Irish Boxty Recipe
Introduction
Irish Boxty is a traditional potato pancake that offers a comforting, crispy exterior with a soft, tender inside. This simple dish brings the flavors of Ireland to your table and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack.

Ingredients
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Squeeze the grated raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, then add to the potato mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter or oil.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the skillet, spreading slightly to form small pancakes.
- Step 6: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from the skillet and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Step 8: Serve warm with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped chives or green onions to the batter.
- Use low-fat buttermilk or milk as a lighter alternative, though traditional buttermilk gives the best texture.
- Try cooking boxty in bacon fat for a smoky taste.
- If you prefer thinner pancakes, spread the batter more before cooking.
Storage
Store leftover boxty in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Irish Boxty gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
What can I serve with boxty?
Boxty pairs well with sour cream, butter, smoked salmon, or sautéed vegetables. It also works great as a side for meats and stews.
PrintIrish Boxty Recipe
Irish Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that combines grated raw potatoes with mashed potatoes, flour, and buttermilk to create a crispy and tender pancake. Fried on a skillet until golden brown, these pancakes are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Instructions
- Prepare Raw Potatoes: Squeeze the grated raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the boxty will be crispy rather than soggy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the buttermilk and egg mixture to the potato mixture, stirring gently until just combined but not over-mixed to maintain tenderness.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter or add oil to coat the surface.
- Cook Boxty Pancakes: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the skillet, spreading slightly to form small, thick pancakes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy.
- Keep Warm: Remove cooked pancakes from the skillet and keep warm on a plate while cooking the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve the boxty warm with additional butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings such as chives or smoked salmon for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to avoid soggy pancakes.
- Use cold mashed potatoes for best results as it helps to bind the batter.
- Adjust the skillet heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cooks fully.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Boxty can also be baked or fried in different oils to change flavor and texture.
Keywords: Irish Boxty, potato pancakes, traditional Irish recipe, fried potato pancakes, breakfast, Irish cuisine

