Irish Potato Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that combines both grated raw and mashed potatoes to create a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. Often enjoyed as part of a full Irish breakfast or as a side dish, these golden-brown pancakes are easy to make and full of rich, comforting flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – The mix of grated and mashed potatoes gives the perfect texture.
- Simple and budget-friendly – Made with pantry staples, this dish is easy to prepare.
- Traditional Irish comfort food – A beloved recipe with deep cultural roots.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a side dish, breakfast item, or even a light meal.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups raw potatoes, grated
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, for frying
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the milk, beaten egg, and green onions (if using) until a thick batter forms.
Cook the Boxty
- Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the skillet, flattening slightly with a spatula.
Fry Until Golden
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter if needed.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with sour cream, chives, or as a side to a hearty Irish breakfast.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 pancakes
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Boxty: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar to the batter for extra flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for an herby twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Sweet Version: Swap salt and pepper for 1 tbsp sugar and serve with honey or jam.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based milk and an egg substitute, and fry in vegetable oil only.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked boxty between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
What is Boxty?
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made from a mix of raw grated and mashed potatoes. It has a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy inside.
Can I make Boxty without mashed potatoes?
Yes, but the mashed potatoes help create a softer, more traditional texture. If omitting, adjust the liquid to ensure the batter isn’t too dry.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best because they provide the ideal balance of fluffiness and crispness.
Can I make Boxty ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
What do I serve with Boxty?
Boxty pairs well with sour cream, smoked salmon, crispy bacon, eggs, or even a hearty Irish stew.
Can I bake Boxty instead of frying?
Frying gives Boxty its signature crispy texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is Boxty gluten-free?
This recipe contains flour, but you can substitute it with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
How do I prevent my Boxty from being too wet?
Squeeze out as much excess moisture from the grated potatoes as possible before mixing them into the batter.
Can I make mini Boxty pancakes?
Yes! Just use 1-2 tablespoons of batter per pancake for bite-sized Boxty, perfect for appetizers.
What’s the origin of Boxty?
Boxty originates from Ireland, particularly in the Midlands and Northern regions, where potatoes were a staple ingredient in traditional cooking.
Conclusion
Irish Potato Boxty is a delicious, crispy, and comforting dish that embodies the heart of traditional Irish cuisine. With its perfect balance of crunchy edges and soft centers, this versatile potato pancake can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you serve it alongside a hearty Irish breakfast or with a dollop of sour cream, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite. Try making it for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a warm, home-cooked treat!
O
PrintIrish Potato Boxty
A traditional Irish potato pancake, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made with both grated and mashed potatoes for the perfect texture. Serve it as a delicious side or a hearty breakfast treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish, Irish Cuisine
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Irish, Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw potatoes, grated
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, for frying
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
-
Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in milk, beaten egg, and green onions (if using) until a thick batter forms.
-
Cook the Boxty:
- Heat butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the skillet, flattening slightly with a spatula.
-
Fry Until Golden:
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter if needed.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with sour cream, chives, or as a side to a hearty Irish breakfast.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes before mixing.
- Serving Ideas: Delicious with smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or even poached eggs.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Keep cooked boxty warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) until ready to serve.