Fried Bologna Sandwich for Lunch That's So Good

Recipe

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Follow this recipe to make a crispy fried bologna sandwich. Eat it now or pack it for school.

This fried bologna sandwich is a fun way to change up your usual lunch with crispy bologna, melted cheese, and toasted bread. Here, you’ll learn how to make it and eat it now, or pack it for school to enjoy later.

fried bologna sandwich with cheese, lettuce, mayo and toasted bread

Is a Fried Bologna Sandwich Good?

Laura Fuentes holding a stack of lunchboxes and a school lunch bag

The first time my son asked me to make a fried bologna sandwich, I wasn’t sure what to think. He had tried one at a local sandwich shop and loved it, so I recreated it at home and quickly understood the appeal. Toasted bread, crispy bologna, and melty cheese turn an ordinary sandwich into something anyone will be excited to eat.

Making It for Lunch

Make the sandwich
Toast the bread and spread the mayonnaise and Creole mustard on each slice. Layer the lettuce, cheese, tomato (if using), and fried bologna before closing the sandwich.
Make it better
Score the edges of the bologna before frying to prevent it from curling. If you’re adding tomato, place the cheese between the tomato and the bread to keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Pack it for lunch
Pack the sandwich inside a sturdy lunch container so it doesn’t get squished. Add fruit and veggies in separate compartments and refrigerate until it’s time to pack it inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, if needed.

closeup of fried bologna sandwich with cheese, lettuce, mayo and toasted bread in a lunchbox

Laura’s Lunch Tips for This Lunch

Do I have to fry the bologna?

You don’t, but frying gives it crispy edges and a richer flavor that makes this sandwich extra special.

Why does my bologna curl?

The rim around the bologna is what’s causing it to curl when exposed to heat. To keep your slices flat as they cook, make four small cuts around each slice’s edges before frying.

Can I make this sandwich ahead?

Yes. Let the fried bologna cool for a few minutes before packing it in a lunch box so steam doesn’t soften the toasted bread. The fried bologna tastes totally great, and the sandwich will still be good later.

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More Ways to Make Lunch Easier

If you love sandwiches for lunch, here are a few more lunch ideas to add to your rotation:

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Fried Bologna Sandwich for Lunch

Servings: 1 sandwich

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 7

Follow this recipe to make a crispy fried bologna sandwich. Eat it now or pack it for school.

5 from 21 votes

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Watch How It’s Made:

Ingredients

2 slices sandwich bread, any
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Creole mustard
2 oz bologna
1 slice American cheese
2 lettuce leaves
2 tomato slices, optional

Instructions

Make the Sandwich:

Toast the bread. Spread the mayonnaise on one slice and the Creole mustard on the other.
Place the lettuce on one slice of bread, followed by the cheese. If using tomato, place it on top of the cheese.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Make four small cuts around the edges of the bologna to prevent curling. Cook for about 1 minute per side until lightly browned. Place the fried bologna on the sandwich and close it.

Pack for Lunch:

Let the bologna cool before assembling the sandwich. Then, once it's at room temperature, make the sandwich and pack it in a sturdy lunch container with fruit and veggies in separate compartments. Refrigerate until ready to place inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, if needed.