I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake. I had just invited a few friends over for a casual dinner, and I wanted something that was comforting but also a little different. When it came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, everyone’s eyes lit up. There’s something about the mix of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and soft pasta that hits all the right notes.
This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a showstopper. It combines the warmth of home cooking with a playful twist on a classic Italian favorite. If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this is your golden ticket.
Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake is essentially a savory pasta pie. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Imagine your favorite carbonara but in a sliceable, shareable cake form.
- Rich, gooey interior
- Crispy top layer
- Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
This is one of those recipes that tastes fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull together. You get all the flavor of a classic carbonara in a fun, unexpected format.
Ingredients Needed
When I first gathered my ingredients for this recipe, I realized how forgiving it is. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 300g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta or smoked bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 100g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 50ml double cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Everything here is pantry-friendly, but the magic comes in how you combine these simple ingredients.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake
The first time I made this, I was amazed at how each step built flavor without feeling complicated.
- Cook the pasta – Boil the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the pancetta – Heat olive oil in a pan, add pancetta and garlic, fry until golden.
- Mix the eggs and cheese – In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and pancetta – Toss cooked spaghetti with the pancetta mixture.
- Assemble the cake – Grease a springform pan. Layer spaghetti mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella on top. Repeat if needed.
- Bake – Cook in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve – Let it cool slightly, slice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
It’s one of those recipes where the smells in the kitchen will make it hard to wait until it’s done.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love learning why recipes work. With this dish:
- Eggs – Act as a binder. They hold the pasta together and create that creamy texture.
- Cheese – Parmesan adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch and meltiness.
- Pancetta – Brings umami and salt, which enhances all the other flavors.
- Cream – Makes the filling rich and luscious, preventing dryness.
Understanding these roles helps you tweak the recipe without losing the magic.
Expert Tips
From my kitchen trials, here’s what makes the cake perfect:
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente pasta prevents a mushy cake.
- Crisp the pancetta – Gives texture contrast and depth of flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs – Helps them mix smoothly without scrambling in the oven.
- Let it rest before slicing – It holds shape and makes prettier portions.
These small tweaks make a huge difference.
Recipe Variations
I love experimenting. Here are ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian version – Swap pancetta for roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy twist – Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Cheese swap – Try Gruyère or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Mini cakes – Use muffin tins for individual portions, perfect for parties.
Every variation gives a new take while keeping the essence intact.
Final Words
The first time I served this, my friends couldn’t stop complimenting the texture and flavor. It’s one of those recipes that impresses without stress. The best part is how versatile it is-perfect for brunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
If you want comfort food with a twist, this is it. Slice it, serve it, and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake?
You’ll need pasta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, cream, garlic, and a few herbs like rosemary.
Can I Use Bacon Instead Of Pancetta In This Recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap pancetta for bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake?
It should take around 45 minutes from start to finish.