Cheddar Sausage Toasts
These Cheddar Sausage Toasts are a retro favorite that never go out of style — golden little bites piled high with a cheesy, savory sausage mixture that melts into pure comfort with every bite. You’ve probably seen them at family get-togethers or tailgate spreads, and there’s a good reason they keep showing up: they’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright addictive.
The combination of beef, sausage, and gooey cheese spread over crisp cocktail rye creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor — crunchy, creamy, salty, and rich. They’re simple enough for a casual game day and classy enough to serve at holiday gatherings. Once you’ve made them, you’ll see why they’ve earned a place in countless recipe boxes across generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheddar Sausage Toasts
- Ground beef – Adds hearty flavor and texture to the filling.
- Pork sausage – Brings richness and a touch of spice; use mild or hot depending on your preference.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Deepen the savory flavor of the meat mixture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but add a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a tangy, umami depth.
- Velveeta cheese – Melts perfectly smooth for that nostalgic, creamy texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Gives a punch of real cheese flavor to complement the Velveeta.
- Cocktail rye bread – The ideal sturdy base that toasts beautifully without getting soggy.
How to Make Cheddar Sausage Toasts
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup quick and easy.
STEP 2: In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage together until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease so the topping doesn’t become oily.
STEP 3: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to evenly season the meat.
STEP 4: Add the cubed Velveeta and shredded cheddar directly to the skillet. Lower the heat and stir gently until both cheeses melt into the meat mixture, creating a thick, cheesy topping. It should be creamy but not runny — perfect for spooning onto bread.
STEP 5: Arrange the cocktail rye slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about one tablespoon of the cheesy meat mixture onto each slice, spreading it evenly to the edges.
STEP 6: Bake the toasts for 8–10 minutes, until the tops are bubbling and the bread edges are crisp and golden.
STEP 7: Let them cool for just a minute or two — enough so they’re easy to pick up — then serve warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and irresistible.
Can I Make Them Ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesy meat topping a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just spread it onto the rye bread and bake as directed. You can also freeze the assembled toasts before baking — they reheat beautifully straight from the freezer.
Can I Use a Different Bread?
Yes, though cocktail rye gives these toasts their signature flavor and crunch. You can substitute with mini pumpernickel slices, baguette rounds, or even small pieces of Texas toast for a heartier bite.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the grease well to keep the topping creamy, not oily.
- Use a mix of cheeses — the Velveeta ensures smooth melting while cheddar adds real depth.
- Make them bite-sized so guests can grab and go without needing utensils.
Serving Ideas for Cheddar Sausage Toasts
These toasts make the perfect appetizer for game day, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers. Serve them alongside dips, fresh veggies, or a chilled beer for the ultimate comfort snack spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness. If freezing, bake straight from frozen for 10–12 minutes until hot and bubbly.
With their savory meat, creamy cheese, and crisp edges, these Cheddar Sausage Toasts deliver everything you could want in a party bite — nostalgic, satisfying, and so easy to love.
Cheddar Sausage Toasts
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated extra-sharp cheddar
- 8 oz processed cheese diced (such as Velveeta)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes optional for heat
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated onion powder
- 24 mini slices of cocktail-style rye bread
- 1/2 lb seasoned ground pork sausage mild or spicy
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment to ease cleanup.
- In a sizable skillet set over medium heat, cook both the ground beef and pork sausage together. As they brown, crumble the meat with a spoon or spatula until evenly cooked through. Once browned, remove from heat and drain any rendered fat.
- To the pan of cooked meat, sprinkle in the garlic granules, onion powder, red chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until both cheeses have melted and integrated smoothly with the meat mixture.
- Arrange the rye bread slices across the lined baking tray in a single layer. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the cheesy sausage blend onto each slice, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbling and the bread edges are lightly toasted.
- Serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and texture.