• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Vindulge

BBQ and Grilling Recipes with Wine Pairings

  • Home
  • About
    • About Mary
    • Vindulge Portfolio
    • TV Appearances
  • Cookbook
  • Wine
    • Food and Wine Pairing
  • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Contact
  • Fundamentals For Learning How to Grill
  • Guide to Pellet Grills – Common Q and A
  • Best Pellet Grill – MAK Two Star General – Versatile American Made Pellet Smoker
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop Products
  • Cookbook
  • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Wine Guides
  • Connect with us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home » Food » Smoked/BBQ

    How To Smoke Mortadella or Bologna

    Published: Oct 23, 2023 · Modified: Oct 31, 2023 by Sean Martin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    33 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe

    Smoked Mortadella is one of the most heavenly bites of meat that you will taste. Smoke flavors integrate very well with the flavorful and rich Mortadella. We smoke the Mortadella then finish it with a red wine BBQ sauce glaze, and slice thin for any charcuterie plate or incredible sandwiches. You can also follow this same recipe for smoked bologna.

    Smoked mortadella and slices of mortadella on a cutting board

    Inspired by a smoked bologna video we saw on Instagram, we just knew we had to share a similar method, but using good quality Mortadella vs bologna. This method uses the superior flavor of Mortadella for an incredible mortadella recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • What is Mortadella?
    • Mortadella Versus Bologna
    • Video Tutorial
    • Preparation
    • Season
    • How to Smoke Mortadella
    • Serve
    • Wine Pairing with Smoked Mortadella
    • Modifications
    • Leftovers
    • Shop Products
    • Easy Smoked Mortadella Recipe with Red Wine BBQ Glaze
    • Community Feedback

    Ingredients

    A whole Mortadella is cooked and ready to eat out of the package. But we are giving it a BBQ twist by seasoning and smoking it for added flavor.

    You can find a whole Mortadella loaf at finer grocery stores, specialty markets, and some public restaurant ingredient supply stores. We recommend you call first to make sure they have the entire loaf versus already cut up into slices. It’s also available at online retailers for delivery.

    Ingredients for smoked Mortadella
    • Mortadella Loaf – Specifically use a half cut loaf, which are typically 5 – 7 pounds.
    • Binder and Seasoning – We use Dijon mustard for the binder, which helps our sweet and savory seasoning adhere to the meat.
    • BBQ Sauce – We use our Red Wine Barbecue Sauce to glaze the Mortadella when it’s almost done in the smoker. You can also purchase the sauce and have shipped to your doorstep.

    What is Mortadella?

    Mortadella is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat (primarily the hard fat from the neck of the pig).

    It is traditionally flavored with spices, including whole or ground black pepper, myrtle berries, and pistachios. Originating from Bologna, Italy, Mortadella has a smooth and slightly pinkish appearance, with a rich, savory taste and a delicate, velvety texture.

    Over time, mortadella has become a popular delicatessen item worldwide, with a protected geographic indication (IGP) of Mortadella Bologna in 1998. While Mortadella Bologna is only found in Bologna, Italy, you can find high quality versions domestically at finer salumerias.

    Mortadella Versus Bologna

    Mortadella is an Italian pork sausage with distinct cubes of fat, spices, and often pistachios, known for its rich, savory taste. “Bologna”, an American adaptation, is a simpler meat blend without the characteristic fat cubes or pistachios, presenting a milder flavor. While both are processed pork products, they differ in origin, ingredients, and taste profiles.

    Video Tutorial

    Preparation

    A whole Mortadella smoking on a pellet grill

    Get your smoker ready. Use indirect cooking and target 275 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooking chamber. We use fruit wood like cherry. Alternatively for a more pronounced smoke flavor you can use hickory or oak.

    Remove any packaging from the Mortadella and discard. There may be two layers, be sure all packaging is removed prior to cooking.

    Score the loaf with a sharp knife along the length and width of the loaf. As the mortadella smokes the scored areas will bloom outward and create more surface area for smoke flavor. It also allows the fat to render out.

    Season

    Liberally apply the mustard and the seasoning to the entire loaf. Be sure you get the end side as well.

    How to Smoke Mortadella

    Smoked Mortadella cooking in a pellet smoker

    Place the seasoned Mortadella on the smoker. Allow to smoke for 2 hours and 45 minutes. At this point glaze the loaf.

    Place your BBQ sauce in a small dish and liberally apply the sauce to the entire mortadella using a silicone brush (or something similar). Allow to smoke for an additional 15 minutes. Remove and let rest for 15 minutes.

    Serve

    Slice very thinly and serve warm as part of a charcuterie platter or add to a mortadella sandwich. It also makes for a great pizza topping.

    If you have a meat slicer at home we recommend using it for this smoked mortadella.

    Wine Pairing with Smoked Mortadella

    If serving the smoked Mortadella as a part of a charcuterie platter you can’t go wrong with a glass of rosé, or Lambrusco if you wanted to honor the Italian origins. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the tender meat without overpowering the delicate flavors. If serving as a sandwich and you’re craving a red, a nice Sangiovese makes for a great pair.

    Modifications

    You can use this recipe for smoked bologna as well. However we strongly recommend you seek out a good quality Mortadella for the added flavor and texture.

    Leftovers

    This is perfect for a smoked Mortadella Sandwich with brioche bun and melted cheese. All you need is a hot griddle. Add as the meat in a classic eggs benedict. Or you can serve as a typical cold cut sandwich.


    Shop Products

    Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.

    Fire and Wine Cookbook

    Tried this recipe? Give us a star rating and we would love to see! Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge on all the social media handles. And consider subscribing to our newsletter where we drop all our favorite ideas and inspirations every week.

    This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link, we may receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. We partner with brands we know and love and use and it helps keep the blog going!

    A smoked Mortadella and slices of mortadella on a cutting board

    Easy Smoked Mortadella Recipe with Red Wine BBQ Glaze

    Smoked mortadella loaf glazed with a lush red wine barbecue sauce. Makes incredible sandwiches or addition to your charcuterie board.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours hours
    Resting Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 loaf
    Calories: 4522kcal
    Author: Mary Cressler | Vindulge
    Cost: $35

    Equipment

    • Silicone Brush for Glaze

    Ingredients

    • 6 pound Mortadella Loaf (Alternatively you can use a loaf of bologna)
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • ½ cup Ultimate Dry Rub
    • ⅓ cup Red wine BBQ sauce
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Prepare Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit using fruit wood or oak. Smoke indirect.
    • Season: Start by scoring the mortadella along the length and width of the loaf. As the mortadella smokes the scoring allows more smoke to flavor it. Apply the mustard as a binder and liberally apply the dry rub.
    • Smoke: Place mortadella in the smoker and smoke for three hours. At the 2 hour and 45 minute mark, place the red wine sauce in a small bowl. Apply the glaze to the entire loaf and continue to smoke for 15 more minutes. The sauce will tack up.
    • Serve: Let the mortadella rest for 15 minutes. Thinly slice for sandwiches, a charcuterie board, or just to snack on.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3slices | Calories: 4522kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 229g | Fat: 350g | Saturated Fat: 131g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 44g | Monounsaturated Fat: 156g | Cholesterol: 762mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 2724mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1156IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 644mg | Iron: 32mg
    Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge
    « Your First Smoked Turkey – Smoked Turkey Advice from the Pros
    Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Smoked Honey Butter »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Mary-Cressler-Sept-2015-smI'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, and founder of Vindulge and author of Fire + Wine cookbook.  Thanks for stopping by!

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Just Released | Get Your 3-Pack

    Three bottles of Vindulge Red Wine BBQ Sauce

    Fire and Wine Cookbook Cover.

    What’s on our Grill

    Grilled brie with cranberry jam and hazelnuts on a plank and serving plate.

    Cedar Plank Grilled Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    Grilled prime rib slices with compound butter on platter.

    27 Christmas Roast Ideas For The Grill and Smoker

    Cedar plank salmon with grilled lemon.

    How to Grill With Cedar Planks – The Complete Guide

    Camp Chef Woodwind Pro grill

    Top Tips For Winterizing Your Grill or Smoker

    More

    As Seen On

    Products we love

    taking the temperature of a porchetta roast on the grill
    We use Thermoworks Signals BBQ Alarm to monitor the internal temperature of the meat while it’s cooking, then double check with an instant read thermometer, like the Thermapen One.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Portfolio
    • TV Appearances
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Exclusive member of Mediavine Food

    Copyright © 2023 Vindulge

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    33 shares
    Smoked mortadella and slices of mortadella on a cutting board