Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake Recipe

The Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake is a creative twist on the classic carbonara pasta dish, transforming it into a baked, savory cake. This dish is perfect for those who love the flavors of traditional carbonara but want to try something different. The crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior make it a great option for brunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. This recipe is simple to prepare and is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy pasta in a new form.

What is Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake is a baked version of the traditional carbonara pasta, combining pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta into a cake-like dish. It is baked until golden and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft, cheesy, and rich. This dish is a delicious way to enjoy carbonara flavors in a convenient, sliceable form.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Fondant Potatoes
• Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
• Mary Berry Hot Smoked Salmon Linguine

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Unique Take on Carbonara: It’s a fresh and exciting way to enjoy the classic carbonara flavors you love.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for family dinners or parties where you need a dish that can be easily portioned.
• Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy baked pasta and a creamy, cheesy interior makes this dish irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as a unique party snack.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Spaghetti (300g): The base of the dish, cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
• Pancetta (150g): Diced, providing a salty, savory flavor.
• Eggs (4 large): The key ingredient that binds the cake together and gives it a rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese (100g, grated): Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the cake.
• Pecorino Cheese (50g, grated): A traditional cheese used in carbonara for a sharp, salty kick.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds depth and flavor to the pancetta.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For frying the pancetta and garlic.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to season the cake.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning the pasta water and dish.
• Butter (for greasing the pan): To ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the baking dish.

Equipment

• Large Pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
• Frying Pan: To cook the pancetta and garlic.
• Springform Cake Tin (20cm/8-inch): For baking the carbonara cake.
• Mixing Bowl: Combine the eggs, cheese, and pasta.
• Tongs or Fork: For tossing the pasta with the sauce.
• Grater: For grating the Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses.

Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
• Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Pancetta

• In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Remove the pan from the heat and set the pancetta and garlic aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and Pecorino cheese until well combined.
• Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Egg Mixture

• Add the cooled spaghetti and pancetta mixture to the bowl with the egg and cheese mixture.
• Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Carbonara Cake

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
• Grease a springform cake tin with butter to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the cake tin, pressing it down gently to create an even layer.
• Sprinkle a little extra-grated Parmesan on top for a crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake the Carbonara Cake

• Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Step 7: Serve the Carbonara Cake

• Remove the carbonara cake from the tin and slice it into wedges.
• Serve warm, garnished with extra black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the carbonara cake.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli make a great side dish for added nutrition.
• Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the creamy, cheesy flavors of the carbonara.
• Chilled White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the salty pancetta and rich cheeses.
• Grilled Chicken: For extra protein, serve with grilled chicken on the side.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente: Make sure the pasta is slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Cool the Pancetta: Allow the Pancetta to cool slightly before mixing with the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Press the Cake Down Firmly: Press the pasta down into the tin to ensure it holds together well when sliced.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of baking to ensure it doesn’t dry out or burn.
• Add Extra Cheese on Top: Sprinkling extra Parmesan on top before baking will give the cake a crispy, cheesy crust.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten intolerances.
• Cheese Swap: Use all Parmesan if you don’t have Pecorino or experiment with other hard cheeses like Grana Padano.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a bit of heat.
• Herb Addition: Stir in fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, herby flavor.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Refrigerate: Store leftover carbonara cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
• Avoid Microwaving: Reheating in the microwave can make the pasta rubbery, so it’s best to use an oven for reheating.
• Freeze: Wrap slices of the carbonara cake in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake

• Oven Reheating: Place slices of the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside.
• Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta and eggs.
• Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle a little fresh Parmesan on top before reheating for an extra cheesy boost.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake Healthier?

• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat pasta to add fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce Cheese: Cut back on the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat version to reduce calories.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in some spinach or broccoli to boost the vegetable content.
• Lean Pancetta: Use lean Pancetta or substitute with turkey bacon to reduce fat.
• Smaller Portions: Serve smaller slices with a side of salad to create a more balanced meal.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg

FAQs

Can I make Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake ahead of time. Prepare the pasta mixture and assemble it in the springform pan, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Carbonara’s Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.

What type of pasta works best for Carbonara Cake?

Spaghetti works best for Carbonara Cake as it holds together well and creates a cohesive structure. However, you can also use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine if preferred.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in Carbonara Cake?

To prevent the eggs from scrambling, allow the pancetta to cool slightly before mixing it with the egg and cheese mixture. Also, make sure the mixture is combined off the heat and bake the dish at a moderate temperature to ensure the eggs are set without overcooking.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Carbonara Cake is a delicious, inventive twist on the traditional carbonara dish. With its crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, this baked pasta dish is perfect for any occasion.

Whether served as a main course, side dish, or party snack, it’s sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this unique take on carbonara and elevate your pasta game!

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• Hairy Bikers Meat And Potato Pie
• Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
• Hairy Bikers Meat And Potato Pie
• Jamie Oliver Macaroni Cheese With Cauliflower

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