Boxty with Bacon
A delicious twist on the classic Irish potato pancake, loaded with crispy bacon and fresh scallions. These savory boxty are fried in bacon fat until golden and crisp, perfect for a hearty St. Patrick's Day breakfast or a comforting brunch any day of the year.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.Peel all the potatoes. Cut half of them (about 0.75 lb) into uniform 1-inch chunks. Place them in a medium pot and cover with cold, salted water by at least an inch.
- c.Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain them thoroughly and return to the hot pot for a minute to steam dry.
- d.While the potatoes are boiling, grate the remaining raw potatoes using the large holes of a box grater.
- e.Transfer the grated potatoes to the center of a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Gather the ends and twist tightly over a bowl to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy boxty.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Bacon and Prepare Batter
- b.While potatoes cook, place the bacon slices in a single layer in a large, cold skillet (cast iron is ideal). Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until brown and crispy.
- c.Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving all the rendered fat in the skillet. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- d.In a large bowl, mash the cooked, drained potatoes until smooth with no lumps. A potato ricer or masher works best.
- e.To the mashed potatoes, add the squeezed raw potatoes, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, beaten egg, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy.
- f.Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and three-quarters of the sliced scallions, reserving the rest for garnish.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Boxty
- b.Reheat the skillet with the reserved bacon fat over medium to medium-high heat until it shimmers. You should have about 3-4 tablespoons of fat; if not, add a little butter or neutral oil.
- c.Using a 1/4-cup measure, drop scoops of the batter into the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Use the back of the measuring cup to gently flatten each scoop into a 3-4 inch pancake.
- d.Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the edges are crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- e.Transfer the cooked boxty to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Do not stack them, as this will make them steam and lose their crispness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter, adding more fat to the skillet between batches if it looks dry.
- c.Serve the boxty immediately while hot and crispy. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of the reserved sliced scallions.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest boxty, ensure you squeeze every last drop of water from the grated raw potatoes.
- 2A cast-iron skillet provides the best heat retention and distribution for an even, golden-brown crust.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures each pancake has enough space to crisp up properly.
- 4Keep finished boxty warm in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack while you cook the remaining batches.
- 5If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- 6The batter is best used immediately, as the raw potato will start to oxidize and darken over time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon. Fry the boxty in 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil.
CheesyCheesy
Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner cheese into the batter along with the scallions.
HerbyHerby
Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or chives to the batter for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the batter for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the potatoes provide a steady release of energy, making this a very satisfying and filling meal to start your day.
Good Source of Potassium
Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, nerve signals, and fluid balance.
Contains Protein for Satiety
The bacon and egg contribute protein to the dish, which helps promote feelings of fullness and is important for muscle maintenance and repair.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two boxty pancakes with sour cream, contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the thickness of the bacon and the amount of fat absorbed during frying.