Boxty

Boxty is Ireland’s answer to the potato pancake: crisp and golden outside, fluffy within, made from a clever mix of mashed and raw grated potatoes.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 20 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 British / Irish KitchenCategory
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Boxty is Ireland’s answer to the potato pancake: crisp and golden outside, fluffy within, made from a clever mix of mashed and raw grated potatoes. Its name comes from the Irish for ‘poor house bread,’ but there’s nothing humble about its buttery, comforting appeal.

Boxty is often served with a fry-up or alongside a roast, and it’s a traditional treat on St. Patrick’s Day in some families. It’s wonderful with a fried egg on top or a dollop of sour cream.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Peel and quarter half the potatoes; boil in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain and mash well. Let cool slightly.
  2. Peel and finely grate the remaining raw potatoes; squeeze out the excess liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk, egg, mashed potato, grated potato, and chives to form a thick batter.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little butter or bacon fat. Drop in spoonfuls of batter, flattening them into 3-inch pancakes.
  5. Cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side, adding more fat as needed. Keep warm while cooking the rest.
  6. Serve hot with butter, sour cream, or a fried egg.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Squeeze the grated potato very dry or the boxty will be soggy inside. A cast-iron skillet gives the crispiest edges.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Servings4
CategoryBritish / Irish Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →