Are you looking for a showstopping dish that will impress your guests at your next gathering? Look no further than the smoked meat log, also known as a fattie. This customizable masterpiece is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. With its bacon-wrapped exterior and mouthwatering pinwheel effect when sliced, the smoked meat log is a true crowd pleaser.
How to Make a Smoked Meat Log
To create your own smoked meat log, you will need the following supplies:
- Wood chunks or wood pellets for your smoker/grill (applewood is recommended)
And these ingredients:
- 2 packages of bacon
- 2 pounds of pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapeño peppers
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- BBQ spice rub
Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making a delicious smoked meat log:
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
Start by dicing the onion and jalapeño peppers. In a skillet over medium heat, cook them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender-crisp.
Step 2: Mixing the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Creating the Bacon Weave
Lay out two 24 lengths of plastic wrap on your work surface, one above the other. weave a mat" of bacon on top of the plastic wrap, approximately 8 pieces wide by 8 pieces tall. The exact dimensions may vary depending on the length of your bacon.
Step 4: Assembling the Meat Log
Spread all of the pork sausage over the bacon weave, making sure to leave about 1/2 of bacon uncovered at the edges. this will allow the bacon to wrap over the ends once rolled. next, spread the bbq sauce over the sausage and sprinkle on some bbq spice rub according to your taste. then, spread the cheese mixture over the bbq sauce and rub, making sure to keep it about 1/2 away from the edges of the sausage. Finally, sprinkle the cooked onions and jalapeños over the cheese mixture.
Step 5: Rolling and Wrapping
Starting with the edge closest to you, roll the sausage and fillings into a log shape, away from you. Press the sausage together at the final seam and both ends to ensure that no fillings leak out. Now, wrap the log with the bacon weave by lifting the far edge of the plastic wrap and rolling the bacon weave around the log as you bring it back towards yourself. Once wrapped, remove the plastic wrap.
Step 6: Smoking the Meat Log
Preheat your grill or smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the meat log until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, typically taking around 3 to 5 hours. Use wood chunks or wood pellets, preferably applewood, to infuse the log with a delicious smoky flavor.
Step 7: Adding a Festive Twist (Optional)
If you want to take your smoked meat log to the next level, you can turn it into a yule log. Apply your favorite mashed potato recipe to the outside of the log, resembling tree bark, using a piping bag or a spatula. Add texture to the potatoes with the tines of a fork. Then, broil the log in the oven on the center rack for 10-20 minutes until the potatoes have a golden color. This will add a festive touch to your dish.
What is a meat log?
A meat log, also known as a fattie, is a rolled and stuffed meat dish that is typically smoked or grilled. It usually consists of ground meat, such as sausage, wrapped in bacon and filled with various ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and sauce.
Can I customize the filling of a smoked meat log?
Absolutely! One of the great things about smoked meat logs is their versatility. You can personalize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, vegetables, or even fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Can I use a different type of wood for smoking the meat log?
While applewood is recommended for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, you can use other types of wood as well. Popular choices include hickory, mesquite, cherry, or maple. Each wood variety will impart a distinct flavor to the meat log, so choose the one that appeals to your taste buds.
The smoked meat log, or fattie, is a fantastic centerpiece for any meat lover. With its crispy bacon exterior, flavorful filling, and beautiful pinwheel effect when sliced, it's sure to impress both visually and gastronomically. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a holiday feast, the smoked meat log is a showstopping dish that will leave your guests craving for more.
If you want to know other articles similar to Delicious smoked meat log: a perfect meat lovers' centerpiece you can visit the Recipes category.
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