How do you know when to use the word cake in the name of a recipe? Does it have to be sweet? This savory cake recipe uses ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, so it’s easy to make any time! I am used to making only sweet cakes, but this time I wanted to try something different.
Cake salé is the French name of a savory cake and being gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Traditional cake salé recipes were meant to be fried (in butter or oil), with a texture that’s more bread-like than cake-like. However, there are lots of ways to make cake sale ́ savory and delicious in ways other than frying it. For example, you can make savory gluten-free cakes using muffin tins and either cheese or vegetables as a base instead of wheat flour.
You could also create baked gluten-free cakes by baking them in an oven rather than frying them. You could use the meat for flavoring or just add spices! There is lots of room for creativity when making your own cake salé recipe.
Below is my favorite way to make this recipe using gluten-free flour and pantry items we all have on hand! I am all about quick easy and healthy dishes and this one fits the description.
If you want your cake to be sweet, feel free to add some honey or maple syrup, but I personally love the savory flavor of this recipe. You can even serve it with a dipping sauce or on top of your favorite soup!
How to Say Cake in French
Gateau is an informal term used to refer to cakes in French cuisine. The literal translation of gateau into English would be cake, but in practice, gateau refers to a certain type of rich and sweet baked confection, generally with a filling, often made for special occasions.
Gateau can also refer to a type of cream-filled tart that is popular in South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia. It is equivalent to pie in American English usage, though it might not have a pastry crust.
French Appetizers
I have to admit that I’m not French, and my knowledge of French food is limited. However, when it comes to savory cake ideas there are two very popular traditional French appetizers that come to mind; toast with cheese and steak tartare.
Steak Tartare is a dish made from finely chopped or minced raw beef. It is often served with onions, capers, and seasonings… Similar dishes include carpaccio and tartare sauce, a seasoning sauce sometimes served with prawns as part of a shrimp cocktail.
As you can see, both flavors work perfectly as a base for our gluten-free savory cake recipe!
Serving Ideas
My Gluten-free savory cake can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Savory cakes are perfect for any meal or time of day! I love making them to have on hand for quick weeknight meals. They make great snacks and appetizers too!
Here are some ways you can serve savory cakes for Lunch/Dinner:
- Whole wheat toast topped with a smear of cream cheese and topped with sliced tomato. Add lettuce leaves in there if desired for a complete sandwich!
- Cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer (great finger food).
- Crusty French bread spread with softened cream cheese, top with cucumber slices, then sprinkle chopped ham in there.
- Serve alongside your favorite soup to make it a complete meal!
Savory Cake Tips
One thing to remember when cooking gluten-free is that you have more room for experimentation, and a lot of unexpected deliciousness can come from it.
This gluten-free savory cake is best eaten warm.
It’s great as a side dish with a good soup or as an appetizer served in small pieces topped with your favorite dip.
The gluten-free flour and pantry items I used were: baking powder, avocado oil, black pepper, olive oil, and salt. You can also add some of your favorite vegetables to create different flavor combinations! To make it vegetarian, you can replace the eggs with chickpeas. Enjoy!
What do you think about this savory cake recipe? If you love it as much as I know you will check out a few other savory cake recipes from culinary artists all over the world.
After trying my gluten-free savory cake, how likely are you to try more savory cake recipes? Let me know in the comments below!
Gluten-Free Savory Cake Recipe
- 2 ⅛ Cups Gluten free flour
- 4 Eggs
- 2 Chicken breasts marinated and sauteed (or smoked Turkey cold cut meat)
- 1/4 Cup Black olives sliced
- 1 Medium onion
- 1 Medium tomato
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 tbsp Cilantro
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Avocado oil
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 3 tbsp Pickles sliced
- 1 cup Mozzarrella cheese
- 4 Laughing cow cheese ((It adds a nice flavor to the mix))
- 2 tbsp Scallions for sprinkling
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1-Preheat oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit
2-Cut, chop, and slice all vegetables separately, and set aside
2-Cut your choice of meat into small pieces
3-Dice the Laughing Cow cheese into small pieces, set aside
4-In a saucepan pan over medium heat add olive oil and onions then sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
5-In a bowl with an electric or hand mixer mix in the eggs, salt & pepper, and milk. Add the flour and mix well. Add all the other ingredients except cheeses.
6-Once all mixed add the diced Laughing Cow cheese.
7-In a large rectangular 10”x 8”x2” lasagna pan lined with parchment paper and brushed with olive oil pour the mixture, spread the mozzarella cheese on top, and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
8-Once cooked, sprinkle it with scallions or parsley (optional).
