The Perfect Bbq Bologna: A Step-By-Step Guide

BBQ Bologna is a delicious and easy dish to make, and it's a great way to upgrade your childhood lunchtime sandwich. The key to success is in the preparation and seasoning, and of course, a good BBQ sauce. In this introduction, we will take you through the steps to create the perfect BBQ Bologna, including choosing the right cut of meat, the best ways to cook it, and how to serve it. So get your smoker ready, and let's dive into the world of BBQ Bologna!

Scoring the bologna

Firstly, remove the bologna from its packaging and any red wax from the outside. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut slits about an inch apart across the surface area of the bologna. You can cut in a diamond pattern, spacing the cuts about an inch apart, or simply score the sides all the way around. Be sure to use a thin, sharp knife so that you don't end up taking too much meat off with the cuts.

The next step is to apply a binder, such as yellow mustard, to the bologna. This will help the seasoning to stick to the meat. You can squirt a light layer directly onto the bologna and rub it out evenly, making sure to get it into the slits you've just made.

Seasoning the bologna

The next step is to apply a binder to the bologna, which will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Yellow mustard is a popular choice for this, with a thin layer spread directly onto the meat. You can then add your chosen seasoning or dry rub, coating all sides of the bologna evenly. Be sure to get the seasoning into the cuts you've made. You can use a store-bought BBQ rub or make your own, with ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can poke holes in the bologna with a thin knife before applying the seasoning. This will allow the smoke and seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat. Once the bologna is seasoned, it's ready to be placed on the grill or smoker.

Setting up the smoker

To set up your smoker to cook BBQ bologna, you'll first want to preheat your smoker to 225°F. While it's heating up, you can prepare the bologna by removing it from its packaging and any red wax from the exterior.

Next, you'll want to score the bologna by making shallow cuts across the surface, about an inch apart, to allow the smoke and seasoning to penetrate the meat. You can do this in a diamond pattern or simply make long, straight cuts. Then, poke some holes in the bologna with a thin-bladed knife to allow the barbecue flavours to get inside the meat.

After scoring and poking holes, you'll want to season the bologna. Slather it with a layer of yellow mustard, which will act as a binder for your rub. Then, apply your chosen BBQ rub generously to all sides of the bologna.

Once your bologna is prepared and your smoker has preheated, place the seasoned bologna on the grill grates of your smoker. Make sure the smoker has a thin smoke rolling out of it, and close the lid.

Smoking the bologna

When smoking bologna, it's important to start with a whole chub of bologna, not pre-sliced. Ask your local deli if you can't find it in the grocery store. You'll also need a smoker and some wood or charcoal for heat.

Firstly, preheat your smoker to 225°F. You can use oak or hickory wood, or pecan if you want a slightly sweeter flavour.

Next, remove the bologna from its packaging and any red wax coating. Then, use a sharp knife to cut slits across the surface of the bologna. You can do this in a diamond pattern, about 1/8-1/4 inch deep and 1-1.5 inches apart. This will allow the smoke to penetrate the meat and give a nice crust.

Now, you need to season the bologna. Use yellow mustard as a binder, spreading a thin layer over the surface of the meat. Then, sprinkle your chosen BBQ rub over the mustard, coating all sides of the bologna. You can make your own rub with a blend of spices such as salt, peppercorns, celery seeds and sugar, or buy a pre-made rub.

Place the seasoned bologna on the grill grates of your preheated smoker. Close the lid and smoke for around 3 hours.

After 3 hours, it's time to glaze. Remove the bologna from the smoker and slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices in an aluminium pan and pour over your favourite BBQ sauce. Return the pan to the smoker and cook for another 30-45 minutes, until the sauce has caramelised.

Your BBQ bologna is now ready to serve! You can eat it as it is, or use it to make sandwiches with buns, yellow mustard and coleslaw.

Slicing and serving the bologna

When it comes to slicing and serving your BBQ bologna, there are a few different approaches you can take. Firstly, consider the type of dish you want to serve. BBQ bologna can be served as a sandwich, an appetizer, or even cubed and served with toothpicks. Here are some detailed instructions for each option:

Sandwiches:

If you're serving BBQ bologna sandwiches, you'll want to slice the bologna into slightly thicker pieces. This will ensure that the meat is the star of the sandwich and provides a hearty bite. You can also lightly toast the buns on a grill or in a toaster to add a bit of crunch to your sandwich. Spread some yellow mustard on the bun, add a slice of bologna, and top it with coleslaw for added flavour and texture. You can also drizzle your favourite BBQ sauce over the bologna before assembling the sandwich.

Appetizers:

For appetizers, you can cut the bologna into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can either serve these pieces as-is or skewer them with toothpicks to make them easier to pick up. If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can also glaze the bologna with BBQ sauce before slicing it. This will give your appetizers a sweet and smoky taste. Don't forget to provide some napkins or wet wipes for your guests, as BBQ dishes can get a little messy!

Cubed Bologna:

Another option is to cube the bologna and serve it as part of a larger spread or platter. This approach is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Simply cut the bologna into bite-sized cubes and arrange them on a platter with other finger foods, such as cheese cubes, crackers, or fresh vegetables. You can also provide toothpicks to make it easier for guests to pick up the cubes. If you want to add some extra flavour to your cubed bologna, you can marinate it in your favourite BBQ sauce before slicing it.

Storage:

It's important to note that BBQ bologna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This means you can cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. When storing, try to keep the bologna in a single layer to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions