Fried Bologna Sandwiches Are 10x More Comforting With A Smear Of This Southern Staple

A fried bologna sandwich is a rich, comforting dish that was born out of necessity but has stuck around thanks to its flavor. During the Great Depression, sandwiches rose in popularity because of their affordability, and bologna quickly became a lunchtime staple because it was one of the most affordable deli meats. A fried bologna sandwich just involves pan-frying the bologna until that thick-sliced meat is crispy on both sides, then serving it between your bread of choice, with any toppings you prefer. But before you put that second piece of bread on top, elevate your bologna sandwich with some pimento cheese.

Pimento cheese has three main ingredients: cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's hearty and rich from the mayo and cheddar, but those pimentos give it a touch of tang and the perfect balance. It pairs nicely with a fried bologna sandwich because, while it adds to the richness, that small amount of tang and colder temperature compared to the fried bologna adds refreshing balance to the sandwich as well as a layer of creaminess.

Just a tablespoon of pimento cheese should be enough to build that balanced flavor and texture, but add an extra tablespoon if you prefer extra creaminess more of the pimento flavor to come out. Prepare the cheese yourself if you want better control of the ratios, or just purchase a good-quality store-bought option such as Palmetto Cheese, a pimento cheese brand that has a Southerner's approval. While the cheese doesn't offer much crunch, the crust on the fried bologna gets the job done. With that said, you can also add other ingredients in addition to pimento cheese, which will help make the sandwich even more well-rounded.

If you don't mind spice, toss some pickled jalapeños on the sandwich for good crunch and a hint of heat. They'll pair so well with the rich bologna and fit in just right with the slightly tangy cheese. You can also swap jalapeños for red onion if you still want a more prominent crunch and acidity without the spicy element. Don't forget about the bread, either — you can serve the sandwich on soft white bread for texture purposes, but a piece of hearty, toasted Italian bread or sourdough can be a good way to add crunch, too.