Ah, bologna cake—just the name alone might make you do a double-take, right? I mean, who thought of combining bologna and cake?
But trust me, it’s not as wild as it sounds. It’s more like a quirky cousin of the classic cheese ball, but with layers.
I remember stumbling upon this recipe during a family reunion, right when Aunt Betty brought it out with a cheeky grin, and I swear I heard gasps followed by curious forks diving in. This dish is a nostalgic throwback with a twist, kind of like finding an old mixtape that still makes you dance.
It’s super easy to make, no oven required, and it brings a little retro fun to the table. Plus, it pairs surprisingly well with some crackers and a good laugh.
So, if you’re ready to surprise your taste buds and your guests, let’s get into it!
Steps
- Prepare the frosting by combining softened cream cheese, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth, or mix by hand if preferred.
- Begin assembling the cake by spreading a little cream cheese mixture on the base of your serving plate to prevent sliding. Place one slice of bologna on top, then spread a thin layer of frosting over it.
- Continue layering bologna slices and cream cheese frosting until all the slices are used. For a clean finish, use a piping bag to apply the cream cheese, creating a barrier around the edges and filling the center.
- Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired. To serve, pair with crackers and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Sliced Bologna (quantity as needed for layering)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Grated Onion or Ranch onion mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- Ritz Crackers, for serving
FAQ
- What is Bologna Cake?
- Bologna cake is a Southern-inspired appetizer made by stacking layers of bologna slices with a savory cream cheese frosting. Despite its cake-like appearance, it has a predominantly salty and meaty flavor profile.
- What does Bologna Cake taste like?
- Bologna cake combines the flavors of bologna and cream cheese, enhanced with onion and Worcestershire sauce, resulting in a salty and umami-rich taste. It’s similar to a savory crepe cake and is best enjoyed with crackers to balance its richness.
- What ingredients are needed for Bologna Cake?
- To make bologna cake, you’ll need sliced bologna, grated onion, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Ritz crackers. These simple ingredients come together quickly to create a unique appetizer.
- How do you make Bologna Cake?
- First, mix cream cheese, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce for the frosting. Then, layer bologna slices with the frosting on a plate, repeating until all slices are used. Cover the cake with remaining frosting and serve with crackers.
- How should I store leftover Bologna Cake?
- Wrap any leftover bologna cake in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to maintain its freshness.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure to let the cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and easy blend. If you’re short on time, a quick few seconds in the microwave can help.
- Prevent Slipping Layers: Before you start layering, spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on the serving plate. This will help keep the first layer of bologna in place.
- Keep Bologna Dry: Use a paper towel to blot the bologna slices. If they’re too moist, they may slide around, making assembly difficult.
- Achieve a Smooth Finish: For a clean and polished look, use an offset spatula or the flat side of a knife to evenly frost the cake, ensuring smooth edges.
Equipment
- Hand Mixer – Useful for blending the cream cheese, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce efficiently.
- Piping Bag – Helps in applying the cream cheese frosting cleanly and evenly.
- Offset Spatula – Ideal for smoothly frosting the cake with cream cheese.
- Cake Platter – For serving the bologna cake nicely, especially if you want to present it impressively.
