This savoury cake with blue cheese and bacon is a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish, perfect for a special brunch, lunch, or as an appetizer. It combines the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese with the smoky, salty taste of bacon, all encased in a soft and flavorful batter. The cake is light yet satisfying, with the perfect balance of savoury elements.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 200g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- 100ml whole milk
- 50ml olive oil
- 50g butter, melted and cooled
- 100g blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or your preferred variety), crumbled
- 100g smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste (be cautious, as blue cheese and bacon are salty)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme sprigs for decoration
- A drizzle of honey for a contrast in flavor
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Skillet or frying pan
- Sieve for sifting dry ingredients
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Spatula or wooden spoon for folding ingredients
- Loaf tin (or 8-inch round cake pan, greased and lined with parchment paper)
- Cooling rack
- Knife for chopping ingredients
- Grater (if needed for cheese)
- Tongs for handling bacon
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes before serving
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Onion
- Fry the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped 100g of smoked bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave the bacon grease in the pan for the next step.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Using the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the finely chopped 1 small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 200g of plain flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of baking soda. This helps to ensure that the batter is light and airy.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 100ml of whole milk, 50ml of olive oil, and 50g of melted and cooled butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create the base for the cake batter.
- Add the Dijon mustard and seasoning: Whisk 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp of dried thyme), ½ tsp of black pepper, and a pinch of salt into the wet ingredients. Be mindful of the salt, as both the bacon and blue cheese are naturally salty.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 3: Incorporate the Fillings
- Add bacon and onion mixture: Gently fold in the cooked bacon and the onion-garlic mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Incorporate blue cheese: Add 100g of crumbled blue cheese to the batter. It’s best to gently fold the cheese in so that there are little pockets of blue cheese throughout the cake, adding bursts of flavor in each bite.
Step 4: Bake the Savory Cake
- Preheat the oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.
- Prepare the tin: Grease and line a loaf tin (or an 8-inch round cake pan) with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal after baking.
- Fill the tin: Pour the prepared batter into the loaf tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure the cake rises uniformly.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve: Once the savory cake has cooled slightly, slice it into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. For a more decadent presentation, drizzle a little honey on top for a sweet contrast to the blue cheese and bacon. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme if desired.
- Pairing suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a side salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or with a simple tomato soup. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Choice: The type of blue cheese you choose will significantly affect the flavor. A strong cheese like Roquefort or Stilton will provide a bold, tangy taste, while milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce will give a more subtle flavor.
- Texture Variation: You can adjust the texture of the cake by finely chopping the bacon or leaving it in larger chunks. Similarly, you can crumble the blue cheese finely for an even distribution or leave bigger chunks for pockets of intense flavor.
- Cooking Bacon: Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy. Soft bacon can make the cake soggy, whereas crispy bacon will add a pleasant texture to each bite.
- Resting Time: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into it. This helps the flavors settle and ensures the cake holds together well without crumbling.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized leeks for a vegetarian version of the cake. Add a handful of toasted walnuts for extra crunch.
- Herb Variations: Instead of thyme, experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or chives to complement the blue cheese and bacon.
- Cheese Variation: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, substitute with feta, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a different savory flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this savory cake in advance?
A: Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Before serving, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Q: Can I freeze the savoury cake?
A: Absolutely! Once fully baked and cooled, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven if desired.
Q: My cake turned out too dense. What went wrong?
A: This could be due to over-mixing the batter, which can develop too much gluten and lead to a denser texture. Make sure to fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently and avoid overworking the dough.
Q: How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?
A: The cake should be golden brown on top, and when a skewer or toothpick is inserted into the center, it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly but the cake isn’t fully cooked, cover it with foil during the final minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
This savory blue cheese and bacon cake makes an excellent centerpiece for a variety of meals:
- Brunch: Serve warm slices of the cake alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty brunch.
- Appetizer: Serve small slices or cubes of the cake with an assortment of dips like hummus, olive tapenade, or garlic aioli.
- Light Lunch: Pair the savory cake with a fresh salad of arugula, pear, and walnut for a balanced lunch.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a unique and flavorful savory cake that highlights the rich tang of blue cheese, the smokiness of bacon, and the earthy notes of thyme. Perfect for sharing with family a
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