Tennessee Grilled Bologna Sliders

Introduction

Turn a childhood classic into a smoky, crispy, grown-up treat with these Tennessee Grilled Bologna Sliders! With perfectly seared slices of thick bologna, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles on a toasted slider bun, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. Using the Arteflame grill helps you achieve a steakhouse-quality sear on the bologna, locking in the juices while adding incredible texture and flavor. This recipe is simple, crowd-pleasing, and made entirely outdoors without the need for pots or pans.

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick-cut bologna (1/2" slices - about 8 slices)
• 8 slider buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 16 pickle chips
• Optional: sliced red onion or cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil over three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill’s fire chamber.
2. Stack seasoned firewood over the napkins and light the paper to ignite your fire.
3. Wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F and the cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Sear the Bologna

1. Place the thick bologna slices on the center grill grate to sear. This high heat locks in the juices and creates crispy edges.
2. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and slightly charred.

Step 3: Reverse Sear on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared bologna slices to the flat top cook surface to bring them to full temperature without burning.
2. Grill for 2–3 more minutes, flipping as needed, until heated through. Remove when internal temperature is 15°F below your final target (let carryover bring it the rest of the way).

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Lightly butter the slider buns and place them, cut side down, on the medium-high heat zone of the flat cooktop.
2. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Spread a layer of mustard onto each toasted bun bottom.
2. Add a slice of grilled bologna, two pickle chips, and optional toppings like red onion or cheddar cheese.
3. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.

Tips

• Always sear bologna over high heat first—this locks in flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
• Use the hotter inner zones of the flat cooktop to brown quickly; use the outer zones to hold or slowly finish foods.
• Use butter instead of oil for toasting buns—it adds rich flavor.
• Grill multiple bologna slices and buns at once—Arteflame’s surface has room for it all!
• Keep a meat thermometer nearby to avoid overcooking bologna.

Variations

1. Southern BBQ Sliders: Swap mustard for BBQ sauce and add a slice of smoked cheddar.
2. Spicy Nashville Sliders: Add pickled jalapeños and spicy mayo for extra Tennessee heat.
3. Breakfast Bologna Sliders: Top the bologna with a griddled fried egg and a thin layer of maple syrup.
4. Bologna Caprese Sliders: Add grilled tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella for a fusion twist.
5. Smoked Gouda & Onion Sliders: Replace pickles with grilled red onions and top with smoked gouda cheese.

Conclusion

These Tennessee Grilled Bologna Sliders prove that the simplest ingredients become extraordinary when grilled right. Using the Arteflame grill gives you total temperature control and a restaurant-quality finish without hassle or cleanup. Whether you're serving them up for a tailgate, backyard barbecue, or casual dinner, they’ll be a hit every time.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries or kettle chips
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Cold beer or Tennessee whiskey
• Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
• Iced tea with lemon