Irish Boxty – The Ultimate Potato Pancake

Irish Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that blends mashed and raw grated potatoes for a tender inside and crisp golden crust. All you need are simple ingredients, such as flour, egg, milk, salt, and of course, plenty of potatoes.

I usually serve it hot for breakfast or brunch with butter melting on top. You can also serve it as a comforting side dish.

How to enjoy Irish Boxty

• Crispy bacon and poached eggs
• Grilled sausages or Irish stew
• Smoked salmon and sour cream
• A handful of chopped chives
• Apple sauce or honey
• A pint of stout, a cup of strong tea, or fresh orange juice at breakfast

This is my easy recipe for Irish Boxty.

Irish Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made with both grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes. This combination creates a crispy outside with a soft, fluffy interior.

• servings: 4 servings
• prep time: 15 minutes
• cook time: 20 minutes
• total time: 35 minutes
• calories: 210 per serving
• cuisine: Irish
• course: Breakfast, Side Dish

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw potatoes, peeled and finely grated
• 1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, unsalted if possible)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Grate the raw potatoes using the fine side of a grater. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step helps the boxty become crispy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and mashed potatoes. Mix well so the textures start to blend.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the potato mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
4. Pour in the milk and mix until a thick batter forms. The batter should be scoopable but not runny.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt about 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
6. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
7. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Add more butter as needed and repeat with the remaining batter.
9. Serve warm for the best texture.

Nutrition

Per serving (approximate):

• calories: 210
• carbohydrates: 36 g
• protein: 6 g
• fat: 5 g
• saturated fat: 2 g
• sodium: 420 mg

Notes

• Squeezing moisture from the grated potatoes is important to achieve crispy boxty.
• If the batter feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
• If the batter is too thin, add a small amount of flour.
• Cook on medium heat so the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
• Boxty tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet to bring back crispiness.