Tennessee Grilled Bologna Sliders on Arteflame

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smoky, nostalgic flavor of char-grilled bologna, especially when you cook it on the Arteflame Grill. With its unique open-fire design and the ability to sear meat at over 1,000°F on the center grate, Arteflame helps you take ordinary ingredients to extraordinary levels—like these Tennessee-style grilled bologna sliders. Perfectly seared, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, this signature Southern dish is made even better with mustard and pickles on a warm slider bun. Let’s fire up the grill!

Ingredients

• 8 thick-cut slices of bologna (½-inch thick)
• 8 slider buns
• 4 tbsp salted butter, melted
• Yellow mustard (to taste)
• Pickle chips (about 16)
• Optional: smoked paprika or BBQ seasoning (light sprinkle for bologna)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Drizzle each napkin with a little vegetable oil.
3. Stack firewood on top and light the napkins.
4. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center reaches over 1,000°F and the outer flat top is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Bologna

1. While the grill is heating, lightly score the edges of the bologna slices with a knife to prevent curling.
2. If using, lightly season with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or BBQ seasoning for an extra kick.

Step 3: Sear the Bologna

1. Place the bologna slices directly over the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 30-45 seconds per side until nicely charred and marked.
3. Move the slices to the flat griddle to finish cooking (about 2 more minutes per side), allowing them to sizzle in their own juices.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Brush the inside of the slider buns with melted butter.
2. Place them butter-side-down on the flat cooktop near the outer edge.
3. Grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Place one slice of grilled bologna on each bun bottom.
2. Add yellow mustard and two pickle chips on top of the meat.
3. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot!

Tips

• Use thick-cut bologna for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Sear first to lock in juices, then finish cooking on the outer griddle using reverse searing technique.
• Remove bologna slices from the grill when they are about 15°F below your desired internal temp, as they continue to cook off heat.
• Use salted butter for extra flavor when toasting buns.
• Try to grill all the components at once—Arteflame's large surface makes it easy.

Variations

1. Spicy Tennessee Kick: Swap yellow mustard with spicy brown mustard and add a slice of pepper jack cheese.
2. Sweet BBQ Slider: Brush bologna with a sweet BBQ sauce before searing and use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist.
3. Pimento Cheese Delight: Top each slider with a spoonful of pimento cheese after grilling for bold, creamy Southern flavor.
4. Breakfast Slider: Add a fried egg grilled on the flat top with a sprinkle of black pepper and cheddar for a Tennessee breakfast treat.
5. Smoky Bacon Bologna: Add crispy bacon strips and use a smoky chipotle aioli in place of mustard for rich layers of flavor.

Conclusion

Tennessee Grilled Bologna Sliders cooked on the Arteflame Grill are proof that simple ingredients, when grilled properly, can create unforgettable meals. This is backyard cooking at its finest—crispy, juicy bologna with golden-buttered buns, all grilled effortlessly on one stunning open-fire surface. A true Southern classic brought to new heights!

Best pairings

• Southern-style coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Sweet tea or Tennessee whiskey cocktail
• Potato chips or kettle-cooked crisps
• Pickled okra or grilled jalapeños