The Bread Swap You Need For The Ultimate Bologna Sandwich

Something that isn't discussed as often as it should is the classic bologna sandwich. When you think about a bologna sandwich, it's usually on basic and plain white bread, which isn't the best when you've got spreads and other ingredients that rip right through it. An easy way to upgrade your bologna sandwich is by using Italian ciabatta, which is firmer and more capable of holding everything together, making it a better base for your sandwich.

When you use white bread, the taste is usually plain or quite mild. Ciabatta brings about a crispier, flaky texture and a slightly tangy taste from its leavening time. If you make your new bologna sandwich like a panini, the ciabatta's crust gets a slightly hardened crispness while its inside stays softer, complementing the mouthfeel of the bologna. Since ciabatta is a denser bread, it makes creating a more interesting sandwich much easier because you can use larger amounts of spreads or condiments, plus the small holes or pockets in ciabatta make it better for soaking up dressings or other fillings that you might want to couple with your bologna.

Now that you've got your ciabatta locked in, you can play with other ingredients that go in the sandwich. A popular choice if you're not wanting to add anything else is frying your bologna — especially for breakfast — to give it a nice crisp edge and a bit of smoky flavor. Go for thicker cuts of bologna or try non-traditional kinds, such as mortadella, garlic bologna, or German bologna, for a different, meatier vibe. When it comes to cheese, try using provolone, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a soft burrata for a truly Italian-themed sandwich.

For your spreads and sandwich toppings, you can always use yellow mustard or mayonnaise. You can also try stone-ground or Dijon mustards, or even an aioli. If you want to be a little more adventurous, try adding a small coating of jalapeño cream cheese for spice or a lather of pimento cheese for peppery notes. You can also add a splash of barbecue sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for smokiness, which would be delicious on a fried bologna sandwich. Toss in some potato chips for a crunch if you're looking to add some different textures, or try store-bought or homemade crispy onions for earthiness and a touch of sweetness. Shredded lettuce and tomatoes — try a fried green tomato — can bring in some more crunch and juiciness, and pickles are always great for brightness.