Bologna cake
Appetizer, side dish | |
| Place of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Bologna, cream cheese, ranch dressing |
Bologna cake, also known as baloney cake, is a unique dish that became popular in the Southern United States.[1][2][3]
Ingredients and preparation
The dish consists of layers of sliced bologna and cream cheese with ranch dressing or other seasoning for the cream cheese.[1][2] Some variations include substituting bologna with other cold-cut deli meats such as ham or salami.[3] In place of ranch dressing, the cream cheese can be seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and/or an Italian seasoning blend.[3][4] Cheez Whiz is often used to decorate the cake.[1] The cake can be topped with olives, pickles, bacon bits, or fresh herbs.[5] It is frequently served with crackers or toast.[3] Preparing a bologna cake is relatively inexpensive, technically straightforward, and easy.[4]
Origins
The origins of bologna cake are unclear but can be traced back to the mid-20th century.[1][2][6][7] It is theorized that it started as a joke, but eventually spread in popularity.[1][2] Bologna cake became a popular choice because it was easy to prepare and could be decorated to look like a traditional cake, making it an eye-catching centerpiece.[1]
Although bologna cake is often considered a retro dish, it has seen a recent resurgence in popularity among younger generations who enjoy trying unusual and unconventional recipes.[7][8] Bologna cake has become a social media sensation on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, with many home cooks sharing their own unique versions of the dish online.[7][8]
Popularity and health concerns
While some may find the idea unappetizing, bologna cake remains a popular dish in the Southern United States and can be found served as an appetizer or side dish at family events.[1][2][3]
Due to its high sodium content, the dish should not be considered a healthy dish, particularly for those with hypertension.[1] It also contains high levels of fat and preservatives, such as nitrates.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "What Is Bologna Cake? How Do You Make a Bologna Cake?". Price of Meat. 2022-09-15. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ a b c d e Cook, Nicole (2010-07-22). "Bologna Cake Appetizer Recipe". Daily Dish Recipes. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ a b c d e f Hill, Emily (2021-08-31). "How to Make Baloney Cake (Bologna Cake)". Half-Scratched. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ a b "Bologna Cake (+ Easy Recipe)". Insanely Good Recipes. 2022-09-05. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ Lampella, Annie (2023-02-26). "Delicious Bologna Cake". Ketofocus. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ Moore, Kelli (2021-03-15). "5 1950's Dishes That We Used To Actually Enjoy". Society19. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ a b c "Weird Vintage Recipes Found a Second Life Online—And They're Thriving". Epicurious. 2023-02-24. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ a b "7 Wacky Retro Recipes for You to Try". Emmymade. 2021-03-05. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-03-26.