Sliders
Garnishes
Add a fun finishing touch to your sliders by topping each one with a couple of sliced dill pickles or jalapeños. Not only do these garnishes add a cool crunch or spicy kick, but they also provide color and a festive look that makes Hanky Panky Sliders table-ready for any gathering. If you want to get fancy, try a tiny skewer or toothpick to hold the garnish in place.
Side Dishes
Hanky Panky Sliders are decadent all on their own, but they pair wonderfully with simple sides. Think classic coleslaw for something crisp and cool, kettle chips for crunch, or even a fresh garden salad to balance out all the richness. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a mix of chips, pickled veggies, or sliced veggies with dip—the sliders truly shine alongside these lighter bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive by arranging your Hanky Panky Sliders on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment. For parties, slide them onto a tray with party picks and label the garnishes so everyone can pick their favorite. Or, make a “slider bar” and let guests top their Hanky Panky Sliders with whatever they love—pickles, jalapeños, extra cheese, or a dash of hot sauce! Presentation can be as creative and carefree as the mood you’re in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hanky Panky Sliders, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, separating layers with parchment if stacking. They’ll keep well for up to three days—making them a dream for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Want to save some for another time? Just freeze the cheesy meat mixture (not the assembled sliders) in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Flatten it out for quick thawing. When you’re ready for your slider fix, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired. Fresh buns are best, so fill them after the meat is hot and melty.
Reheating
To get that same just-made feel, scoop leftover meat mixture into a skillet over low heat and stir until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk to loosen things up. Then simply assemble fresh sliders and enjoy. For already-made sliders, wrap them in foil and warm in a low oven for 10 minutes—they’ll taste almost like new!
FAQs
Can I make Hanky Panky Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and cheese filling a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, then assemble on fresh buns right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Are there any substitutions for Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta isn’t your thing, you can swap in shredded cheddar, American cheese, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just keep in mind, the meltiness of Velveeta is what gives Hanky Panky Sliders their signature gooey filling, so choose a cheese that melts smoothly.
How spicy are these sliders?
The spice level is completely up to you! The base recipe has a gentle warmth from the sausage and optional red pepper flakes, but you can dial that up or down. Want more kick? Double the red pepper or add jalapeños on top. Prefer mild? Skip the spice altogether.
Can I prepare these for a large group?
Definitely. Hanky Panky Sliders are made for parties! You can easily double or triple the recipe, and keep the meat mixture warm in a slow cooker so guests can assemble them hot and fresh throughout the night. It’s perfect for potlucks and family get-togethers.
Do these freeze well?
Yes, with one important tip—freeze only the meat and cheese filling, not the assembled sliders. That way, you can bring the filling back to bubbly hot, spoon it on fresh buns, and treat yourself to sliders that taste just as good as the first time around.
Final Thoughts
Bringing people together is what food is all about, and nothing does it quite like a platter of Hanky Panky Sliders. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating the family, these are sure to disappear fast. Give them a try—your tastebuds (and your guests!) will thank you.
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Hanky Panky Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hanky Panky Sliders are a delicious and cheesy appetizer featuring a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork sausage. Perfect for parties or game days, these sliders are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- sliced pickles or jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Add Velveeta cubes to the skillet, stir until melted and combined with the meat. Reduce heat to low.
- Toast Buns: Optionally, brush buns with butter and toast lightly.
- Assemble: Spoon cheesy meat mixture onto bottom bun halves. Top with pickles or jalapeños if using. Cover with top buns and serve warm.
Notes
- These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners.
- You can prep the meat mixture ahead and reheat when ready to assemble.
- For extra kick, add hot sauce or swap Velveeta for pepper jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
