Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pan Boxty is not only quick and easy to make, but it also carries with it the rich history of Irish culinary traditions. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day. These potato pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and offer a comforting taste of Ireland’s rustic cuisine. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—serve them with your favorite toppings or make them a part of a hearty breakfast or dinner.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup raw grated potatoes (peeled)
1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, unsalted)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk (adjust as needed for consistency)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil (for frying)
directions
-
Prepare the potatoes:
Peel and grate the raw potatoes. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the grated raw potatoes with the mashed potatoes. -
Mix the batter:
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the potato mixture.
Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing until you have a thick but spreadable batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the pancakes tough. -
Cook the boxty:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or oil to coat the pan.
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. -
Serve warm:
Transfer the cooked boxty pancakes to a plate and serve immediately while crisp and hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Breakfast-style Boxty: Serve with fried eggs and sausage for a full Irish-style breakfast.
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Smoked Salmon Twist: Top with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill for an elegant appetizer.
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Vegetarian Option: Serve with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a dollop of sour cream for a lighter, meatless version.
-
Cheese-Infused Boxty: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for an extra savory twist.
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the batter for an aromatic boost.
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Sweet Variation: For a dessert, serve with honey, cinnamon sugar, or fresh berries.
storage/reheating
Boxty is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re warm and crispy again. They can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
What are the differences between boxty and regular potato pancakes?
Boxty combines both grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture compared to traditional potato pancakes, which typically use only grated potatoes.
Can I use a different type of potato for boxty?
While russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, you can use other potatoes. Just note that waxy potatoes like red potatoes may not give the same texture.
Can I make boxty without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a small amount of vinegar (about ½ tablespoon vinegar to ½ cup milk), or use a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Can I freeze boxty?
Yes, you can freeze cooked boxty. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a skillet or oven when ready to serve.
How do I keep boxty from being too soggy?
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated raw potatoes. This helps prevent the batter from being too watery.
Can I make the boxty batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Make sure to give it a good stir before cooking.
What can I serve with boxty?
Boxty pairs well with sour cream, butter, smoked salmon, fresh herbs, or sautéed vegetables, depending on the meal you’re preparing.
How do I know when the boxty is cooked through?
Boxty should be golden brown on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior. You can cut one in half to check the inside; it should not be doughy.
Can I make boxty in a different pan?
Yes, a nonstick skillet, griddle, or even a cast iron pan works well for cooking boxty. Just make sure it’s heated evenly for the best results.
How many boxty pancakes should I serve per person?
Usually, 2–3 boxty pancakes per person is a good serving size, depending on appetite.
Conclusion
Pan Boxty is a timeless Irish classic that brings a warm, comforting touch to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, its soft, pillowy texture and crispy edges are sure to satisfy. Simple to prepare yet full of rustic charm, this dish embodies the heart of Irish cuisine and offers endless possibilities for customization. Serve it with your favorite toppings, or enjoy it on its own, and savor the delicious flavors of this beloved potato pancake tradition.
Pan Boxty – A Classic Irish Potato Pancake Tradition
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pan Boxty is a classic Irish dish that brings together the heartiness of grated raw potato with the creaminess of mashed potatoes to create crispy, tender potato pancakes. Known for its rustic simplicity, this dish embodies the comfort of traditional Irish cuisine. With its golden brown edges and soft interior, Pan Boxty makes a perfect breakfast side, light lunch, or even a base for savory toppings at dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup raw grated potatoes (peeled)
1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, unsalted)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk (adjust as needed for consistency)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Peel and grate the raw potatoes. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the grated raw potatoes with the mashed potatoes.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the potato mixture. Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing until you have a thick but spreadable batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the pancakes tough.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or oil to coat the pan. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked boxty pancakes to a plate and serve immediately while crisp and hot.
Notes
For a different flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the batter.
If you prefer a lighter version, skip the mashed potatoes and use only grated raw potatoes.
For a sweet twist, serve with honey, cinnamon sugar, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
