The smell of freshly made boxty wafts through the air like a cozy hug from your grandma. These delightful Irish potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the insideālike a warm cloud of deliciousness. Imagine taking a bite; you can taste the earthy potatoes mingling with a hint of butterāa culinary embrace you won’t soon forget.

I still remember the first time I tried making them myself. The kitchen turned into a chaotic masterpiece as I juggled potatoes and flour while my friends cheered me on (or maybe they were just laughing at my flour-dusted face). But once we sank our teeth into those golden beauties, all was forgiven. Trust meāthese pancakes deserve a spot on your breakfast table or dinner plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is super simple to follow and comes together in no time.
- The flavors are comforting yet vibrant, making it perfect for any meal.
- It looks stunning when plated upāgolden and inviting!
- You can easily adapt it with various toppings or pairings to suit your taste buds.
Iāll never forget my friend’s delighted squeal when I surprised her with homemade boxty one Saturday morning; she said it was like tasting Ireland in every bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture and flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly; it helps bind everything together without being too heavy.
- Buttermilk: This adds a tangy depth of flavor; if you don’t have it, milk with vinegar is a great substitute.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help provide structure and richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; donāt skip this step for that extra oomph!
- Butter: For frying these beauties to golden perfection; unsalted is preferred so you can control the seasoning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather your ingredients and letās embark on this culinary adventure together!
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling about 4 medium-sized potatoes. Cut them into chunks and place them in a pot of cold water over high heat until theyāre fork-tender.
Mash Like a Pro: Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them until smoothāno lumps allowed! For an even creamier texture, consider using a ricer if you have one handy.
The Batter Magic: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with 1 cup of flour, 1 beaten egg, Ā½ cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing!
Shape Your Pancakes: Grab about Ā¼ cup of batter per pancake and form them into round patties about half an inch thick. Make sure theyāre not too thinānobody wants sad little pancakes.
Heat Things Up!: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter until bubbly but not browned. Carefully add your pancakes to the skillet without crowding them.
Crisp It Up!: Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatulaāyou want that perfect crunch without any splatters!
Now that you’ve made these delightful boxty (Irish potato pancakes), itās time to serve them hot with your favorite toppingsābe it sour cream or smoked salmonāand enjoy!
Incorporating these steps into your cooking routine will make whipping up boxty an enjoyable experience rather than a chore. These fluffy treats are sure to impress friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- Boxty, those delightful Irish potato pancakes, are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Their crispy texture and comforting flavor will make you feel like you’re in a cozy Irish pub.
- With a little practice, you’ll have them flipping like a pro in no time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grating the potatoes and squeezing out excess moisture before mixing with flour and water. This ensures that your boxty has the perfect texture and won’t turn mushy during cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with herbs like chives or add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Personalizing your boxty can turn a simple dish into a family favorite.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover boxty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again for maximum deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best results; they make your boxty fluffy inside while crisping up beautifully outside.
- Donāt skip the squeezing step; itās crucial to avoid soggy pancakes.
- Lastly, serve immediately for best taste; reheated boxty loses its charm.
Creating boxty takes me back to family gatherings where laughter echoed around the kitchen as we flipped pancakes together, trying not to burn them while stealing bites when no one was looking.
FAQ
What type of potatoes are best for making boxty?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the fluffiest texture.
Can I freeze leftover boxty?
Yes, you can freeze cooked boxty; just ensure they are well-wrapped.
How do I prevent my boxty from sticking to the pan?
Preheat your skillet and add enough oil to create a non-stick surface before frying.

Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)
- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Boxty, the delightful Irish potato pancakes, are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Perfect for any meal, this easy recipe will transport you to Ireland with every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 medium starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Ā½ cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks; boil in cold water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth; avoid lumps.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with flour, beaten egg, buttermilk, and salt. Mix gently.
- Form the batter into round patties about half an inch thick.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook each pancake for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like chives or garlic powder to the batter. Serve warm with toppings such as sour cream or smoked salmon.