Description
Pickled bologna delivers a tangy twist on classic deli fare that will tantalize taste buds with its zesty punch. Crisp, spiced, and perfectly preserved, this nostalgic snack brings regional charm straight to your plate, promising a delightful journey through hearty midwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) bologna, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Craft a zesty pickling solution by combining vinegar, water, sugar, and pickling salt in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring until sugar and salt completely dissolve. Let the liquid cool to ambient temperature.
- Sanitize a glass container thoroughly. Create alternating layers of bologna slices, interspersing whole garlic cloves, thinly sliced onions, and a fragrant bay leaf.
- Sprinkle the layered bologna with aromatic mustard seeds, freshly cracked black peppercorns, and optional fiery red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Gently cascade the cooled pickling liquid over the bologna arrangement, ensuring every slice is fully submerged and swimming in the tangy brine.
- Secure the jar with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the refrigerator. Allow the bologna to marinate and develop complex flavors for a minimum of 3 days, though the longer it sits, the more intense the pickled taste becomes.
Notes
- Use white or apple cider vinegar for a milder, less sharp pickling flavor that complements the bologna’s richness.
- Choose thick-cut bologna slices to maintain texture and prevent disintegration during the pickling process.
- Add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicier pickled meats.
- Store pickled bologna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ensuring the slices remain fully submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1530 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg