Boxty is a beloved traditional Irish dish often described as a cross between mashed potatoes and crispy potato pancakes. With a combination of both cooked and raw potatoes, boxty delivers the best of both worlds—soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside. Served with sour cream and green onions, these potato cakes make the perfect side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic Irish Comfort Food – Crispy, hearty, and satisfying.
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Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and fresh potatoes.
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Versatile – Works as a breakfast dish, snack, or dinner side.
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Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Boxty)
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3 Russet potatoes, divided
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 ½ – 2 cups buttermilk
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¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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½ cup sour cream (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Mashed Potatoes
Peel and cube 2 of the potatoes. Place them in a pot with just enough water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well, mash until smooth, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours until completely cooled.
2. Prepare the Raw Potato
Peel and grate the remaining raw potato. Place the grated potato in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step ensures your boxty turns out crispy instead of soggy.
3. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, grated potato, flour, remaining 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and baking soda. Pour in 1 ½ cups of buttermilk and stir until well combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable. If it feels too dry, add more buttermilk, one splash at a time.
4. Heat the Pan
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry the Boxty
Using a large spoon, drop portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten each into a pancake about ½ inch thick. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the centers cook through.
6. Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked boxty to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Tips & Variations
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Add Cheese – Mix in shredded Irish cheddar for extra richness.
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Boost with Herbs – Fresh parsley, chives, or dill add brightness and color.
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Make it a Meal – Top with smoked salmon, poached eggs, or pulled pork for a hearty dish.
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Crispier Texture – Use a cast iron skillet for the perfect golden crust.
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Gluten-Free Option – Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
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Low-Oil Method – Cook on a lightly greased nonstick griddle instead of frying.
Final Thoughts
Boxty is a true taste of Irish tradition—simple, hearty, and endlessly versatile. Whether served as a side dish for dinner, as part of a hearty breakfast, or topped with savory additions to make a full meal, these potato pancakes are comfort food at its finest.