Irish Boxty
A traditional Irish favorite, these potato pancakes are made with a unique mix of mashed and grated potatoes, giving them a wonderfully soft yet textured bite. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.Peel all the potatoes. Select half (about 0.5 lb) for boiling. Cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks.
- c.Place the chunks in a medium pot, cover with cold water, add 0.5 tsp of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- d.While the potatoes boil, grate the remaining raw potatoes on the large holes of a box grater into a separate bowl.
- e.Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly over a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is critical for crispy boxty. Let the squeezed liquid sit for a few minutes; pour off the water and reserve the white potato starch at the bottom of the bowl.
- f.Once the boiled potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for a minute to steam dry. Mash them until completely smooth, then let them cool slightly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Boxty Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes, the squeezed grated potatoes, and the reserved potato starch.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, 0.75 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- d.Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
- e.Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring, until you achieve a thick, lumpy batter similar to thick pancake batter. Do not overmix.
- f.Fold in 3 tbsp of chopped green onions.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Boxty
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. The pan is ready when the butter is melted and foaming.
- c.Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per boxty into the hot skillet. Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each into a 3-4 inch round pancake. Cook in batches of 3-4, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 4-6 minutes on the first side, until the edges are crispy and the bottom is a deep golden brown.
- e.Flip carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through.
- f.Transfer the cooked boxty to a wire rack to keep them crispy. Add the remaining butter and oil to the skillet for the next batch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the boxty immediately while hot and crisp.
- c.Garnish with extra chopped green onions. They are traditionally served with butter, but are also delicious with sour cream, applesauce, or alongside a full Irish breakfast.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most crucial step is squeezing all excess moisture from the grated potatoes. A potato ricer can also be used for this.
- 2Use starchy potatoes like Russets, Idaho, or Maris Piper for the best fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture.
- 3Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can develop gluten and make the boxty tough.
- 4To keep cooked boxty warm while you finish the batches, place them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C).
- 5For the crispiest results, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
- 6Work quickly once the potatoes are grated to prevent them from oxidizing and turning grey.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Boxty
Fold 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner cheese into the batter along with the green onions.
Herbed BoxtyHerbed Boxty
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
Bacon BoxtyBacon Boxty
Crumble 4 strips of crispy cooked bacon and fold it into the batter before frying.
Boxty LoafBoxty Loaf
Instead of frying, spread the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Slice and fry the pieces in butter to serve.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
The combination of potatoes and flour provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel, offering sustained energy.
Contains Vitamin C
Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production, and improves iron absorption.
Frequently asked questions
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake. Its unique texture comes from using a combination of raw grated potatoes and cooked mashed potatoes mixed with flour and buttermilk.