Bologna Cake
Published February 26, 2023 • Updated February 7, 2026
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This bologna cake is anything but sweet. It's a keto meat cake made up of layers of sliced bologna and a garlic herb cream cheese frosting. I love serving it with crackers or just a fork!
Is it a dessert or an appetizer? This fun twist on a traditional sweet cake is filled with layers of bologna and a garlic herb cheese filling. This low-carb appetizer makes the perfect birthday cake for a carnivore, or serve it with your favorite keto crackers at a party.
I love that this appetizer comes together fast when you only have a tub of lunch meat in your fridge, some cream cheese and a few pantry ingredients. Stack alternating layers of bologna and cream cheese “frosting” and your guests will do a double take when you bring it to your next gathering or potluck!
What is bologna cake?
This savory dish is popular in the United States, particularly in the South. You layer sliced bologna or other deli meats with cheese and other ingredients, much like a traditional layer cake. Then you decorate with a creamy spread like mayonnaise or cream cheese and garnish with toppings like olives, or fresh herbs. It’s perfect for potlucks or parties and is a fun, creative way to serve deli meats.
Key ingredients
A base recipe for bologna cake is just sliced deli meat and a creamy spread. Other flavors and garnishes can be added.
- Bologna – Sliced bologna is the classic choice, but you can make a ham or even salami cake using other types of sliced lunch meat.
- Creamy Spread – Typically cream cheese is used, but a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream can be used.
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Ingredients
1 pound sliced bologna -
12 oz cream cheese, softened
-
2 tablespoons sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped parsley
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 clove garlic, minced
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Cream cheese frosting
Add cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and garlic to a mini food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Layer cake
Pat each slice of bologna dry with a paper towel. Using a spatula, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on one slice. Top with another slice and repeat with the remaining pieces. Use a piping bag to decorate the top. Add your favorite toppings like cheese whiz, chopped olives, crumbled bacon or fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or chips.
- 1 lb sliced bologna
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the bologna cake originate?
It's rumored to have started in the South as a joke. It was mentioned in the movie Sweet Home Alabama.
What kind of meat is bologna?
Bologna is primarily made up of ground meat - mostly beef, but chicken, turkey and pork as well.
My cream cheese frosting is too soft. What can I do?
If you notice your cake starting to lean, your cream cheese frosting is probably too soft. After your "frosting" is mixed, refrigerate it for 5 minutes. You can also refrigerate your cake for 5-10 minutes to help set it.
I thought this was fun! My husband got a kick out of it and it was actually really good! The cheese frosting had so much flavor. We ate it with your almond flour crackers.