While the mere mention of bologna might evoke images of classic sandwiches or straightforward combinations with bread and cheese, I’m thrilled to share that my culinary creativity has led me to curate a remarkable list of 23 bologna recipes that venture far beyond the familiar. Among these innovative ideas are not only sandwiches but also bologna-based salads, cakes (yes, you read that right!), smoked bologna, and even vegan options.
The possibilities are truly endless, making this collection an absolute treasure trove for anyone eager to explore new ways to enjoy their beloved bologna. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and uncover the 23 bologna recipes that will leave you wanting more.
Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad
Bologna salad offers a delightful departure from the usual egg, chicken, and tuna varieties. Comprising fewer than 10 ingredients, this refreshing spread is characterized by its cool and tangy flavor profile. For optimal enjoyment, serve it on crackers or between two slices of bread – a simple yet satisfying combination that can be prepared in as little as 20 minutes.
Monkey Meat
When it comes to crafting Monkey Meat, simplicity is key. This streamlined version of bologna salad requires just three fundamental ingredients: rich bologna, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy baby dill pickles. The process itself is effortlessly quick, with the majority of the prep work – dicing the solids in a food processor – taking no more than 15 minutes to complete.
Memphis Smoked Bologna Sandwich
As the scent of wood smoke wafts through the air, it’s time to fire up the grill and get ready to craft an authentic Memphis-style smoked bologna sandwich. To create this mouthwatering masterpiece, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: six thick slices of bologna, a tangy BBQ sauce, some crunchy coleslaw, and a sturdy bun.
Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a culinary newcomer, rest assured that with these basic components in hand, you’ll be able to effortlessly assemble these satisfying sandwiches, perfect for fueling up after a long day.
Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise
Savoring indulgence, these sliders are the perfect treat for those seeking a delightful departure from health-conscious eats. With no pretenses of nutritional value, they’re a symphony of salty, cheesy, buttery, and indulgently greasy flavors that will leave you craving more. While they may not be a staple in your diet, they’re an excellent choice for special occasions when the rules of moderation don’t apply.
Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing that their fleeting appearance means you can indulge without the burden of long-term consequences.
Ukrainian Potato Salad (Olivye)
The quintessential Ukrainian potato salad is a flavorful medley of tender chunks from potatoes, carrots, onions, eggs, peas, bologna, and pickles, making it an exceptional side dish that effortlessly complements any barbecue. For those seeking a creamy and indulgent addition to their summer gatherings, this iconic recipe is the perfect choice.
Ring Bologna and Sweet Corn Fried Rice
This flavorful rice-based dish boasts an impressive balance of protein, vegetables, and vibrant color. The aromatic flavors of garlic and zest come together in perfect harmony, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Moreover, this recipe’s speed, ease, and satisfying nature make it an excellent addition to your go-to dinner repertoire.
Bavarian Wurst Salad with Cheese
While I may not be the biggest fan of this unconventional pasta dish, I can appreciate its appeal for those who enjoy the unique combination of flavors. The key draw for some enthusiasts appears to be the novelty of incorporating stringy bologna into their meal, which provides a textural experience unlike most other dishes. For those with a taste for bologna, cheese, and pickles, this dish may indeed hit the spot.
As such, I’ll leave it up to my readers to test the waters and provide their own feedback on its overall palatability.
Smoked Bologna
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in this four-ingredient bologna. As you smoke it to perfection, you’ll be rewarded with a depth of flavor that’s simply unparalleled. Each bite is a savory delight, whether you enjoy it on a bun with your favorite condiments or savor it plain, without any accompaniment needed. The end result is a culinary pleasure that will leave you craving more.
Ground Bologna Spread with Pickles & Onions
While similar to the preceding monkey meat variation, this bologna spread receives a boost in flavor by incorporating sautéed onions. The pungent aroma and sweet undertones of the caramelized onions beautifully complement the savory essence of the bologna, resulting in an even more complex and satisfying taste experience.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
A vibrant and satisfying pasta salad that combines the best of worlds – tender noodles, savory meats, melted cheeses, and crunchy fresh veggies. The crowning glory is the sweet and tangy dressing, expertly balancing the flavors to bring harmony to each bite. Whether you’re seeking a packed lunch or a refreshing side dish for a summer gathering, this mouthwatering salad is sure to hit the spot.
Southern Bologna Burgers
A variation of the classic bologna sandwich is born with the addition of pimento cheese. The star of this show is still the thick, juicy slice of bologna served on a soft bun, but it’s elevated by the creamy, savory topping made from Colby and cheddar cheeses, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, salt, and pepper. Not only does it add a rich and indulgent flavor to the sandwich, but it also makes for a fantastic accompaniment to the warm bologna.
And if you’re feeling extra hungry, the pimento cheese is delicious on its own as well.
Burnt End Bologna Bites
Indulge in the ultimate combination of flavors and textures with these irresistible bologna bites. Perfect for anyone who savors the rich taste of burnt ends or overcooked fried bologna that’s reached a caramelized perfection. The golden-brown cubes boast crispy edges, tender centers, and a saucy kick that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking to elevate your snack game or serve up a decadent appetizer, these sweet, smoky bites are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Breakfast Sandwich Recipe with Buttermilk Biscuits
Imagine a mouthwatering combination of rich, buttery biscuits, perfectly cooked eggs, melted cheese, and savory bologna. This indulgent morning sandwich is sure to start your day off right! With just under an hour’s preparation time, you can create eight of these delightful treats for your family to enjoy. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is a must-try.
Gourmet Fried Bologna Sandwich Recipe
My affection for thin bologna stems from its distinctive characteristics – the velvety black edges that provide a satisfying crunch are a major draw for me. This, in turn, makes the thin bologna gourmet sandwich my go-to option among the listed choices. While the sharp white cheddar and aromatic garlic butter certainly enhance the overall experience, it’s the harmonious balance of flavors and textures that truly sets this sandwich apart.
Bologna Stew
While bologna stew may not sound like a conventional meal option, it’s actually a fantastic and budget-friendly choice. To get the best results, be sure to purchase a generous piece of bologna that can be chopped into bite-sized pieces. I prefer 1-2 inch chunks, but smaller or larger pieces can work just as well. The key to this recipe is searing the meat, which adds an incredible texture and depth of flavor.
What’s more, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a quick and delicious meal.
French Poodles
Imagine indulging in bite-sized corn dog treats that pack all the flavor of their larger counterparts into a compact package. French poodles, also known as bologna-filled corn dog bites, offer just that. These miniature morsels feature a crispy, slightly sweet exterior and a savory bologna center, making them an ideal party appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Fried Bologna Sandwich With & Onion
This unassuming sandwich, though appearing to be a potential gut bomb, is surprisingly satisfying. Its convenience and ease of preparation make it an attractive option for a quick lunch. With just five essential ingredients – garlic bologna, onions, ciabatta or rye bread, olive oil, and ketchup – you can quickly assemble this tasty treat. Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste.
While not the most refined or tidy sandwich to consume, the first bite will render such concerns irrelevant as you indulge in its flavorful goodness.
Fried Bologna and Egg Sandwich
While this sandwich may evoke memories of Hardee’s iconic bacon, egg, and cheese toaster, a clever substitution takes center stage. Fried bologna replaces traditional bacon, imbuing the dish with a distinct flavor profile that’s no less scrumptious. The addition of garlic elevates the overall taste experience, marrying perfectly with the cheesy, salty, and crunchy elements to create an irresistible culinary treat.
Vegan Baloney (Bologna)
While it’s true that vegan bologna doesn’t replicate the exact taste of its meat-based counterpart, it can still be a delightful alternative. When pan-fried, vegan bologna takes on a unique character that many people find appealing. For those who are passionate about traditional bologna, it may not fully satisfy their cravings. Nonetheless, individuals who enjoy the fusion of flavors and herbs might find this plant-based option more to their liking.
Notably, this vegan version boasts an impressive array of seasonings, including paprika, garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, nutmeg, and mustard powder. The result is a richly flavored product that’s truly exceptional – even if it doesn’t perfectly mimic the real thing.
Bologna Stromboli
This delectable stromboli requires only seven ingredients, making it an accessible treat to prepare. You might already possess all the necessary items, as they’re likely staples in your kitchen arsenal. Simply combine refrigerated pizza dough, bologna, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and an egg, and you’ll be indulging in a novel twist on a classic favorite in no time at all.
Ham Salad Recipe with Bologna Option
As we wrap up our series on bologna salad recipes, let’s dive into one final variation that offers a chunkier, less creamy twist. This recipe still showcases the classic combination of bologna, celery, eggs, and more, but with a thicker, denser texture. What sets it apart is the introduction of fresh basil leaves, which infuse the dish with a lighter, brighter flavor profile.
