Description
Tangy and savory pickled bologna is a bold, zesty snack with deep roots in Midwest and Southern cuisine. This cured meat is soaked in a vinegar-based brine, infused with garlic and spices for a mouthwatering bite. Enjoy it straight from the jar, with crackers and cheese, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ring bologna, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ΒΌ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions
Prepare the Bologna
- Cut the ring bologna into bite-sized chunks or 1-inch slices.
Make the Pickling Brine
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Pack the Jar
- Place the sliced bologna in a clean glass jar.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the bologna, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
Seal and Store
- Let the jar cool to room temperature before sealing it with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 days before eating (for best flavor, let it sit for a week).
Enjoy!
- Serve chilled, straight from the jar, with crackers and cheese, or on a sandwich.
Notes
- The longer the bologna sits in the brine, the more intense the flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use high-quality bologna for the best taste.
- Store refrigerated for up to 2 months (best consumed within 2-3 weeks after opening).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer,lunch
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Pickled bologna, homemade pickled bologna, pickled meats, Midwest snacks, vinegar brined bologna