Traditional Irish Boxty (Potato Pancakes)
Learn to make Traditional Irish Boxty, a classic potato pancake recipe to feature on your St. Patrick’s Day menu. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions!
It’s almost time for the “wearin’ o’ the green.” The one day every year that people of Irish heritage set aside to honor Ireland’s foremost patron saint, St. Patrick.
March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Lá Fhéile Pádraig in Irish), is a cultural and religious celebration of the traditional date of death of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461). The day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.
Celebrations include parades and festivals, céilithe (traditional Irish music), and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. But have you ever wondered why shamrocks are associated with the Irish? Well, it’s because St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (three in one) to the ancient Irish.
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🍀 Visiting St. Patrick’s Rock
When we visited Ireland several years ago, one of the most fascinating places we saw was St. Patrick’s Rock, also known as the Rock of Cashel. It’s a huge complex in the heart of Tipperary.
The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig in Irish) is also known as Cashel of the Kings. It’s reputed to be the site of the conversion of Aenghus (Angus), the King of Munster, by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. Long before the Norman invasion, the Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster.
Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries. When we visited, we had a wonderful tour guide who explained all the different architectural influences that appear in the buildings at Cashel.
But, getting back to modern St. Patrick’s Day observances, the one dish that seems to be synonymous with Paddy’s Day and all things Irish in the U.S., corned beef and cabbage, is very rarely eaten in Ireland.
In Irish Country Cooking, chef Malachi McCormick says he likes corned beef, “But our national dish? No, it’s a New World dish!” It’s just not eaten there, and it’s certainly not washed down with cups full of green beer.
I’m sorry, but dancing leprechauns and dyed green food as a celebration of Irish culture just really sets me off. So, that’s why every year for St. Patrick’s, I make it a point to cook something traditionally and authentically Irish. And this year’s recipe is Boxty!
What is Boxty?
Boxty (bacstaí in Irish) are traditional Irish potato pancakes that are something of a cross between a pancake and a hash brown. They’re mostly associated with the north midlands and, in some areas, they’re known as poundy or potato bread. ‘Boxty’ comes from the Irish aran bocht tí (‘poorhouse bread’), so-called because potatoes and buttermilk were very nearly the only things poor Irish people had to eat in the workhouses of the 1800s.
If you’d like to make an authentic Irish recipe for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day, these Irish potato cakes are just about as traditional as you can get!
Why You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s an authentic recipe from Irish heritage that’s both comforting and delicious.
- It’s versatile – Boxty pancakes can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and may be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- It uses simple ingredients that are basic pantry staples.
- Everyone loves pancakes, and this savory boxty recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredient Notes
- Grated and Mashed Potatoes: You’ll use both grated raw potatoes and leftover mashed potatoes for a unique texture and taste. Choose floury potatoes such as russets for the best texture. If you don’t happen to have any leftover mashed potatoes on hand, you can always make a little bit of instant mashed potatoes!
- All-Purpose Flour: Plain flour, along with potatoes, is the major component of any pancake, including this one. To measure the flour, scoop it lightly into a measuring cup and level it off without packing it down at all.
- Eggs: They bind all the other ingredients together and add a bit of richness to the batter.
- Green Onions (scallions): Add a mild flavor to an otherwise fairly bland pancake, along with a pop of color.
- Oil and Butter: Used for frying the pancakes. The oil stops the butter from burning, while the butter adds deliciousness and helps form a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Sour Cream and Green Onions: Traditional garnishes that add both creaminess and additional fresh flavor.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How I Make Traditional Irish Boxty
👉 PRO TIP: How to Prepare the Raw Potatoes — Peel and grate enough raw potatoes to equal one cup. Place the shredded potatoes in the center of a clean tea towel or kitchen towel (not terrycloth). Twist the cloth around the potatoes to form a small ball. Holding over the sink or a bowl, twist the cloth very tightly to wring as much moisture as possible from the potatoes.
- Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the oil and half the butter. Drop the batter by generously heaping tablespoons into the oil and butter.
- Brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Repeat with the remaining batter until all is used.
- Place finished pancakes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low oven.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onions on each. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top is also delicious!
Recipe Variations
The recipe I’ve explained here is traditional. However, if you’d like to experiment and change things up a bit, here are a few options to consider.
- Make a cheesy version by stirring about 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese into the batter.
- Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
- Add grated broccoli or finely shredded cabbage to the batter.
How I Serve Boxty
Boxty is a very versatile side dish that can easily serve as the main course. However, if you want to make it part of a full meal, you might consider these options:
- Pair it with a bowl of hearty Irish stew made with lamb, root vegetables, and a rich broth.
- For a simple option, serve with grilled or pan-fried sausages.
- Roasted carrots and parsnips have a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory pancakes.
- A traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish, sautéed or braised cabbage with a little onion and garlic makes a great side.
- For a sweet contrast, serve boxty with a small dish of applesauce.
- A pint of Irish stout or ale is always a good choice!
- For a non-alcoholic option, offer a crisp apple cider.
How to Store the Leftovers
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Questions About Irish Boxty
Yes, you can prepare boxty batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Additionally, cooked boxty pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a skillet (the best result) or microwave.
This recipe is not, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Boxty is ready to flip when the edges look set and slightly dry and bubbles start to appear on the surface. The bottom should be golden brown. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but the first pancake is always a good test to get the timing right.
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Recipe
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Traditional Irish Boxty
Ingredients
- 1 cup potatoes peeled and grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Sour cream and green onions for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk or stir with a fork to combine.1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the raw grated potatoes, leftover mashed potatoes, eggs, and onions.1 cup potatoes, 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes, 2 eggs, 2 green onions
- Stir the flour mixture into the potato mixture.
- Slowly stir in the milk using only enough to make a batter. Aim for a consistency like thick pancake batter.¼ cup milk
- Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the oil and half the butter. Drop the batter by generously heaping tablespoons into the oil and butter.2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons butter
- Brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Repeat with the remaining batter until all is used.
- Place finished pancakes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low oven.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onions on each. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top is also delicious!Sour cream and green onions for serving
Notes
- To prepare the raw potatoes:
Peel and grate enough raw potatoes to equal one cup. Place the shredded potatoes in the center of a clean tea towel or kitchen towel (not terrycloth). Twist the cloth around the potatoes to form a small ball. Holding over the sink or a bowl, twist the cloth very tightly to wring as much moisture as possible from the potatoes. - If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, simply make a little instant mashed potatoes to substitute.
- To store leftovers, cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on March 11, 2016. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Could you please add the ingredients to the recipe? Thank you…..these look and sound delicious!
I am so sorry! Would you believe that even after proof reading the post twice, I left them out? They are there now and I really appreciate you letting me know so I could correct it.
Thank you so much for fixing! Loving everything potato and these look fabulous!