Traditional Irish Boxty – The Humble Potato Pancake with Rich Heritage!
Boxty is more than just a potato pancake—it’s a piece of Irish soul food passed through generations. Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and filled with the earthy goodness of potatoes, this simple dish was born in the rural kitchens of Ireland and still brings warmth to any table today.
I remember learning this recipe from an old family friend from County Mayo. She said every home had their own little twist, but the heart of boxty never changes—grated raw potato mixed with mashed potato, flour, and a bit of love. It’s a satisfying, thrifty comfort that works with breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw grated potato
- 1 cup cold mashed potato
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Place the grated raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated and mashed potatoes.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Slowly stir in milk until you get a thick, pourable batter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly.
- Cook 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm with butter, sour cream, or alongside eggs and bacon.
Nutrition Facts (Per Boxty – Approximate)
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Traditional Irish Boxty | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Raw grated potato, mashed potato, flour, baking powder, salt, milk |
| Instructions | Mix ingredients, cook like pancakes until golden on both sides |
FAQs
Q: Can I make boxty ahead of time?
Yes! You can store cooked boxty in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
Q: What do you serve boxty with?
Traditional Irish breakfasts, stews, sausages, or just a slab of butter—it’s versatile!
Q: Can I add herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Chopped chives or shredded cheddar add a modern twist.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a close version.
