Ultimate Bacon Explosion Recipe: Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Get ready to indulge in a bacon lover’s dream with this clear, step-by-step guide to making a mouthwatering Bacon Explosion. This show-stopping dish combines a bacon weave, seasoned ground pork and sausage, and a gooey cream cheese and cheddar center — perfect for parties, tailgates, or any time you want a bold, crowd-pleasing entree.

The name “Bacon Explosion” says it all — layers of pork, sausage, cheese, and bacon woven together and smoked until crisp and caramelized. If you enjoy recipes like smoked breakfast fatties or bacon-wrapped specialties, this smoked bacon bomb will quickly become a favorite. It’s rich, savory, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Each log typically serves about eight people, and the recipe scales easily if you want to prepare multiple logs for a larger crowd. The contrast of a crispy bacon exterior with a melty, cheesy interior makes every bite deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Bacon Explosion

• Only about 20 minutes of active prep time — then the smoker does the rest.
• A unique, impressive dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
• Easy to make, even for beginners to smoking; the steps are straightforward and forgiving.

Ingredients for Bacon Explosion

• Ground pork – a base for the meaty layer that pairs well with seasoned sausage.
• Shredded cheddar – combined with cream cheese for a melty, cheesy center.
• BBQ sauce – use your favorite bottled sauce or make a homemade version to glaze the outside.
• BBQ rub – adds flavor to the bacon weave and the meat layer; use your preferred rub.
• Cream cheese – the surprise “explosion” in the center that creates a rich, creamy bite.
• Bacon – divided: some for frying and crumbling, and the rest for weaving the outer shell.
• Pork sausage – mixed with ground pork for seasoning and texture; use hot sausage if you want heat.

How to Make Bacon Explosion

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (about 107°C). While it warms, fry one pound of the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Crumble the cooked bacon and drain on paper towels.

2. Using the basket-weave method, weave the remaining pound of raw bacon into a square lattice. Evenly sprinkle one tablespoon of BBQ rub over the bacon weave.

3. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, pork sausage, the remaining tablespoon of BBQ rub, and the crumbled cooked bacon. Mix thoroughly and spread this meat mixture evenly over the bacon weave.

4. In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the meat layer, leaving a small border so the filling stays contained when you roll.

5. Carefully roll the layered bacon and meat like a jelly roll into a tight log, pressing the edges together to seal and prevent the cheese from leaking during the cook.

6. Place the log seam-side down directly on the preheated smoker grates. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 155–160°F, then brush the outside with about one cup of BBQ sauce to develop a glossy, caramelized finish.

7. Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time will vary depending on thickness, but plan on roughly 2 to 2½ hours total. Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.

8. When done, remove the log, let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to settle, then slice and serve warm.

How to Store Leftover Bacon Explosion

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for best texture. Because of the cream cheese center, freezing is not recommended — freezing can change the texture and cause separation.

Can you cook bacon in a smoker?

Yes — bacon smokes beautifully. Smoking adds depth and a savory, smoky finish that makes it an excellent outer shell for this recipe. Smoked bacon slices are also great on their own or for other recipes.

How do you intertwine bacon?

To weave bacon: lay about six strips vertically side-by-side. Fold back every other strip halfway, lay one strip horizontally across the flat pieces, then fold the folded strips back over. Repeat, alternating which vertical strips you fold back, until you have a full woven mat.

What to Serve with Bacon Explosion

This hearty main goes well with smoked baked beans, bacon-wrapped asparagus, smoked baked potatoes, or simple grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. For an indulgent meal, pair it with smoked cheesy potato casserole or smoked jalapeño popper mac and cheese.

This smoked Bacon Explosion is a fun and flavorful centerpiece that’s rich, smoky, and perfect for sharing. With simple prep and dramatic results, it’s a great recipe to add to your grilling rotation.

More Smoked Recipes to Try!

• Smoked brats for a game-day favorite.
• Smoked hot dogs with deep, smoky flavor.
• Smoked queso dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Smoked burgers for classic smoky flavor that everyone loves.