NC Collab Cookbook: "The Frankie" Smoked Bologna Sandwich with Pimento Cheese

September 26, 2025

We’re back with another homemade recipe for the North Carolina Collaboration Cookbook—and this one is a true showstopper! It’s our second creation with our friends at Bone Suckin’ Sauce, and it’s called The Frankie.

This masterpiece was crafted by Pitmaster Frankie Woodard of Burnin’ Bush BBQ: a mouth-watering sandwich stacked high with homemade pimento cheese, smoked Bright Leaf Original Bologna (crafted with beef and pork, crispy Bright Leaf Bacon, Bone Suckin’ Sauce Sweet Spicy Mustard, Seasoning & Rub, even more creamy pimento cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey to bring it all together.

After the first bite, we were left absolutely speechless. Hands down, this might be one of the best bologna sandwiches of all time.

Ingredients:

(1) 3 lb. Stick of Bright Leaf Original Bologna
(1) Pack of 12 oz. Bright Leaf Bacon
Pimento Cheese
Bone Suckin' Sauce "Sweet Spicy" Mustard
Bone Suckin' Sauce Seasoning & Rub
Bone Suckin' Sauce Hot Honey

Learn more about Bright Leaf products

Cooking Instructions:

Start with a 3 lb. Bright Leaf Bologna stick. Using a sharp knife, score the bologna:
- First, cut slits lengthwise all the way around.
- Then, turn it and cut slits crosswise.
  Don’t cut all the way through—you’re creating “pre-slices” that will open up while smoking.
Coat the bologna generously with Bone Suckin' Sauce Sweet Spicy Mustard.
Sprinkle Bone Suckin' Sauce Seasoning & Rub all over. Gently pull apart the cut edges so the rub works its way into the slices.
Place the bologna on a smoker at 250°F. Smoke for about 1½ - 2 hours, until the cuts start to separate and caramelize. (watch the bologna)
Remove from the smoker and cut through the slices.
Build your sandwich:
- Spread pimento cheese on the bottom bun.
- Add a thick slice of smoked Bright Leaf Bologna.
- Spread on more pimento cheese.
- Add crispy Bright Leaf Bacon.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Top with the bun and press down.
Grab a bib—this sandwich is messy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely delicious!