Smoked Bologna Recipe: How to Smoke Bologna at Home

Bologna is a processed meat product consisting of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or all four, depending on the brand. Bologna comes in a big log (also known as a bologna chub) or as thick or thin slices to use on sandwiches. It’s a common staple at local delis and grocery store deli counters.

Smoked bologna is a whole log of bologna that cooks in a smoker—usually with flavored wood chips to impart a smoke flavor. The process is similar to that for smoking brisket or other barbecue (BBQ) meats. Use thin slices of smoked bologna to make sandwiches or grill thick slices to enjoy as bologna steaks.

Smoking bologna enhances the meat with crispy burnt ends and a smoky flavor. Here are more reasons to smoke bologna:

1. 1. Bologna is a cheaper alternative to other meats. For beginner smokers or those on a budget, buying an entire chub of bologna is more affordable than some other cuts of meat, such as brisket and pork butt. One bologna chub can serve a large group of people, making it a good option for big cookouts.
2. 2. The smoker adds a deep flavor to processed meat. Extruded meats, such as bologna and other deli-style processed meats, have a salty taste as a result of the preservatives and curing ingredients. Smoking bologna distributes the flavor and aroma of the wood chips and other seasonings throughout the entire bologna.
3. 3. You can customize the flavor. Use applewood, hickory, or mesquite wood chips in the smoker or pellet grill to flavor the bologna. Additionally, make a homemade BBQ sauce or BBQ rub to add more flavor to the bologna.

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