Bologna is a type of finely ground cured sausage typically made from pork, chicken, turkey, beef, venison, or a combination of those meats. It was derived from a sausage called mortadella that was first created in the Italian city of Bologna. Traders began associating the city with the sausage, and over time it became known by that name. Since Bologna remains such a strong tradition in regions of North America where German immigrants settled—specifically the Midwest, Appalachia, and Pennsylvania —it’s most likely that Germans brought the meat to the New World. During the difficult times of the early 20th century, Bologna proved to be one of the most accessible meats as it was affordable and could be stored easily. Then, with the invention of the first bread-slicing machine in 1928, bologna sandwiches started becoming popular.
Recipe Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices bologna
- 1–2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 2 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 slices white bread
- Mustard, as needed for a condiment (optional)
- Mayonnaise, as needed for a condiment (optional)
- 1 tomato, sliced (optional)
Directions
- Arrange the bologna slices in a stack and cut four long slits, spaced evenly apart, starting near the center and cutting out to the edge. This helps the meat cook evenly as it prevents it from curling and warping as it is fried.
- Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet and set it over medium heat.
- Place two slices of bologna in the pan with the melted butter and fry them for about 2 minutes or until the bottom reaches the desired crispness.
- Flip the bologna and place a piece of cheese, if using, on top of one of the slices. Fry for an additional 2 minutes or until the bottom of the bologna reaches the desired crispness.
- Repeat steps two through four with the remaining bologna and cheese, if using.
- Spread four pieces of bread with mustard on one side and spread four pieces with mayonnaise on one side, if desired.
- Place two slices of bologna, one of them with cheese, on top of one of the mayonnaise-covered slices of bread and top it with a slice of tomato, if desired. Place a piece of the mustard-covered bread on top, mustard-side down.
- Repeat the previous step using the remaining ingredients.
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.