Mouthwatering Scottish Rumbledethumps

Section: Satisfying Entrées for Every Table

Rumbledethumps is a heartwarming Scottish side made from smooth mashed potatoes, softened cabbage, and cooked onions. Everything gets seasoned, covered with sharp cheddar, and baked until bubbly and golden-brown. It's great alongside robust dinners, turning basic ingredients into a cozy treat. Feel free to skip the onions or add your favorite spices to make it your own while enjoying this treasured bit of Scottish cooking.

Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Most recently updated on Sat, 20 Sep 2025 22:01:35 GMT
A serving of cheesy potato bake. Save
A serving of cheesy potato bake. | cookbing.com

This classic Scottish side turns basic ingredients into a rich, heavenly dish that goes with just about anything you're serving. Rumbledethumps mixes fluffy potato mash with soft cabbage, crowned with a beautiful brown cheese top – it's a wonderful way to celebrate simple foods that taste amazing together.

I stumbled upon rumbledethumps while looking into my family's Scottish roots and now it's what I always make with Sunday meat. My kids crack up every time I tell them it's on the menu for dinner.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A white bowl with a piece of food in it.
A white bowl with a piece of food in it. | cookbing.com

My gran always said you need the strongest cheddar you can find because the difference between mild potatoes and zingy cheese is what makes rumbledethumps so good. After cooking this countless times, I totally get what she meant. Whenever I bring this to parties, folks first ask what it's called, then laugh, and soon come back looking for more.

Make It Your Own

A slice of cheesy casserole.
A slice of cheesy casserole. | cookbing.com

Storing and Reheating

Historical Background

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What is Rumbledethumps made of?

Rumbledethumps brings together fluffy mashed potatoes, gently cooked cabbage, and softened onions, all topped with cheese and baked until crispy on top.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

You bet! Try swapping cheddar for something like gruyere or mozzarella if you want to play with different flavors.

→ Is Rumbledethumps gluten-free?

It sure is naturally gluten-free, with just potatoes, cabbage, and cheese as main ingredients. Just watch out for kitchen mix-ups if you need to be totally gluten-free.

→ What main course pairs well with Rumbledethumps?

It goes great with any roasted meat, a nice piece of fish, or veggie options like a mushroom dish or something made with lentils.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Put it all together early and stick it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven right before you want to eat for the freshest taste.

Classic Rumbledethumps Dish

Velvety potato mash, shredded cabbage, and melty cheddar combined in a beloved Scottish staple.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Type of Recipe: Main Courses

Cooking Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Scottish

Servings Yielded: 6 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free Option

Ingredients List

→ Main Ingredients

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

Detailed Cooking Steps

Step 01

Strip and dice the spuds. Boil them for 15-20 mins till tender.

Step 02

Cut the onions if you're using them, and cook them in a pan till soft. Put them aside.

Step 03

Coarsely cut the cabbage and cook it with 50g of butter in a pan till it's wilted and soft.

Step 04

Squash the cooked spuds with the leftover butter and add salt and pepper how you like.

Step 05

Warm the oven to 180°C.

Step 06

Stir the soft cabbage and cooked onions into your mashed spuds.

Step 07

Dump the spud and cabbage mix into a dish that can go in the oven.

Step 08

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese on top and heat for 15-20 mins, or till the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 09

Dish up hot alongside your main course.

Helpful Hints

  1. Make sure the cheese covers everything evenly for a nice golden top.
  2. Folks usually eat this on the side but you can make it a main meal with some salad or meat too.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Peeler
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Frying pan
  • Ovenproof dish
  • Oven
  • Masher

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and ask a doctor if unsure.
  • Has dairy stuff (butter and cheese).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

These nutritional values serve as a guide and don’t replace advice from healthcare experts.
  • Calorie Count: 327
  • Fat Content: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 39 grams
  • Protein Amount: 9 grams