Learn how to make irresistible smoked bologna burnt ends with our easy recipe. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture!
Course
Main Course
Prep Time20minutes
Cook Time3hours
Servings4
Ingredients
1whole bolognaapproximately 2-3 pounds
2tablespoonsBBQ rubstore-bought or homemade
1cupBBQ sauceyour favorite variety
Cooking spray
Instructions
Prepping the Bologna
Fire up your smoker and preheat it to 250°F (or 120°C). Use charcoal or electric, whichever you prefer.
Unwrap the bologna and place it on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife, slice it into bite-sized cubes. Don't worry about making them perfect; a little variation in size adds character.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the bologna cubes with the BBQ rub. Make sure they are evenly coated with all those flavorful spices.
While the smoker is heating up, soak your hickory wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure they smolder and release that beautiful smoky flavor.
Smoking the Bologna
Once the smoker has reached the desired temperature, add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly to the coals, depending on your smoker type.
Spray the smoker grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned bologna cubes evenly on the grates. Try to leave a bit of space between them to allow for proper smoke circulation.
Close the smoker lid and let those bologna cubes hang out in the smoky goodness for about 2-3 hours. Check periodically to maintain the temperature and ensure the cubes are taking on that fantastic smoky hue.
Glazing and Caramelizing
While the bologna is smoking, take this time to warm up your BBQ sauce. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. We want it nice and runny for the glazing.
After the initial smoking, transfer the bologna cubes to a baking sheet. Pour the warmed BBQ sauce over the cubes and toss them gently to ensure every piece is coated generously.
Place the sauced-up bologna cubes back on the smoker grates. Close the lid and let them continue to smoke for an additional 30-45 minutes. This is when the magic happens – the sauce caramelizes, and the burnt ends develop that irresistible crust.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your smoked bologna burnt ends are looking tantalizingly caramelized and delicious, take them off the smoker. Transfer them to a serving platter, and don't forget to scrape up any flavorful bits left on the baking sheet.