Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully browned. Drain excess grease.Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese melts completely and coats the meat evenly.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the rye bread slices on a baking sheet.Spoon the meat and cheese mixture evenly onto each slice of bread.Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the topping bubbles and the bread edges turn lightly crisp.Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Drain the meat well to avoid greasy appetizers.Keep the mixture warm if assembling in batches.Watch closely near the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the meat and cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling and baking.
Freezing Instructions
Assemble the hanky panky on bread without baking. Freeze the pieces in a single layer, then transfer them to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread.