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Lebanon Bologna Recipe

Lebanon Bologna Recipe

This homemade Lebanon Bologna is a smoky, fermented, and spiced beef sausage inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch classic. Perfect for keto snacks, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards; and way better than the store-bought stuff.
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 8 hours
Resting Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 20 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Charcuterie, Cured Meats, Healthy Sweet Snacks
Cuisine: American, Pennsylvania Dutch
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef 85% lean or higher
  • 2 tsp curing salt Prague Powder #1
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or keto substitute monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp coriander
  • ½ cup cold water

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cheesecloth or sausage casing
  • Butcher’s twine
  • Smoker or oven with low-heat setting
  • Cooling rack or hanging space in fridge

Method
 

1. Mix the meat and seasonings: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, curing salt, kosher salt, sweetener, and all spices. Mix until fully blended.
    2. Add water: Pour in the cold water and mix again until the meat becomes sticky and emulsified.
      3. Shape into logs: Divide the meat into two logs, about 2 inches thick. Wrap tightly in cheesecloth and tie ends with butcher's twine.
        4. Ferment in fridge: Place wrapped logs on a cooling rack and let them rest in the refrigerator for 3 days. This step allows the flavors to develop and fermentation to occur.
          5. Smoke or slow-bake:
          1. Option 1: Smoke at 140°F–160°F (60°C–71°C) for 6–8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C).
          2. Option 2: Oven: Bake at 170°F (77°C) for 6–8 hours, turning occasionally.
          6. Cool completely: Remove from heat and let cool. Chill in fridge before slicing.
            7. Slice and serve: Thin-slice for sandwiches or dice for keto snack boards!

              Notes

              This recipe yields a semi-dry, tangy, smoky sausage;  very close to traditional Lebanon Bologna. Store in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for longer shelf life. Best enjoyed thinly sliced with cheese, pickles, or wrapped around a slice of avocado.
              Lebanon Bologna Recipe
              Lebanon Bologna Recipe