Boxty is a classic Irish potato pancake made with a combination of mashed and grated potatoes, giving it a unique texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This dish has been a staple in Irish households for centuries and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Irish flavor – A true taste of Irish heritage, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a hearty potato dish.
- Crispy and fluffy – The mix of mashed and grated potatoes creates the perfect balance of texture.
- Easy to make – Requires simple pantry staples and can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile – Enjoy it plain, with butter, or topped with sour cream and chives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (grated and mashed)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the potatoes – Peel and grate half of the potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Boil the remaining potatoes until soft, then mash them.
- Mix the batter – In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until a thick batter forms.
- Cook the boxty – Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten slightly.
- Fry until golden – Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot – Enjoy with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Boxty – Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a richer flavor.
- Herbed Boxty – Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary.
- Garlic Boxty – Stir in minced garlic or garlic powder for an extra kick.
- Sweet Boxty – Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.
- Stuffed Boxty – Fill with smoked salmon for a hearty meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Layer with parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture or microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
How is boxty different from regular potato pancakes?
Boxty combines both grated and mashed potatoes, giving it a fluffier interior compared to traditional potato pancakes.
Can I make boxty without flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch, though the texture may slightly change.
What should I serve with boxty?
It pairs well with sour cream, smoked salmon, eggs, bacon, or even as a side to a hearty Irish stew.
Can I make boxty in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead or cook the pancakes and reheat them before serving.
Why is my boxty too dry?
This could be due to over-squeezing the grated potatoes or not using enough milk in the batter. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Can I bake boxty instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is boxty traditionally eaten for breakfast?
Yes, it's commonly enjoyed at breakfast but can also be a side dish for lunch or dinner.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Freshly mashed potatoes are best, but if using instant, make sure they are thick and not too runny.
What type of potatoes work best for boxty?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best for the perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness.
Conclusion
Irish boxty is a delicious and versatile dish that brings a taste of Ireland to your kitchen. Whether served as a breakfast treat or a side dish, these crispy potato pancakes are sure to be a hit. Try out different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a comforting, traditional meal!
Traditional Irish Boxty
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Authentic Irish boxty is a traditional potato pancake that combines grated and mashed potatoes for a perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness. This classic Irish dish is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, St. Patrick’s Day, or as a hearty side. Try this simple and delicious boxty recipe today!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated potatoes (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the potatoes: Grate half of the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel. Boil the other half until soft, then mash.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add milk until a thick batter forms.
- Cook the boxty: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly.
- Fry until crispy: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm: Enjoy with butter, sour cream, or toppings of choice.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
- Adjust the milk to reach a thick yet pourable consistency.
- For extra flavor, add cheese, herbs, or garlic to the batter.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Irish
