| Bologna cake | |
| Alternate Name: | Baloney cake, lunch meat cake |
| Country: | United States |
| Course: | Appetizer, side dish |
| Type: | Savory cake |
| Main Ingredient: | 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]
The dish consists of layers of sliced bologna and cream cheese with ranch dressing or other seasoning for the cream cheese. Some variations include substituting bologna with other cold-cut deli meats such as ham or salami. In place of ranch dressing, the cream cheese can be seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and/or an Italian seasoning blend.[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.
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.[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.[8]
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.[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.