There’s something truly heartwarming about traditional Scottish recipes — those humble, comforting dishes that make you feel at home with every bite. Rumbledethumps, a classic from the Scottish Borders, is one of those gems. It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients: mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions, all baked together with a generous layer of melted cheese on top. The result is creamy, buttery, and absolutely satisfying.
I remember the first time I tried this dish; I decided to use a mix of white cabbage and kale for extra texture, and it worked beautifully. The buttery potatoes meld perfectly with the sweet, caramelized onions, while the cheese adds a golden, indulgent crust. Whether served as a side with roast meats or enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main, Rumbledethumps brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rumbledethumps is everything you want from a comforting homemade meal — simple, affordable, and deeply flavorful. It’s a brilliant way to make use of leftover mashed potatoes or cabbage, and it’s naturally vegetarian. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted chicken to sausages or even a fried egg on top. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it tastes, especially on a chilly evening.
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Scottish Rumbledethumps: A Traditional Comfort Dish Worth Rediscovering
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Scottish Rumbledethumps is a traditional, hearty dish from the Scottish Borders made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions, all baked together with butter and cheese until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food — simple, rustic, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 small green cabbage (about 2 cups), finely shredded
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash with 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
- While the potatoes cook, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook for another 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Combine the mashed potatoes, cooked onions, and cabbage in a large bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and smooth the top. Dot with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese, if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Traditionally served alongside sausages, roast meats, or haggis.
- Use savoy or white cabbage for the best texture.
- Omit the cheese for a more authentic, old-fashioned version.
- Leftovers can be pan-fried the next day for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes – The heart of this dish. Choose a starchy variety such as Maris Piper or Yukon Gold for a fluffy mash. Their smooth texture helps bind the other ingredients perfectly.
Cabbage – Adds an earthy sweetness and light crunch. Savoy or white cabbage work well, but feel free to use kale for a slightly peppery note.
Onions – Provide depth and a hint of sweetness when sautéed. I sometimes use spring onions for a milder flavor.
Butter – Essential for achieving that creamy, rich taste that makes this dish so comforting. A good knob of butter helps coat the cabbage and onions beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese – A sharp, mature cheddar gives the top layer that irresistible golden crust. You can experiment with other melting cheeses, but cheddar offers the best balance of flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the vegetables. Adjust according to taste.
Directions
Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are soft enough to mash easily. Drain and mash them with a generous amount of butter, along with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large pan, melt a bit more butter and add the onions. Cook until they soften and turn golden, releasing their sweetness. Add the cabbage, cooking until it wilts but still retains a bit of crunch. Stir the mixture into the mashed potatoes, combining everything thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a thick layer of cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish or 2 as a main course. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and cooking requires 30 minutes, making the total time about 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftover Rumbledethumps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or heat individual portions in the microwave. The dish reheats well and can even be frozen for up to one month.
Variations and Customizations
Add Bacon or Ham – Stir in crispy bacon bits or chopped ham for extra flavor and protein.
Use Different Greens – Swap cabbage for kale, Swiss chard, or even spinach to add a twist of your own.
Cheese Variations – Try mixing in mozzarella, Gruyère, or Red Leicester for different cheesy textures.
Vegan Option – Replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and use a plant-based cheese. I once tried this with almond milk mash and vegan cheddar — it turned out surprisingly creamy.
Make It Spicy – Add a touch of mustard powder or chili flakes for a little heat.
Top It with Breadcrumbs – Combine breadcrumbs with grated cheese for an extra-crispy topping.
Herb Infusion – Mix in parsley, thyme, or chives to add a refreshing herbal note.
Add Caramelized Onions – Take your onions further and caramelize them fully for an even sweeter, deeper flavor.
Turn It into a Main – Add cooked lentils or beans for a more filling vegetarian meal.
Rustic Mash – Leave some potato chunks for a more rustic, farmhouse texture.
FAQs
What is Rumbledethumps?
It’s a traditional Scottish dish made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions, often baked with cheese.
Is Rumbledethumps similar to colcannon or bubble and squeak?
Yes, they’re similar. Colcannon is Irish, and bubble and squeak is English — all use potatoes and greens but differ slightly in preparation and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
What cheese works best?
Mature cheddar is the classic choice, but any strong melting cheese will work.
Can I freeze Rumbledethumps?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
What meats pair well with it?
It’s delicious with roast beef, sausages, or even grilled chicken.
Can I add garlic?
Absolutely. A little garlic sautéed with the onions adds great flavor.
How do I keep it from being too watery?
Drain the boiled cabbage well before mixing, and avoid overcooking the potatoes.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the traditional version is vegetarian, provided the cheese and butter are suitable.
Conclusion
Scottish Rumbledethumps is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of simple, comforting ingredients turned into something special. Creamy potatoes, buttery cabbage, and that golden cheese topping come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re reviving a piece of Scottish tradition or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your table. It’s humble, hearty, and incredibly satisfying — a dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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