Bologna is a delicious chunk of processed meat that tastes amazing once cooked. Smoking this tasty log of bologna creates a crispy exterior and flavorful interior. I’ve smoked bologna at cookouts for years, and I like that this dish is easy to prepare and reasonably priced. Moreover, this meat is versatile and can be prepared in different ways.
The versatility has allowed me to create a unique recipe that my family and guests enjoy. Today, I’ll show you all the crucial steps in my smoked bologna recipe so you can also have happy and full guests at your cookouts.
How to Smoke Bologna?
Smoking bologna involves five crucial steps. Here are the ingredients we’ll need and how to put them all together.
Main Ingredients
- 5-pound bologna chub
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
Spice Rub Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Barbecue sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Smoker
Add the wood chips or wood chunks to the smoker and preheat it to 225°F. I advise using oak because of the smoky aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Bologna
Next, use a sharp knife to score the whole bologna. Cut the meat in a crisscross marks with diamond pattern all over it. Ensure you score the meat about a quarter of an inch deep, so the smoke penetrates the meat and cooks it thoroughly.
Step 3: Season the Bologna
Use an oil brush to apply mustard to the bologna log so that the seasoning sticks to the meat. Apart from keeping the spices on the meat, mustard also creates a delicious smoky exterior that I love.
If you don’t like yellow mustard, try mayonnaise, or olive oil as a substitute. Afterward, apply the spice rub to the top of the sausage. The spice rub should cover the bologna chub and stick to it.
Step 4: Smoke Bologna
Smoke the log of bologna for around two hours, paying attention to the color. Even though the bologna is precooked, smoking it for two hours will allow the smoke and flavor to permeate the meat. Using a meat thermometer also helps. Since the meat is cooked, smoking it to 160 degrees will be sufficient.
Once the meat is done, take it out of the grill and slather BBQ sauce all over it. then, allow the bologna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Now, it’s time to serve the smoked meat. If you want to use bologna for sandwiches, cut it into thin slices. However, if you want burned ends, cut it into thick slices. I usually place the bologna slices on the grill for one more minute to get more crispy slices.
Smoked Bologna Tips
Let’s look at some bologna smoking tips so you get the juicy, delicious bologna slices.
- Try other mustard types, like spicy and Dijon mustard. You don’t always have to use yellow mustard.
- Feel free to slather BBQ sauce on your bologna. You want the smoky flavor to show through when smoking your bologna without any overbearing sweetness, or sourness from the sauce. That’s why I advise using about half a cup of barbecue sauce to lightly coat the bologna once or twice.
- Covering the meat with foil while it’s resting can enhance the overall flavor of the entire bologna.
What is Bologna?
Bologna is made from processed meats, which include seasoned meats like pork, chicken, beef, or turkey.
The best way to savor this tasty, processed meat is to smoke it. You’ll adore this chunk of meat’s crispiness and smoky flavor.
Best Wood Chips for Smoking Bologna
Smoking bologna is a good time to use a smoky hard wood. I love using oak wood chips, but mesquite and hickory are good alternatives. If you prefer mild-flavored wood chips, cherry and apple wood are excellent choices.
Dishes to Serve with Smoked Bologna
This delicious meat chuck tastes great with a variety of side dishes. Here are some side dishes you can enjoy with smoked bologna.
- Sandwiches: A smoked bologna sandwich is flavorful and complements the smoky, meaty flavor of the meat.
- Potato salad: This starchy side dish tastes awesome with the smoke flavor. Try smoking the potatoes for even more crispiness.
- Burgers: Bologna is a delicious extra meat layer to add on your burger. Cut the meat into thick slices and enjoy how tasty and filling it is.
Best Smokers for Smoked Bologna
My preferred smoker for cooking this delicious meat is a pellet smoker. You can also use other great smokers for this recipe.
1. Pellet Smoker
Pellet smokers are my favorite for a reason. This smoker cooks the meat consistently. For this reason, the chub bologna usually comes out very flavorful and cooked both inside and out. Moreover, this smoker is also fuel efficient, so you don’t need to burn money on fuel. Smoking in a pellet grill preserves your bologna’s moisture and guarantees delicious results.
2. Charcoal Smoker
Charcoal grills are my second choice for cooking whole bologna because they produce more smoke than the other grills, which is perfect for bologna. Even though charcoal grills are cheap and compact, the are not as fuel-efficient as pellet and electric smokers. You’ll need to closely monitor the meat in this smoker to prevent burning.
3. Electric Smoker
Electric smokers are another excellent option for smoking your favorite bologna log. This smoker is easy to use, and the thermometer helps you monitor the meat properly. This grill also excels at low temperatures and produces flavorful results. Using this smoker may require you to pay slightly more for your electricity bill. But the features and ease-of-use make it worth it.
How to Store Smoked Bologna?
Smoked bologna should be stored in a cool, dry place. Bologna can be kept in a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, if you want the meat to last longer, store it in the freezer. Bologna should last for 1 or 2 months in a freezer. I recommend storing the bologna in an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to smoke or reheat your bologna, take it out of the freezer and allow it to defrost overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Smoked Bologna Spoil Quickly?
If you store your smoked bologna in an airtight bag or container, you can keep it in the freezer for up to two months. So, even though this processed meat doesn’t get bad easily, you still need to store it adequately.
2. Is Bologna Precooked?
Bologna has already been cooked. With that said, I don’t recommend eating it without smoking it again.
3. Is Bologna Harmful?
Bologna naturally contains 5% trans fats or more, which have been associated with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular diseases. So, it’s best to eat it in moderation. It’s not all bad though; bologna is high in protein.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a sliced bologna sandwich to satisfy your meat cravings, try this smoked bologna recipe. Feel free to experiment and savor the crispy texture and smoky flavor of the bologna. Don’t forget to liberally score and season the bologna chub. Once your bologna is fully smoked, you can slice and serve it.