Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes (Easy & Traditional)
These traditional Irish potato pancakes, often known as Boxty, are a comforting and clever way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something truly special. Soft on the inside with lightly crisp edges, they deliver a rustic, home-style flavor that’s both satisfying and versatile. The recipe combines cooked mashed potatoes with freshly grated raw potatoes, giving the pancakes a unique texture that’s tender yet hearty.
Flavored simply with spring onions, herbs, and black pepper, these pancakes rely on humble ingredients like flour, buttermilk, and butter to create rich, balanced taste. They can be enjoyed on their own with sour cream and a sprinkle of sea salt, or served larger as wraps and smaller as a side dish, making them perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes (Easy & Traditional)
Course: Breakfast / Side DishCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes15
minutes250
kcalIngredients
1 cup mashed potatoes
1 cup raw potatoes, grated and squeezed dry
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice)
Spring onions or fresh herbs, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Butter, for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes
Start by boiling peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Mash about one cup of the cooked potatoes and set aside. At the same time, grate an equal amount of fresh raw potato and squeeze it firmly to remove excess moisture, ensuring the pancakes won’t turn watery. - Build the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, squeezed grated potatoes, chopped spring onions or herbs, flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Gradually pour in the buttermilk while whisking gently until the batter becomes smooth, soft, and evenly mixed. - Heat the Pan
Place a skillet over medium heat and melt a generous amount of butter. Let it warm until fully melted and lightly sizzling, which will give the pancakes their rich flavor and golden color. - Cook the Pancakes
Spoon the batter into the pan, shaping round pancakes. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom turns golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side. The batter is soft, so turn gently to keep the pancakes intact. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through and lightly crisp on both sides, remove the pancakes from the pan. Serve warm with sour cream, a pinch of sea salt, or your favorite savory toppings.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter before cooking.
