why make this recipe
Rumbledethumps is a warm, simple dish. It uses few ingredients and cooks fast. It fills the house with good smells and it goes well with easy mains like 5-ingredient chicken crock pot recipes.
introduction
This is an authentic, home-style side dish from Scotland. It mixes mashed potato, cabbage, and cheese. You can make it for family dinners or a quick comfort meal. It pairs well with a light dessert such as almond nut cake recipe.
how to make Authentic Rumbledethumps Recipe
Make the potatoes and cabbage separately. Then mix them and bake with cheese on top. The steps below are easy to follow. You can serve it with many mains and a sweet finish like almond nut cake recipe if you want dessert.
Ingredients :
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Milk (as needed for mashing)
Directions :
- Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash, adding milk and butter to achieve a creamy consistency.
- In a separate pan, sauté the shredded cabbage in a little butter until softened.
- Combine the mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with grated cheddar cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
how to serve Authentic Rumbledethumps Recipe
Serve it hot from the oven. Use a wide spoon to scoop it onto plates. It goes well with meat, fish, or a simple green salad. Offer extra cheese or butter at the table if people want more.
how to store Authentic Rumbledethumps Recipe
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
tips to make Authentic Rumbledethumps Recipe
- Boil potatoes until very soft for a smooth mash.
- Do not overcook the cabbage; keep some bite.
- Use good cheddar for better flavor.
- If the mix is dry, add a little milk when mashing.
- For a crisp top, place under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked bacon or smoked kielbasa for a meat version.
- Stir in chopped spring onions for fresh taste.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a stronger flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain it well, then sauté to remove extra moisture.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian. Add meat only if you want a non-vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Prepare and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving. If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes in the oven.
Q: Can I use other potatoes?
A: Yes. Starchy potatoes give a creamier mash. Waxy potatoes will be firmer.
Conclusion
For a classic, detailed take on this recipe, see Traditional Rumbledethumps Recipe – Scottish Scran.

Rumbledethumps
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash, adding milk and butter to achieve a creamy consistency.
- In a separate pan, sauté the shredded cabbage in a little butter until softened.
- Combine the mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with grated cheddar cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve it hot from the oven using a wide spoon to scoop it onto plates.