Boxty Pancakes
A delightful Irish classic, these pancakes are made with a unique blend of mashed and raw grated potatoes, giving them a texture that's both creamy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side dish.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.Peel all the potatoes. Cut half of them (about 1/2 lb) into 1-inch chunks.
- c.Place the potato chunks in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Add 1 tsp of salt for boiling.
- d.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grate and Squeeze Raw Potatoes
- b.While the potatoes are boiling, finely grate the remaining raw potatoes using a box grater.
- c.Place the grated potato into the center of a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth.
- d.Gather the ends and twist tightly over a bowl or the sink to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for a crispy texture. The squeezed potato should feel quite dry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mash and Combine Potatoes
- b.Once the potato chunks are tender, drain them thoroughly. Return them to the hot, empty pot for a minute to steam dry.
- c.Mash the potatoes until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- d.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with the squeezed raw grated potatoes. Mix them together with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Batter
- b.Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper to the potato mixture. Stir until just combined.
- c.Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring, until you achieve a thick, spoonable batter, similar in consistency to thick oatmeal. Do not overmix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Boxty
- b.Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the butter is foaming, drop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each into a 3-4 inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick.
- d.Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the edges are crisp. The inside should be soft and fully cooked.
- e.Work in batches, adding more butter to the pan as needed between batches to prevent sticking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked boxty to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
- c.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped chives, applesauce, or a full Irish breakfast.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest boxty, ensure you squeeze every last drop of water from the grated raw potatoes.
- 2Using room temperature buttermilk helps the batter come together more easily and cook more evenly.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures each pancake has enough space to get crispy edges.
- 4If your batter seems too thick, add a splash more buttermilk. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can fry the boxty in bacon fat instead of butter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbed Boxty
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
Cheesy BoxtyCheesy Boxty
Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner cheese into the batter before frying.
Spicy BoxtySpicy Boxty
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the batter for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Sustained Energy Release
The complex carbohydrates from potatoes provide a steady source of energy, making this a filling and satisfying meal to start your day.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
This recipe uses buttermilk, a fermented dairy product that contains beneficial probiotics which can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two Boxty Pancakes contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on the amount of butter used for frying.
