Hanky Panky Sliders Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun twist on dinner, Hanky Panky Sliders are a must-try! These savory sliders feature a rich, cheesy meat filling sandwiched between soft buns, creating the kind of irresistible bite that disappears fast at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting game day, a backyard party, or just spicing up a weeknight, Hanky Panky Sliders deliver big flavor with a playful name, making them as memorable as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that bursts with flavor and comfort. Each component brings something special to the sliders, from the creamy melt of cheese to the savory depth of seasoned meats.
- Ground Beef: Gives the filling a hearty, robust base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Ground Pork Sausage: Adds a subtle spice and richness, pairing perfectly with the beef for extra depth.
- Velveeta Cheese (cubed): Melts smoothly into the meat, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture that holds everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret flavor booster, lending a tangy, umami note that brings the filling to life.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses gentle warmth and aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the savory profile.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat—adjust to your liking or skip for a milder slider.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing every other ingredient; season to taste.
- Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet bread that perfectly cradles the rich filling—mini buns work best for party-friendly bites.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Hanky Panky Sliders
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork sausage together, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. The goal is to get everything nicely browned and crumbly—this step builds a flavorful foundation for your Hanky Panky Sliders. Once fully cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease so your filling stays rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Velveeta cheese cubes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted, creating a creamy, luscious mixture that clings to every bite of meat.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Lay out the bottom halves of your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls on a platter or baking sheet. Spoon the hot, cheesy meat mixture evenly over each one, making sure you don’t skimp! Top with the remaining buns to complete your Hanky Panky Sliders. For an extra touch, lightly press down to help the filling settle in.
Step 4: Optional Toasting
If you love a warm, toasty bun, pop the assembled sliders into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step warms everything through and gives the buns a gentle crispness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the sliders with chopped parsley if you like a boost of freshness and color. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Hanky Panky Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish to Hanky Panky Sliders, making them look as inviting as they taste. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a few thinly sliced green onions can add extra flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine alongside classic party sides like crispy potato wedges, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier spread, offer chips and pickles, or even a platter of roasted veggies to add some color and balance to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Hanky Panky Sliders on a large wooden board for a rustic, shareable vibe, or skewer each one with a festive toothpick for easy grab-and-go snacking. For parties, consider a slider bar with toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickles, or hot mustard so guests can customize their own creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hanky Panky Sliders, simply wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a great option for easy lunches or midnight snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the meat and cheese mixture separately before assembling the sliders. Let it cool, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before building your sliders fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven method helps keep the buns from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Main Course
Absolutely! While Velveeta creates the signature creamy melt, you can try cheddar, American, or a blend for a different twist. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture in your Hanky Panky Sliders.
Are Hanky Panky Sliders spicy?
They’re as spicy as you want them to be! The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes and you can swap in hot sausage for more kick, or leave out the spice for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Can I make Hanky Panky Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Make the meat and cheese filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling your sliders for quick entertaining or easy meals.
What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
Keep assembled Hanky Panky Sliders warm in a low oven (about 200°F) covered with foil until ready to serve. This helps maintain their texture and melty goodness without drying them out.
Do I need to toast the buns?
Toasting is totally optional but highly recommended if you love a little crunch! It adds a lovely contrast to the creamy filling, but the sliders are just as delicious served straight from the skillet to the bun.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a platter of Hanky Panky Sliders with friends and family. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion big or small. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to for parties, potlucks, or whenever you crave a taste of pure comfort.
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Hanky Panky Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hanky Panky Sliders are a delicious and cheesy blend of ground beef and pork sausage mixed with Velveeta cheese and spices, served on soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, these sliders offer a comforting and flavorful bite that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork sausage
- 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Assembly
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until fully browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese cubes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Sliders: Spoon the hot meat and cheese mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the slider buns or Hawaiian rolls. Place the top halves over the filling to complete each slider.
- Optional Toasting: To warm through and slightly toast the buns, place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove sliders from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the meat and cheese mixture ahead of time and reheat it before assembling the sliders.
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings as tasty appetizers or main bites.
- Slider buns like Hawaiian rolls add a sweet balance to the savory filling but any small soft buns can be used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
