Comforting Scottish Rumbledethumps

As seen in Classic American Comfort Dishes.

Rumbledethumps brings Scottish comfort to your table with smooth mashed potatoes, tender sautéed cabbage, and sweet fried onions. Everything gets mixed with seasonings, covered with sharp cheddar, and baked until bubbly and golden-brown. It's the perfect sidekick for robust dinners, turning basic ingredients into a real tummy-warmer. Feel free to skip the onions or add your favorite spices—it's an easy way to get a taste of Scotland at home.

Breanna
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:52:47 GMT
A slice of cheesy casserole. Save Pin
A slice of cheesy casserole. | foodiffy.com

This Scottish comfort classic turns basic pantry staples into a luxurious side that works wonderfully alongside any main dish. Rumbledethumps blends smooth, whipped potatoes with soft cabbage, all crowned with a bubbly, golden layer of melted cheese in a dish that showcases simple foods in their most mouthwatering form.

I stumbled upon rumbledethumps while looking into my Scottish roots and it's now my favorite accompaniment for weekend roasts. My kids crack up every time I tell them we're having it for dinner just because of the funny name.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A white bowl with a piece of food in it. Save Pin
A white bowl with a piece of food in it. | foodiffy.com

My grandma always swore by using the strongest cheddar available, saying that the difference between the gentle potato flavor and the bold cheese was what made rumbledethumps amazing. After countless times cooking this dish, I totally get what she meant. Whenever I bring this to gatherings, folks always ask what it's called first, then laugh and quickly ask for more.

Make It Your Own

A slice of cheesy casserole. Save Pin
A slice of cheesy casserole. | foodiffy.com

Storing and Reheating

Historical Background

Serving Suggestions

Common Questions

→ What is Rumbledethumps made of?

Rumbledethumps brings together creamy potato mash, gently cooked cabbage, and sautéed onions, all crowned with cheese and baked until it's crispy on top.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely, swap out the cheddar for something like gruyere or mozzarella if you want to change up the taste.

→ Is Rumbledethumps gluten-free?

The dish doesn't contain gluten naturally since it's just potatoes, cabbage, and cheese. Just watch out for kitchen mix-ups if you're cooking for someone with celiac.

→ What main course pairs well with Rumbledethumps?

It works wonders alongside a nice roast, some grilled fish, or veggie main dishes like mushroom stew or a hearty lentil loaf.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

For sure, you can put it all together early and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven right before dinner for the freshest taste and best texture.

Classic Rumbledethumps Dish

Velvety potato mash, tender cabbage, and melty cheddar baked into a rustic Scottish comfort food.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
40 Minutes
Overall Time
50 Minutes
Created By: Breanna

Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Origin: Scottish

Recipe Output: 6 Portions

Diet Preferences: Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1kg spuds, skinned and diced
02 1 savoy cabbage (250g), coarsely cut
03 75g butter, split up
04 100g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 2 small onions, thinly cut (if you want)

How to Make It

Step 01

Skin and dice the potatoes. Throw them in boiling water for 15-20 mins till they're tender.

Step 02

If you're using onions, cut them up and cook them in a pan till soft. Put them aside.

Step 03

Coarsely cut your cabbage and cook it with 50g butter in a pan till it wilts and gets soft.

Step 04

Take your soft potatoes and mash them up with what's left of your butter. Add salt and pepper as you like.

Step 05

Get your oven going at 180°C.

Step 06

Stir the wilted cabbage and cooked onions into your potato mash.

Step 07

Scoop all that potato-cabbage mix into a dish that can go in the oven.

Step 08

Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and pop it in the oven for 15-20 mins, till the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 09

Enjoy it hot alongside your main dish.

Additional Tips

  1. Make sure to spread the cheese all over for a nice golden top.
  2. Folks usually have this on the side, but you can make it a full meal with some greens or meat next to it.

Must-Have Tools

  • Potato peeler
  • Sharp knife and board
  • Big cooking pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven
  • Potato masher

Allergy Details

Double-check all ingredients for allergens and consult a professional if unsure.
  • Watch out for dairy stuff like butter and cheese.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

Please treat this information as general guidance and not as personalized health advice.
  • Calories: 327
  • Fat Amount: 16 g
  • Carbohydrate Count: 39 g
  • Protein Content: 9 g