Crispy Fried Bologna Sliders with Caramelized Onions

A hand with pink-painted nails holds a sandwich filled with melted cheese, sliced meats, sauerkraut, and peppers, with buns visible in the background.

These Fried Bologna Sliders on Hawaiian rolls capture everything we love about simple, satisfying comfort food: thinly sliced bologna crisped in a hot skillet, melted cheese, a tangy pepperoncini-Dijon mayo, and buttery, golden-baked rolls. They’re salty, nostalgic, and convene a perfect blend of textures and flavors—crispy edges, gooey cheese, bright pickled notes, and the soft sweetness of the Hawaiian bun. They’re ideal for game day, a casual party, tailgating, or an easy weeknight meal that will please both kids and adults.

Sliders are a crowd-pleasing format because they’re shareable, portable, and endlessly adaptable. This version elevates a humble ingredient—bologna—by frying it for extra flavor and pairing it with a punchy mayo and melty cheeses. If you enjoy sliders, you’ll find this recipe to be an approachable, budget-friendly option that still tastes indulgent.

Below you’ll find clear ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions to assemble, bake, and serve these sliders. The method is straightforward: layer cheese, hot fried bologna, and pepperoncini, spread the mayo on the top buns, brush with a seasoned butter, and bake until golden. The result is a tray of sliders that are warm, savory, and irresistible.

Slices of pink bologna are being placed into a frying pan with tongs. Some slices are already frying and starting to curl at the edges. A hand with red-painted nails is holding the tongs.
An open-faced sandwich with melted white cheese, slices of grilled pastrami, and yellow pepper rings on top, served on a rectangular piece of bread in a beige dish.
A slice of white bread topped with sliced meat, shredded cheese, and chopped pickles sits in a beige baking dish. A portion of a white bowl is visible in the background.
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A close-up of a hand holding a sandwich filled with melted cheese, sliced deli meat, pickles, and olives. The person has bright pink painted fingernails.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is soft. You can also microwave single portions briefly, then finish in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a minute to restore a crisp edge to the bologna.

Common Questions

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. Provolone, Swiss, or American cheese melt well and make great substitutes for Muenster. Choose a cheese with good meltability for the best texture.

Should I use pickle juice or pepperoncini juice?

Use pepperoncini juice for this recipe. It offers a bright, tangy note that complements the mayo and butter without overpowering the sandwich. If you prefer a sharper vinegar tang, a small splash of pickle juice will also work.

A hand with pink-painted nails holds a sandwich filled with melted cheese, sliced meats, sauerkraut, and peppers, with buns visible in the background.
Melissa Jo

Fried Bologna Sliders

Sweet Hawaiian rolls meet crispy fried bologna and melted cheese, finished with a tangy pepperoncini-Dijon mayo and a buttery topping. This recipe yields a tray of sliders that are easy to make and hard to resist.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
6 people
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American

Ingredients

Sliders
  • 1 package King’s Hawaiian slider rolls (12-count)
  • 6 slices Muenster cheese
  • 1/2 lb bologna, sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons oil for frying
  • 1/8 cup sliced pepperoncinis
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoncini Dijon Mayo
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pepperoncini juice, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Buttery Slider Topping
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepperoncini juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

Prep the Rolls
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops connected as a single sheet. Place the bottom half into a greased baking dish.
  3. Layer the Muenster cheese evenly over the bottom buns so the hot bologna will melt it nicely.
Fry the Bologna
  1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Arrange bologna slices in the skillet and fry until deeply browned and slightly crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
  3. Place the hot fried bologna directly over the Muenster cheese on the bottom buns to help the cheese melt.
Make the Pepperoncini Dijon Mayo
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pepperoncini juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust the balance—add more pepperoncini juice for extra tang or a little more Dijon if you want sharper mustard flavor.
Assemble the Sliders
  1. Scatter sliced pepperoncinis evenly over the fried bologna layer.
  2. Sprinkle a light layer of shredded mozzarella across the sliders for extra cheesiness.
  3. Spread the pepperoncini-Dijon mayo on the inside of the top buns, then place the tops back onto the sliders.
Butter & Bake
  1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, pepperoncini juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Brush the seasoned butter generously over the tops of the sliders, making sure it seeps into the seams and edges for even browning.
  3. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
  4. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve
  1. Let the sliders rest for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then slice between the rolls and serve warm. These disappear quickly—consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.

Tried this recipe?

If you make these sliders, rate the recipe or leave a comment to let others know how you served them. Simple tweaks—like adding pickles, caramelized onions, or a different cheese—make this recipe versatile and fun to customize.