Bologna, a classic, much-loved ingredient in sandwiches, transforms into a tangy, zesty snack when pickled. The recipe for Pickled Bologna that I’m about to share with you is one of my all-time favorites. Originating from the Midwest of America, Pickled Bologna is a beloved dish that has won the hearts of many. It’s a unique delicacy that has a way of nestling itself into your culinary memories. I love this recipe because it’s easy, quick, and the result is incredibly tasty. It’s the perfect pick-me-up snack, a great appetizer for parties, and a fun way to shake up your regular food routine. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover bologna! The process of pickling adds a whole new flavor dimension to the bologna, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 qt. white vinegar
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pickling spice
Pickling Process
- Boil ingredients together for 10 minutes.
- Remove skin from 2 rings bologna–slice–pack in a glass jar. Pour hot syrup over meat.
- Put lid on jar and refrigerate.
- Ready to use the next day. Can also use small party hotdogs.
Calorie: 200
Total cooking time: 20 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy

The Great Bologna Expedition
Greetings, my fellow foodies! Let’s dive right into the culinary trenches, shall we? The recipe du jour is none other than the illustrious Pickled Bologna. Now, I know what you must be thinking. “Pickled Bologna? Huh?” But trust me, it’s a game-changer.
The Unlikely Heroes: The Ingredients
First things first, let’s do a quick roll call of our brave culinary soldiers. The captain of this operation is 1 1/2 qt. of white vinegar, with 1/2 c. of sugar playing the role of the trusty sidekick. The dynamic duo, salt and pickling spice, each at 1 tsp., round out this flavorful team. Oh, and let’s not forget the star of the show, the bologna!
Operation Pickling: The Process
Now onto the fun part. The process. Our first mission: boil the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pickling spice together for 10 minutes. Sounds simple, right? But oh, the chaos that can ensue!
The Vinegar Volcano
Don’t underestimate the white vinegar, my friends. It’s a silent but potent force. You might think you’ve got it under control, but then it starts bubbling like a volcano, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a high school science lab. Keep an eye on it, or that vinegar will be staging a coup d’état on your stovetop!
The Bologna Ballet
Now for the tricky part: removing the skin from the bologna and slicing it. This requires the precision and grace of a ballet dancer. One wrong move, and it’s bologna confetti all over your kitchen. And believe me, no one wants to attend that party.
After the slicing, delicately pack your bologna into a glass jar. It’s like trying to pack for a two-week vacation in a carry-on suitcase.
The Final Countdown: The Pickling
Once the bologna is snugly packed, it’s time to pour the hot syrup over the meat. This is the moment of truth. The bologna is either going to soak up all that pickling goodness, or it’s going to sulk and refuse to cooperate.
But fear not, my fellow cooks! If your bologna tosses its head and declares, “I won’t be pickled!”, you can always resort to small party hotdogs. They’re the understudies always ready to step in.
The Waiting Game
The final step is the hardest. The waiting. Put the lid on the jar and refrigerate. And then, we wait. It’s like waiting for a pot to boil or for a cake to rise, except this time, we’re waiting for bologna to pickle.
Now, the recipe says it’s ready to use the next day, but I’m convinced that the longer it marinates, the better it tastes. But who are we kidding? If you manage to wait till the next day, you’re a stronger person than I am!
The Grand Finale
So there you have it, folks. The tale of how I tangoed with bologna and emerged victorious. When you slice into that tangy, pickled goodness, you’ll know that every chaotic, hilarious moment was worth it. So go forth, brave cooks. I can’t wait to hear about your own Pickled Bologna escapades!