Hanky Panky, that warm, cheesy, meaty appetizer beloved at Midwest gatherings, gets a lighter, modern makeover with this recipe that swaps ground beef for ground turkey and brings in the creamy depth of gouda cheese. If you’ve ever had the traditional version—typically loaded onto cocktail rye or pumpernickel bread—you know it’s the kind of bite that disappears fast at parties. This version stays true to the spirit of the classic Hanky Panky appetizer but adds just enough flair and flavor to make it feel new. Whether you're hosting a casual game night or looking for a fresh take on comfort food with deep roots in old school recipes, this dish hits the mark.
Gooey Ground Turkey and Gouda Hanky Panky
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 (makes about 24 appetizers)
Large skillet A nonstick or cast iron skillet works well for browning the turkey and blending the filling.
Spatula or wooden spoon For stirring and breaking up the turkey as it cooks.
Cheese Grater If you're using a block of gouda (highly recommended), shred it yourself for best meltability.
Mixing bowl To combine the cheeses and meat filling.
Baking sheet For toasting the bread with the cheesy topping.
Oven or toaster oven To finish off and melt the cheese into golden perfection.
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb ground turkey preferably 93% lean for moisture and flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz gouda cheese shredded (smoked gouda works great too)
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra bite
Spices & Sauces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bread Base
- 1 loaf cocktail pumpernickel bread or use sliced baguette or rye bread as a substitute
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.
Step 2: Blend in the Cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted into the meat mixture. Then fold in the shredded gouda and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes thick and cohesive. The filling should be creamy and hold together without being too runny.
Step 3: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay out slices of cocktail pumpernickel bread on a baking sheet. You can lightly toast the bread first if you want a crunchier base.
Step 4: Assemble the Appetizers
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the turkey and gouda mixture onto each slice of bread. Spread it evenly to the edges.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled appetizers in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. For extra browning on top, finish them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately while they’re warm, gooey, and irresistible.
Pairings
This modern Hanky Panky dip-style appetizer pairs beautifully with:
- Crisp, tart drinks: Try a cold apple cider, sour beer, or even a light Pinot Grigio. These cut through the richness of the cheese and turkey.
- Fresh sides: A crisp celery and fennel salad or a cucumber vinegar slaw offers a refreshing contrast.
- Soup pairings: These bites also go well alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or something hearty like Burgoo — yes, that slow-simmered Kentucky stew. The richness of both dishes plays off each other beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of bread?
Absolutely. Cocktail pumpernickel is traditional and offers a nice, earthy contrast to the cheesy topping, but sliced baguette, rye, or even mini naan rounds work well too. This also pays homage to pumpernickel bread appetizers often found in Pennsylvania Dutch recipes.
2. Is gouda the only cheese that works here?
Not at all. Gouda offers a great melt and creamy taste, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like fontina, sharp cheddar, or mozzarella. However, gouda’s nutty flavor really makes this version stand out.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the turkey and gouda filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling on bread and baking. You can even pre-assemble and freeze the appetizers—just bake from frozen for about 15–18 minutes.
4. Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The rich gouda cheese will still carry the flavor profile. For a more rustic twist, mushrooms (like in a Bierocks recipe) also work well here.
5. Can I make this into a dip?
Definitely! Instead of portioning onto bread slices, spoon the hot mixture into a baking dish and serve it as a warm Hanky Panky dip with toasted bread or chips on the side. It’s especially popular at parties, much like a Heavenly Hunks recipe copycat might be—a cozy, shareable dish with a nostalgic vibe.
