Bologna cake

Bologna cake, also known as baloney cake, is a unique dish that became popular in the Southern United States.

Ingredients and preparation
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. Cheez Whiz is often used to decorate the cake. The cake can be topped with olives, pickles, bacon bits, or fresh herbs. It is frequently served with crackers or toast. Preparing a bologna cake is relatively inexpensive, technically straightforward, and easy.

Origins
The origins of bologna cake are unclear but can be traced back to the mid-20th century. It is theorized that it started as a joke, but eventually spread in popularity. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Due to its high sodium content, the dish should not be considered a healthy dish, particularly for those with hypertension. It also contains high levels of fat and preservatives, such as nitrates.