Bologna cake is a type of meat product that is made from a mixture of ground pork and beef, along with various spices and seasonings. It is shaped into a large ring and typically sliced and served as a cold cut. It is commonly known in United States and its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe. Some people also call it a bologna loaf.
How to make Bologna cake
In the classics of the kitchen, we find of course the potato, but also and especially: the pasta. Among the most famous variants, there are the carbonara and the bolognese. These last ones, although timeless, deserve from time to time a little innovation in their presentation. This delicious recipe is perfect for a change of pace.
On the work surface:
- 700 g of ground meat
- 1 small onion
- 200 ml milk
- 40 g breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 240 g spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- 30 g butter
- 20 g finely grated parmesan cheese
- 180 g grated Gruyere cheese
- 200 g tomato sauce
- salt and pepper
To the oven!
Heat the oven to 180°C.
In a bowl, mix the ground meat, the chopped onion, the milk, the breadcrumbs, the oregano, salt and pepper.
Place this mixture in a springform pan, pressing well against the bottom and bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti al dente in salted water.
When the pasta is cooked and drained, mix it with the eggs, butter and finely grated parmesan.
Once the meat is cooked, do not turn off the oven, but take the dish out. Put about two tablespoons of tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese.
Add the spaghetti and the rest of the tomato sauce and grated Gruyere.
Put in the oven at the same temperature for 20 minutes.
The minced meat helps hold the spaghetti and sauce together and makes nice slices on the plate. Add some freshness to this dish with a nice green salad with a vinaigrette. And for fans of pasta cakes, try this variation too.
Recipe of traditional Bologna cake
Here is a recipe for a traditional bologna cake:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp coriander
- 2 tbsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp allspice
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup ice water
- 2 tbsp curing salt (such as Prague powder #1)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the water, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the spice mixture to the meat and mix well.
- Slowly add the ice water, mixing until the meat is evenly moistened.
- Mix in the curing salt until evenly distributed.
- Pack the meat mixture into a large loaf pan or ring mold, making sure to press out any air pockets.
- Cover the top of the meat loaf with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
Note: If you are not able to find curing salt you can use kosher salt instead.
This recipe will yield a traditional bologna cake that you can slice and serve as a cold cut. You can also use it in sandwiches or as an ingredient in other dishes.
History of Bologna cake
The history of Bologna cake, also known as bologna loaf, is uncertain. It is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, but it’s not clear which country or region. Bologna sausage is a traditional meat product in many European countries, and it’s possible that the bologna cake is a variation of that.
It’s also likely that the dish was brought to the United States by Eastern European immigrants, where it became popular and evolved into the version that is known today.
Bologna cake, as a type of sausage, can be traced back to ancient Rome where the sausage was made with pork and spices. Bologna, as we know it today, was made by the butcher of Bologna in Italy. The name “bologna” comes from the city of Bologna in Northern Italy and it’s believed that this sausage was first made in this city.
Bologna cake is a popular food item in the United States, where it is typically sold as a cold cut and used in sandwiches, but it is not as well-known or widely available in other parts of the world.