"Fried" Bologna Sandwich (2024)

Forget what you knew about bologna sandwiches, this is a modern take on the “fried” bologna sandwich!

Bologna is lightly pan-fried and topped with super simple beer cheese and jalapenos!

Fried bologna sandwiches are a nostalgic taste of home and growing up back in the ’70s but they’re so much more than that.

While the traditional method of serving up these sandwiches is great, I’ve taken them up a notch and made them a bit more “classic” and “timeless” with a few simple modernizations.

Today I am sharing my version of the old-school sammie! Serving up some fried loose bologna meat in a submarine bun really helps to make this sandwich look like something you’d pick up at a street fair or ball game, making it that much more fun.

What Is A Fried Bologna Sandwich?

A fried bologna sandwich is nothing more than pan-fried bologna deli meat that is heated until lightly crisp. Traditionally the bologna was then served up on plain, white bread, but we can’t leave it at that, can we?

We’re adding in a few of our own tasty touches to truly make this sandwich more unique and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Shaved bologna
• Velveeta, queso flavored, cubed
• Milk
• Beer (whatever you have in the fridge, I would avoid anything too dark)
• Sliced, pickled jalapeños
• Sub rolls

For the exact measurements and amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How To Make A Fried Bologna Sandwich

1. Spray a large skillet with non-stick spray and heat over medium heat. Add shaved bologna and pan “fry” just until crispy. Be sure to stir the bologna with tongs or a fork so that it doesn’t stick to the pan and to ensure that each piece gets crispy.
2. Place cubed processed cheese and milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the beer.
3. Divide the crispy bologna between the two rolls, drizzle with cheese, and then top with jalapenos.

Variations

• Onions. A lot of people enjoy their fried bologna sandwiches with onions and who wouldn’t? Toasted caramelized onions would truly make this sammie even better so if you’re feeling up to it, fry up some onions in a pan until softened and beginning to brown, and then add in the bologna to cook as directed.
• Shaved bologna. You should be able to get this fairly easily by simply asking the deli counter worker at your grocery store’s meat section for some “shaved bologna.” It just means they’ll cut it fresh in a certain way to get you the shredded appearance we want. If you don’t have this option available using regular sandwich bologna slices and dicing it up small can still be a good alternative.
• Alcohol-free. While the beer cheese flavor combination truly makes this sandwich taste incredible you can omit the beer or use alcohol-free beer instead. Using nonalcoholic beer will still give you that great taste but even omitting the beer completely won’t “ruin” the sandwich.

What To Serve With A Bologna Sandwich

This sandwich can be tasty and pretty filling on its own but if you’re looking for some fun side dishes to serve up along with it don’t look too far because I’ve got some great recipes right here!

• Oven fried green tomatoes– Adding some “fried” green tomatoes to the side sounds like a winning idea.
• Oven baked pickle chips– These pickle chips are crunchy, crispy, and super easy to make in the oven.
• Roasted potatoes– Potatoes of any sort are always a hit when served with sandwiches.
• BLT Salad– Keping with the sandiwch theme but adding in a little greens.
• Fruit salad-Add a little color and variety to your plate with this sweet salad option.
• Simple cucumber salad– This is a light and refreshing salad perfect for lunch.
• Ginger peach lemonade– A sweet cold drink to help wash down that sandwich.

FAQs

Can You Freeze A Bologna Sandwich?

I would advise freezing a bologna sandwich especially this sandwich with the gooey, melted cheese, and the pickled jalapenos. However, you can 100% freeze bologna meat separately and then prepare the sandwich when needed!

Is Fried Bologna Sandwiches A Southern Thing?

Yes and no. While friend bologna sandwiches were a very popular sandwich recipe in the south and midwest a lot of northern states had it served up at meals times too. That said, you’re much more likely to find it in a mid-western county fair nowadays.

What Condiments Go On A Bologna Sandwich?

If you feel like adding any condiments to this sandwich (totally optional) you can stick with the traditional options of mustard, mayo, or ketchup. Personally, I feel that this sandwich is perfect as-is and doesn’t need anything added but a little smear of mayo wouldn’t hurt.

If you grew up in the ’70s, then you will know that this upscale bologna sandwich is a far cry from the white bread, mayo, and mustard sandwich that we ate most often.

This sandwich is here to convince you to give that nostalgic sandwich another look. Retro is in, and it’s delicious!

For more delicious sandwich recipes, check out these Monte Cristo Sandwich, Garlic Shrimp Gyro Sandwich, Portobello Veggie Sandwich, and BBQ Bacon BLT Sandwich.