The Southern Way To Elevate Your Bologna Sandwich

Other ways to improve this sandwich

If it seems unusual to fry up some bologna, keep in mind that bologna and hot dogs share a very similar composition. The main distinction is that hot dogs are essentially tube steaks, courtesy of Oscar Mayer, while bologna is, well, shaped like a pancake (which could be another reason to enjoy it for breakfast). More importantly, grilling a great hot dog is a popular practice, so why not grill your meat pancake, given that they’re made from the same ingredients?

With that in mind, any toppings you love on your favorite hot dog would taste just as fantastic on a grilled bologna sandwich. This includes sliced red onions, sweet pickle relish, grilled peppers, and sauerkraut. You can also add Kewpie mayo or a zesty ranch dressing, enhanced with a squeeze of sriracha or your preferred hot sauce. The debate is still ongoing about whether to add a scoop of chili to the sandwich, but if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try. It might just become the next best thing since sliced bologna.

Some additional fried bologna hacks

While you can simply place a slice or two of deli meat on the griddle or in a skillet, there are some tips that can enhance the experience. Bologna often curls at the edges when it hits the heat. To prevent this, channel your inner "Treasure Island" and mark the center of the bologna slices with an "X." Alternatively, you can score the outer edges of the deli meat. Both methods help prevent curling, with the scored edges adding a decorative touch reminiscent of a pie crust.

When it comes to cooking, many fried bologna enthusiasts prefer to fry the meat until it’s brown, even bordering on black, achieving a crispy texture. This cooking process amplifies the salty, fatty flavors that are so appealing to the palate. If you want a heartier sandwich, fry two slices of bologna instead of one. For an even more substantial option, consider purchasing bologna in an unsliced roll, allowing you to cut thicker slices for a more filling sandwich.

However, if all of this seems a bit too elaborate for a quick meal, you can always keep it simple: Fried bologna with mayo on two slices of Wonder Bread makes for an effortless breakfast.