Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that combines both grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes to create a deliciously crispy and tender dish. Often enjoyed as a breakfast or side dish, boxty is a versatile recipe that can be paired with a variety of toppings, from sour cream to smoked salmon.
While most of the ingredients for boxty are common kitchen staples, you might need to pick up buttermilk if you don't usually keep it on hand. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender texture in the pancakes. Additionally, ensure you have baking soda as it helps the pancakes rise slightly and become fluffy.

Ingredients for Irish Boxty Recipe
Grated raw potatoes: Provides the crispy texture and base for the boxty.
Mashed potatoes: Adds creaminess and helps bind the mixture together.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a binding agent and gives structure to the pancakes.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture.
Baking soda: Helps the pancakes rise slightly and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the boxty.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.
Butter: Used for frying, adds richness and helps achieve a golden brown crust.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing grated raw potatoes, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Excess water can make the boxty batter too runny, resulting in pancakes that are difficult to cook evenly. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out the potatoes thoroughly. This step ensures that your boxty will have a nice, crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
grated raw potatoes - Substitute with grated sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and a slightly sweeter taste, while still providing the necessary texture.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed cauliflower: Mashed cauliflower can mimic the creamy texture of mashed potatoes and is a lower-carb alternative.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide the tanginess and moisture that buttermilk offers. Thin it with a little water if necessary.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda to achieve a similar leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile and appearance.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for frying to provide a healthier fat option and a different flavor.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the boxty to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
- Place the cooled boxty in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, wrap each boxty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the boxty for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the boxty in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat with a bit of butter until warmed through and crispy.
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boxty on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the boxty in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Microwave Method: Place the boxty on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the boxty in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boxty on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Grater: Used to grate the raw potatoes into fine shreds.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
Spoon: Used to measure and mix ingredients.
Frying pan: Used to cook the boxty pancakes.
Spatula: Used to flip the boxty pancakes in the frying pan.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour and buttermilk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking soda, salt, and pepper.
Potato masher: Used to mash the potatoes if they are not already mashed.
Paper towels: Used to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
Stove: Used to heat the frying pan to the correct temperature for cooking the boxty pancakes.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Grate and mash the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save prep time.
Use a food processor: Quickly grate the raw potatoes using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Preheat the pan: Ensure the frying pan is hot before adding the butter and potato mixture to speed up cooking.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple boxty pancakes at once if your pan is large enough to save time.
Use instant mashed potatoes: Substitute instant mashed potatoes for homemade to cut down on preparation time.
Irish Boxty Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter for frying
Instructions
- 1. Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add butter.
- 4. Drop large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening them into pancakes.
- 5. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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