 | |
| Alternative names | Baloney cake |
|---|---|
| Type | Savory cake |
| Course | Appetizer, side dish |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Bologna sausage, cream cheese, ranch dressing |
Bologna cake, also known as baloney cake, is a dish popular in the Southern United States. [1] [2] [3]
The dish consists of layers of sliced bologna sausage 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 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]
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]
Bologna cake is 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] The dish is high in sodium, and can be dangerous for those with hypertension. [1] It also contains high levels of fat and preservatives, such as nitrates. [3]
