Who says cake has to be sweet? Not us, as the following recipes prove! Many of your favorite savory dishes can easily be made in a cake or pie pan. And the best part is, because they usually end up being bigger, you can serve larger groups of people, especially those with a hearty appetite. Now you don’t have to worry about what to make at your next dinner party, because we have 10 great suggestions.
1. Lasagna Cake
Nothing beats homemade lasagna for that authentic taste of Italy. When served this delicious dish, however, the pickiest of eaters may have one tiny gripe: it can look a bit messy on the plate. Thankfully, there’s now a solution to this “aesthetic” problem as we’ve come up with a way of keeping all that saucy goodness in check. Get the recipe here.
2. Zucchini Ring
Zucchinis are all about adopting other identities these days. Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are almost threatening to drive the humble pasta into extinction. They’re versatile, they’re healthy, and with the right sauce, you’ll never know you’re eating carb-free. But could zucchini also pose a threat to… the cake??? Let’s find out! Get the recipe here.
3. Spaghetti Cake
There are certain songs that never get old, and the same is true of food. At the top of the list of old favorites is spaghetti bolognese – a classic dish that’s been enthusing people of all ages for generations! But as far as traditions go, there’s always a little wiggle room, like this recipe that puts a spin on an old classic. Get the recipe here.
4. Chicken Fajita Crunchwrap
After eating light meals all summer, who isn’t ready to mix things up a bit and bring some spice back to the table? While making your favorite fajitas on their own would be cause enough for celebration, just adding a little cheese to the same ingredients adds a whole new twist to the occasion. It’s a still a fajita, but served quesadilla-crunchwrap supreme style! Get the recipe here.
5. Pizza Lasagna
Getting up to mischief and constantly eating — these are the two trademarks of one of America’s most famous cartoon cats: Garfield! His favorite food is no secret: zesty, saucy lasagna. But when he can’t get his paws on that, he never says no to a thick slice of cheesy pizza. And with this new creation, he can have it all in one amazing meal! Get the recipe here.
6. Pasta Cake with Grilled Eggplant
With plenty of fresh herbs, Mediterranean aromas, and colorful ingredients, Italian cuisine is always a winner. Pasta dishes are particularly popular, as different sauces and garnishes can be used to create a whole variety of delicious meals. And sometimes you get the best results when you’re feeling experimental! Get the recipe here.
7. Savory Crêpe Cake
In North America, pancakes are a breakfast time staple best served with a large helping of syrup. However, crêpes — the humble pancake’s French cousin — come in both sweet and savory form enjoyed at any time of the day. So when hunger strikes, treat yourself to this rather unconventional recipe that gets the best out of those tasty crêpes. Get the recipe here.
8. “Game of Thrones” Frey Pie
You have a bone to pick with someone and really want to drop them a hint? SPOILER ALERT, but Walder Frey from Game of Thrones got a “tasty” warning in the form of a pie. We’ve opted to make something more appetizing than what he was served and have selected ground beef to prepare this delicious dish which is a lighter alternative to shepherd’s pie. Get the recipe here.
9. Vegetable and Ham Tart
Before you cut into it, this tart looks a bit like cheesecake. But upon closer inspection, what actually emerges is a hearty vegetable and ham tart with cheese. Its easy preparation is sure to have you dashing to the kitchen to bring this culinary camouflage expert to the table. Get the recipe here.
10. Macaroni Bundt Cake
This recipe could win a prize for most surprising Bundt cake of the year. After cutting into the crispy ham ring, you’ll find a beautiful pasta and tomato creation that also tastes amazing. It’s not only a feast for the eyes, but a feast for the stomach as well! Your dinner guests will love this creative dish and they’ll beg you to make it time and time again. Get the recipe here.
This set of recipes also shows the great variety of hearty cakes, especially when it comes to lining the cake pan to create the outer shell that keeps all the savory ingredients inside — there are so many different options, so let your imagination run wild and make it a great eye-catcher at the dining table.