Hanky Pankys
Hanky Pankys are flaky, bite-sized pastry pockets filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or sausage, cheese, and aromatics. Perfect as effortless, flavorful appetizers for any party or gathering, these treats combine simple ingredients with a golden, flaky puff pastry exterior that will impress guests and satisfy cravings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheets – 2 sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Ground Beef or Sausage – 1 pound
- Grated Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Mustard or Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Egg Wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Variations & Additions
- Sautéed Mushrooms or Lentils (for vegetarian option) – 1 cup
- Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce – pinch or to taste
- Mozzarella or Pepper Jack Cheese (alternative cheese) – 1 cup
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) – 1-2 tablespoons, chopped
- Pizza Toppings (for mini calzone style) – as desired
- Prepare the Filling: Start by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a pan over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat. Stir in mustard or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Remove from heat and mix in the grated cheddar cheese while the mixture is still warm to achieve a gooey texture.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Cut the dough into even squares or rectangles according to your preferred size for Hanky Pankys.
- Assemble the Hanky Pankys: Place a spoonful of the prepared filling onto each pastry piece. Fold over the pastry to create a triangle or rectangle shape, then seal the edges firmly using a fork or fingers to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush each assembled pastry with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish. Arrange the Hanky Pankys on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry right from the refrigerator to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Do not overfill the pastries to prevent leaks and uneven cooking.
- Cut all pastry pieces uniformly to allow even baking and consistent portion sizes.
- Applying a thorough egg wash ensures a beautiful golden gloss on the pastries.
- Allow Hanky Pankys to cool slightly after baking for easier handling and to avoid burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Hanky Pankys, party snacks, puff pastry appetizers, savory pastries, finger food, easy party recipe, ground beef snacks, sausage pastries