Party Ryes – Mini Rye Bread Pizzas

Whip up a batch of party ryes for a fun pizza inspired appetizer later. One batch makes a ton of party pizzas and they freeze great to bake later.

If you are looking for a tasty make ahead appetizer, you are in the right place! These yummy pizza inspired snacks are baked on cocktail rye bread for the perfect two to three bite snack later. 

The sausage, cheese and seasonings melt together when you are ready to bake and serve them.  You will find they are perfect for your Christmas snack spread, for New Years Eve, for game day and more. Whip up a batch and have a few for all those occasions!

I originally shared this recipe back in January of 2015.  They are super delicious, but not the most photogenic, so don’t let the lack of a pretty picture scare you off.

When trying to think of a good appetizer to make for the holidays, I knew these had to be on the short list.  We often have them at Christmas to snack on while we are playing games.

Luckily they are pretty easy to make.  Start by browning a pound each of pork sausage (like the breakfast style) and Italian sausage.  

We usually use mild for both, but feel free to spice it up if that is what you like! Then you add in a mix of spices, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Add in a full brick of Velveeta to bring it all together in the creamiest cheesiest way. Then spread it over little squares of cocktail rye bread.

If you have never seen the little loaves of bread like that, our store keeps them by the fancy cheese case in the deli.  You may have to look around a little bit for them, but they should be available because folks use them for a variety of canape.

My grandma said when she first started making this recipe, the cocktail rye bread was round.  That made them look extra pizza like. 

Now the bread is in squares and that is how I always remember it being.  Who know when they made the switch or why.

Anyway, this recipe makes 90 party ryes.  It may be tempting to cut the recipe in half, but go ahead and make the whole thing.

They freeze wonderfully and can be baked off in 10 minutes next time you have an unexpected guest.  Or just make them ahead of time when you know you are going to host a party.

We almost always have some at Christmastime, but they are also a fabulous snack for your New Year’s Eve gathering or game day as well.  In fact one batch can show up at all of those events!

More Pizza Inspired Snacks:

If you like these party ryes, try making some hanky panky dip. It is the same flavors, but served warm on crackers instead of being baked on the rye squares.

You may also like pizza muffins, they are loaded with pepperoni and cheese. Dip them in marinara for a fun treat or lunch.

Pepperoni pizza cheese ball is another fun party snack. It is versatile and filled with yummy pepperoni flavor.