Bologna cake
Bologna cake
Alternative namesBaloney cake, lunch meat cake
TypeSavory cake
CourseAppetizer, side dish
Place of originUnited States
Main ingredientsBologna, 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] Cheese 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]

The dish was briefly mentioned in the movie Sweet Home Alabama.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "What Is Bologna Cake? How Do You Make a Bologna Cake?". Price of Meat. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Cook, Nicole (2010-07-22). "Bologna Cake Appetizer Recipe". Daily Dish Recipes. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hill, Emily (2021-08-31). "How to Make Baloney Cake (Bologna Cake)". Half-Scratched. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  4. 1 2 3 "Bologna Cake (+ Easy Recipe)". Insanely Good Recipes. 2022-09-05. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  5. ↑ Lampella, Annie (2023-02-26). "Delicious Bologna Cake". Ketofocus. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  6. ↑ Moore, Kelli (2021-03-15). "5 1950's Dishes That We Used To Actually Enjoy". Society19. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  7. 1 2 3 "Weird Vintage Recipes Found a Second Life Online—And They're Thriving". Epicurious. 2023-02-24. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  8. 1 2 "7 Wacky Retro Recipes for You to Try". Emmymade. 2021-03-05. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
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