There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a fried bologna sandwich, but we’re taking it up a notch with sliders and a tangy Pickle Dijonnaise. These mini sandwiches are crispy on the edges, soft and savory in the center, and perfectly balanced with a creamy, slightly zesty sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a casual party, game day, or a family gathering, these sliders are quick to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

From sizzling the bologna in a skillet to melting just the right amount of cheese, each bite is a warm, indulgent, savory experience. The Pickle Dijonnaise—a mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped pickles—adds a bright, tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the richness of the fried bologna. Grab your skillet, some soft slider buns, and let’s dive into a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and irresistibly fun.
Preparing Fried Bologna Sliders
Selecting the Bologna and Slider Buns
Choose a high-quality, beef or turkey bologna for the best flavor. Pre-sliced bologna works perfectly. For the buns, soft slider rolls or small sandwich buns are ideal. Lightly toasted buns add texture without overwhelming the sliders.
Making Pickle Dijonnaise
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2–3 finely chopped dill pickles. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust, adding more mustard for tang or pickles for crunch. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Ingredients for Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna slices (beef or turkey) | 8 slices | Thick-cut works best for frying |
| Slider buns | 8 small | Lightly toasted for texture |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Base for Pickle Dijonnaise |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp | Adjust for tanginess |
| Dill pickles | 2–3 small | Finely chopped for Pickle Dijonnaise |
| Cheddar cheese | 4 slices | Cut in half for sliders |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For toasting buns and frying edges of bologna |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Optional, adds slight kick |
| Optional garnish | Lettuce or tomato slices | Adds freshness if desired |
Tips for Success:
- Use thick-cut bologna for a meaty texture that holds up to frying.
- Make the Pickle Dijonnaise ahead to let flavors meld.
- Toasting buns lightly in butter enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Use a non-stick skillet to crisp the edges of the bologna without sticking.
How to Make Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise
Step 1: Fry the Bologna
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Once melted, lay the bologna slices in the skillet. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until the edges start to crisp and brown slightly. This gives the bologna a savory, slightly smoky flavor while keeping the center tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Step 2: Prepare Slider Buns
While the bologna is frying, slice your slider buns in half and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast them in a separate skillet or oven until golden brown. This adds a delicate crunch and helps the bun hold up against the juicy bologna and creamy Pickle Dijonnaise.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread a generous layer of Pickle Dijonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the fried bologna slice on top, then add a half-slice of cheddar cheese. You can briefly return the sliders to the skillet or oven to slightly melt the cheese, enhancing the gooey, melty texture.
Step 4: Add Optional Garnishes
For extra freshness, layer on lettuce or tomato slices. While optional, these add a bright crunch and balance the rich, fried bologna. Top with the remaining bun halves, press lightly, and your sliders are ready.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the bologna is hot and the cheese is melty. These fried bologna sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise are perfect for casual parties, game days, or an indulgent snack. Pair with fries, chips, or pickles for a complete, nostalgic meal that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions, Variations, and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
The Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise are perfect for any casual gathering or family meal. These mini sandwiches are bite-sized, making them ideal for game day parties, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Serve them on a large platter for a party spread, garnished with fresh herbs or pickle slices for an inviting presentation.
Pair the sliders with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or potato chips to complete the comfort-food experience. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried bologna and creamy Pickle Dijonnaise. For a playful touch, serve each slider with a toothpick topped with a small pickle to make them easy to grab and eat.
For a more casual, snack-style presentation, you can line a basket with parchment paper and stack the sliders for a fun, diner-inspired vibe. These sliders are also fantastic for picnics or lunchboxes, as they’re easy to portion and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Print
Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise
- Total Time: 20–25 mins
Description
A nostalgic fried bologna sandwich gets a fun upgrade with mini sliders and creamy Pickle Dijonnaise, perfect for parties, game day, or quick family snacks.
Ingredients
- 8 slices beef or turkey bologna
- 8 slider buns
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2–3 small dill pickles, finely chopped
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
- Optional: Lettuce or tomato slices
Instructions
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry bologna slices 2–3 minutes per side until slightly crispy.
- Toast slider buns with a light butter coating until golden.
- Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped pickles to make Pickle Dijonnaise.
- Spread Pickle Dijonnaise on bottom buns, layer fried bologna, add cheese, and optional garnishes.
- Place top buns, press lightly, and serve immediately.
Tips:
Assemble sliders just before serving for best texture.
Store leftovers separately to maintain freshness.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the Pickle Dijonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10–15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 sliders
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Cheesy Variation: Add a slice of Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. Cheese can be melted over the fried bologna for a gooey, indulgent touch.
- Spicy Twist: Mix a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the Pickle Dijonnaise to give your sliders a subtle kick.
- Turkey or Chicken Bologna: Substitute turkey or chicken bologna for a leaner alternative that still delivers flavor and nostalgia.
- Extra Crunch: Add thin slices of cucumber or radish for a refreshing crunch to contrast the soft bologna and buns.
- Slider Bun Alternatives: Try mini brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or whole wheat sliders for a slightly different texture and taste. The slightly sweet brioche pairs beautifully with the salty, savory bologna.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration: If you have leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, store the buns and fried bologna separately from the Pickle Dijonnaise when possible. Reheat the bologna slices in a skillet or microwave, then assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
Freezing: While fried bologna sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried bologna slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet before assembling with fresh buns and Pickle Dijonnaise.
Tips for Best Results:
- Always toast the buns before assembly to prevent sogginess.
- Keep Pickle Dijonnaise refrigerated in a separate container if making ahead; it stays fresh for up to a week.
- Reheat fried bologna slices over medium-low heat to keep them tender and prevent drying.
- Assemble sliders just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
With these suggestions, variations, and storage tips, you can enjoy the Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise in multiple ways while keeping them fresh and flavorful. Whether serving at a casual party or a cozy family meal, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit, combining crispy, savory bologna with tangy, creamy Pickle Dijonnaise in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the bologna and prepare the Pickle Dijonnaise ahead of time. Store the bologna slices in the refrigerator and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns fresh and prevent sogginess.
Q2: Can I use turkey or chicken bologna instead of beef?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken bologna works perfectly. Just keep in mind that leaner options may cook slightly faster and can be a bit less salty, so adjust seasoning if needed.
Q3: How can I make these sliders spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the Pickle Dijonnaise, or top each slider with a few pickled jalapeño slices for a tangy, spicy kick.
Q4: Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
The Dijon adds tang, but you can adjust the sauce to taste. Mixing mayonnaise with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard also works if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried bologna slices and Pickle Dijonnaise separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the bologna gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh sliders.
Q6: Can these sliders be frozen?
Yes, but for best results, freeze only the fried bologna slices, not the assembled sliders. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
Conclusion
The Fried Bologna Sliders with Pickle Dijonnaise are a perfect blend of crispy, savory, and tangy flavors. These mini sandwiches take the nostalgic fried bologna you know and love and elevate it with a creamy, slightly zesty Pickle Dijonnaise. They’re ideal for game day snacks, casual parties, or quick family meals, offering a fun, flavorful experience in every bite.