If you need a unique appetizer for a retro-themed party, this bologna cake the recipe is for you.
It's meaty, creamy, and a fun alternative to chips and salsa.
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With layers of bologna (also spelled 'baloney') and cream cheese, it's definitely not a traditional cake.
Instead of fluffy sponge and sweet icing, it's meaty, salty, creamy, and wonderfully flavorful.
So if you're looking for an unusually delicious dish that will spark conversation, you've come to the right place.
It's a classic Southern appetizer that's beginner-friendly, inexpensive, and super easy to make.
I know that photo has you intrigued. So let's take a closer look at this Bologna cake, shall we?
What is Bologna cake?
I know it looks like a cake, but it doesn't taste like one at all. So make sure you set your expectations.
Bologna Pie is a Southern appetizer made with multiple layers of Bologna slices and a savory cream cheese frosting that includes grated onions and Worcestershire sauce. The layers are stacked to resemble a cake, and everything is topped with cream cheese and often served with crackers.
If you've seen the classic romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama, you've probably heard of it.
But even though they say it's been around for years, I've only heard of it recently. And my curious mind just had to try.
I am so happy I did!
What does Bologna cake taste like?
I have to admit that I was hesitant to try this dish. But as a curious cook, he had to do it. And I was pleasantly surprised by the result!
Bologna cake tastes like Bologna and cream cheese with added umami flavor of onion and Worcestershire sauce. The layers create a delicious mouthfeel that is a bit like a savory crepe cake. The flavor is predominantly salty, with some smokiness from the processed meat. Best served with crackers.
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I definitely do not recommend eating this appetizer on its own. It will be too salty without something to cut the richness.
The cookies give a nice crunchy contrast to the soft cake. And its buttery flavor complements well the saltiness of the bologna and cream cheese.
Ingredients
This is a super simple recipe. You only need five ingredients and about ten minutes of preparation.
This is what you will need:
- sliced bologna – you can use any brand of bologna. The only important thing is that you like the taste.
- If you can't find bologna, substitute any deli meat.
- Although I haven't tried it yet, I imagine sweet ham and salami will work well here.
- grated onion – You will mix this with the cream cheese to give your frosting a strong flavor. Don't want to peel and chop onions? Use Ranch Onion Mix instead.
- Just keep in mind that you need grated onion, like in very small pieces.
- Not only will that help the flavors meld with the cream cheese, but it also means you won't have big chunks of onion in every bite.
- Cream cheese – soften it to room temperature before use, so that it is easy to mix.
- English sauce – gives the frosting an extra layer of umami flavor.
- ritz crackers There's nothing like crisp, buttery Ritz crackers for this snack!
How to make Bologna cake
1. Make the cake icing.
Combine softened cream cheese, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
I prefer to use a hand mixer here as the cream cheese is a bit thick to mix by hand. However, if you don't mind exercising your arms, you can use a rubber spatula.
Mix until everything is well blended.
2. Assemble the cake.
Start by spreading some cream cheese frosting on the bottom of your serving plate. This will prevent the first layer from slipping as you apply the icing.
Add the first layer of bologna and spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
Repeat the process until all the slices of bologna have been used up.
Top Tip: Use a pastry bag to clean up the cream cheese. Make a small barrier around the edges, place a spiral in the center, then roll it out.
3. Frost the cake.
Top entire cake with remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorated to taste.
4. Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Professional tips
- Allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature before using. Otherwise it will be too hard to mix. If you forget to take it out of the refrigerator on time, just put it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Spread some of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of the serving plate before adding the bologna.. This will prevent it from slipping.
- Pat the bologna dry with a paper towel before layering the cake.. It will keep slipping if it's wet or damp.
- Use an offset spatula to frost cake to make smooth edges. A knife will also work if you use the flat side.
- If you have Cheese Whiz or canned cheese, use it to decorate the cake. It will add flavor and color.
How to serve Bologna cake
Bologna cake is impressive enough already, so serving it as-is will suffice. But if you want to animate it, try the following:
- Make it prettier by decorating the cake with canned American cheese!
- Serve it on a pie plate and surround it with shortbread cookies.
- Cut the cake into thin slices, like a regular cake, and top with crackers or toast.
- Add savory decorations like roasted red peppers, olives, or capers.
How to store leftovers
Wrap leftover bologna pie in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
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