Boxty Benedict
A delicious Irish-American twist on a brunch classic! Savory potato boxty pancakes replace the English muffin, topped with perfectly poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and a creamy, homemade hollandaise sauce. The ultimate comfort food breakfast.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes for Boxty
- b.Peel the potatoes. Cut one potato in half and boil it until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, mash well, and set aside to cool completely.
- c.Finely grate the second, raw potato onto a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth.
- d.Gather the towel around the grated potato and wring it out over a bowl, squeezing as hard as you can to remove all excess liquid. This step is critical for crispy boxty.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Boxty Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato and the squeezed grated potato.
- c.Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes.
- d.Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a fork until a thick, shaggy batter forms. Do not overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Boxty
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- c.Drop heaping spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of batter into the skillet, flattening them slightly into 3-4 inch pancakes. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown, crisp on the outside, and cooked through. Add more butter for each new batch.
- e.Transfer cooked boxty to a wire rack on a baking sheet and keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce
- b.In a small, heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together for a minute until they are pale and slightly frothy.
- c.Create a double boiler by setting the bowl over a saucepan filled with an inch of gently simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- d.Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the melted butter in a very thin, steady stream. Continue whisking until the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- e.Remove from the heat immediately. Whisk in the cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt. Cover and keep in a warm spot.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Poach Eggs and Warm Bacon
- b.While making the sauce, bring a separate pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add the white vinegar, which helps the egg whites set.
- c.Crack each egg into an individual small cup or ramekin.
- d.Create a gentle whirlpool in the simmering water with a spoon and carefully slide the eggs in, one or two at a time. Poach for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or longer for a firmer yolk.
- e.Remove the poached eggs with a slotted spoon and briefly drain on a paper towel.
- f.In a separate skillet, warm the Canadian bacon slices over medium heat for about 1 minute per side until heated through.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Arrange two warm boxty pancakes on each serving plate.
- c.Place two slices of warm Canadian bacon on top of the boxty.
- d.Carefully set a poached egg on top of each stack.
- e.Generously spoon the warm hollandaise sauce over the eggs.
- f.Garnish with freshly chopped chives and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use starchy potatoes like Russets or King Edwards for the best boxty texture.
- 2Squeezing the grated raw potato very well is the most important step for crispy, not soggy, boxty.
- 3For perfect poached eggs, use the freshest eggs you can find, as their whites hold together better.
- 4When making hollandaise, constant whisking over gentle, indirect heat is key to prevent the egg yolks from scrambling.
- 5If your hollandaise sauce 'breaks' or separates, remove it from the heat and whisk in a teaspoon of hot water until it becomes smooth again.
- 6You can make the boxty ahead of time. Reheat them in a toaster or a hot oven for a few minutes until warm and crisp.
- 7Assemble the dish just before serving to ensure everything is warm and the boxty remains crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, sliced avocado, or grilled tomato slices.
With Smoked SalmonWith Smoked Salmon
Substitute the Canadian bacon with high-quality smoked salmon (lox) for a classic and elegant twist.
SpicySpicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the boxty batter or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the hollandaise for a kick.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Mix finely chopped parsley, dill, or more chives directly into the boxty batter for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
With multiple eggs and Canadian bacon per serving, this dish provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Sustained Energy Release
The potatoes in the boxty are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to keep you fueled throughout your morning.
Rich in Choline
Egg yolks are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a vital nutrient that plays a key role in brain health, memory, and nervous system function.
Frequently asked questions
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake. Its unique texture comes from a mixture of both mashed and grated raw potatoes, which makes it soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.