If you grew up around Southern barbecue, there's a good chance you've had smoked bologna at some point. While it may not get the same attention as brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, barbecue bologna has earned its place as a backyard favorite for generations.

There's just something about that combination of smoky flavor, caramelized edges, and rich, savory bologna that keeps people coming back for another sandwich. And when you pair it with a tangy mustard slaw and a drizzle of sweet barbecue sauce, you end up with a sandwich that's simple, nostalgic, and loaded with flavor.

This recipe takes a slightly different approach than the traditional whole smoked bologna chub. Instead of smoking the entire roll, we're slicing it into thick pieces before it ever hits the grill. That gives every slice more surface area for seasoning, smoke, and caramelization while also cutting down on cook time.

The result is a sandwich that delivers everything you love about barbecue bologna in a fraction of the time. Smoky, sweet, tangy, and just a little messy—in other words, exactly what a great barbecue sandwich should be.

BBQ Bologna Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Slaw | Heath Riles BBQ

This recipe starts with a two-pound bologna chub that's sliced into thick sandwich portions and coated with yellow mustard and Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub.

The bologna is cooked indirectly on a charcoal grill until heated through and infused with smoky flavor before being moved directly over the coals to develop a flavorful crust. A glaze of Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce creates the perfect sticky finish.

From there, it's piled onto a bun and topped with Tangy Mustard Coleslaw and another light drizzle of sauce.

It's simple barbecue comfort food done right.

Why This Recipe Works

Great barbecue sandwiches are all about balance.

The bologna provides rich, savory flavor while the Sweet BBQ Rub creates a classic barbecue foundation. The direct heat at the end of the cook adds texture and caramelization that elevates the entire sandwich.

The mustard slaw is what brings everything together. Its bright, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meat while adding freshness and crunch.

The final drizzle of Sweet BBQ Sauce ties everything together with just enough sweetness to complement the smoke and seasoning without overwhelming the sandwich.

Most importantly, slicing the bologna before cooking creates more opportunities for seasoning and caramelization, which means more flavor in every bite.

The Ingredients

• Bologna Chub is the foundation of this recipe. A two-pound chub works perfectly, and slicing it into thick rounds allows every piece to pick up smoke, seasoning, and color throughout the cook.
• Yellow Mustard acts as a simple binder for the seasoning. You won't taste much mustard in the finished product, but it helps the rub adhere evenly across the surface of the bologna.
• Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub provides the classic barbecue flavor profile. It brings sweetness, savory notes, and a subtle kick that works perfectly with smoked bologna.
• Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Sauce adds a glossy finish and another layer of sweet barbecue flavor during the final stage of cooking.
• Buns provide the perfect foundation for building the sandwich. A soft bun allows the flavors to shine while still holding up to the sauce and slaw.
• Tangy Mustard Coleslaw adds crunch, acidity, and freshness that balances the richness of the bologna.

The Setup

This cook starts with a classic two-zone charcoal setup using the 22" Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill.

Light a chimney of Royal Oak Super Size Charcoal Briquets using Royal Oak Tumbleweeds Natural Fire Starters and a Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter. Once the coals are fully lit, bank them to one side of the grill to create separate cooking zones.

The cool side allows the bologna to slowly warm and absorb smoke flavor while the hot side provides the direct heat needed to create that signature char and caramelization.

It's a simple setup that's perfect for quick cooks like this one.

The Process for BBQ Bologna Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Slaw

Slice the Bologna

Using a Boning Knife, slice the two-pound bologna chub into thick sandwich slices. How thick you cut them is entirely up to personal preference, but thicker slices tend to hold up better on the grill and provide a heartier sandwich.

Arrange the slices on a Sheet Pan and prepare them for seasoning.

Season the Bologna

Apply a light coating of yellow mustard to both sides of each slice. The mustard acts as a binder and helps the seasoning adhere evenly.

Season generously with Sweet BBQ Rub, making sure each slice receives an even coating. This seasoning layer becomes the foundation of the flavor profile throughout the cook.

Smoke the Bologna

Place the seasoned bologna slices on the cool side of the grill, away from the direct heat.

Allow them to cook indirectly for approximately 30 minutes. During this stage, the slices warm through while picking up smoky flavor from the charcoal fire.

The edges will begin darkening slightly as the seasoning sets and the bologna develops color.

Sear and Sauce the Bologna

After about 30 minutes, move the bologna directly over the hot coals.

This is where the magic happens. The direct heat creates caramelization and develops the slightly charred edges that make barbecue bologna so good.

Brush both sides with Sweet BBQ Sauce and continue cooking long enough for the sauce to set and become slightly sticky.

Build the Sandwich

Place a slice of the grilled bologna onto a bun and top it with a generous portion of Tangy Mustard Coleslaw.

Finish with a light drizzle of Sweet BBQ Sauce before adding the top bun.

Serve immediately while everything is still warm.

The Results

This sandwich delivers everything you'd expect from classic Southern barbecue comfort food.

The bologna develops smoky flavor throughout while the direct heat creates caramelized edges that add texture and depth. The Sweet BBQ Rub and Sweet BBQ Sauce work together to create layers of traditional barbecue flavor without becoming overly sweet.

The mustard slaw is the real game changer. Its bright, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the bologna while adding crunch to every bite.

The combination of smoky meat, sweet sauce, and tangy slaw creates the kind of balance that keeps you reaching for another sandwich.

Perfect Pairings

• Mississippi Coleslaw – If you want a creamy slaw option alongside the mustard slaw, this classic barbecue side is always a crowd favorite.
• Crispy Weber Kettle Potato Wedges – Crispy potatoes and barbecue sandwiches are a natural pairing, especially when cooked on the same grill.
• Classic Southern Potato Salad – Creamy, comforting, and packed with Southern flavor.
• Maple Honey BBQ Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans complement the smoky flavors of the sandwich perfectly.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bologna slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat gently in a skillet or on the grill until warmed through. The slices also work great chopped into breakfast dishes, sandwiches, or sliders.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Bologna Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Slaw is proof that great barbecue doesn't have to be complicated.

A few simple ingredients, a hot charcoal grill, and a little smoke are all it takes to create a sandwich that's packed with Southern barbecue flavor. The combination of smoky bologna, sweet barbecue sauce, and tangy mustard slaw creates a bite that's balanced, satisfying, and impossible to put down.

If you've never made barbecue bologna before, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

Equipment and Tools

22" Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, Royal Oak Super Size Charcoal Briquets, Royal Oak Tumbleweeds Natural Fire Starters, Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Heath Riles BBQ Boning Knife, Tongs, Sheet Pan