Easy Irish Boxty Recipe (Traditional Irish Potato Pancakes from Scratch)

By Rebecca St.Clair

This classic Irish boxty recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious potato recipes. With a crisp golden crust and soft interior, these homemade Irish potato pancakes are a simple and delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch menu. If you’re looking for an authentic Irish potato recipe for St. Patrick’s Day, this one never disappoints.

This easy Irish boxty recipe brings a taste of Ireland to your kitchen. These crispy, pan-fried traditional Irish potato pancakes are simple to make and perfect served with eggs for breakfast or sour cream. If you’ve been searching for the best homemade Irish potato pancake recipe, this classic dish is a must-save.

This easy Irish boxty recipe is a traditional Irish favourite made with grated potatoes and mashed potatoes. If you’ve been searching for the perfect potato side dish, this classic recipe is simple, delicious, and beginner-friendly.

How to store Easy Irish Boxty

Fridge

1. Let the boxty cool completely.
2. Stack them with parchment paper between pancake layers to prevent sticking.
3. Place them in an airtight container or wrap completely in plastic wrap.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating tip:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil for the best crispy texture. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (180C) for about 8–10 minutes.

Freezing Irish Boxty

1. Let them cool completely.
2. Place parchment paper between pancake layers.
3. Store in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
4. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven until heated through and crispy.
• You can microwave them but it makes the pancakes soft instead of crispy.

What to Serve with Easy Irish Boxty

Simple and Classic

• Butter and salt
• Sour cream or crème fraîche
• Smoked salmon with sour cream and chives
• Bacon and eggs
• Sautéed mushrooms and onions
• Irish sausages and baked beans

Dinner Toppings

• Slow-braised beef or stew
• Chicken and mushroom cream sauce
• Ham and cheese with mustard sauce
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Cheddar cheese and green onions

How to Make Easy Irish Boxty

Mashed potatoes

1. Start with leftover mashed potatoes or follow these steps to make fresh,
2. Wash and peel 4 potatoes (I used russet potatoes).
3. Cut the potatoes into large chunks and place in a sauce pot.
4. Fill with enough water to cover the potatoes.
5. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to boil 15-20 minutes or until fork tender.

7. Drain off the water and return the potatoes to the pot to dry and evaporate off any excess liquid.

8. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add in 1/4 cup of butter and mash this into the potatoes.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Potato pancakes

1. Wash and peel 2 potatoes. (Peeling and grating them right before mixing into the mashed potatoes will prevent them from turning brown.)
2. Finely grate the raw potatoes.
3. Place them in a cheese cloth or thin kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
4. Add the raw potatoes to the mashed potatoes and mix to combine.
5. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat.
6. Shape the potato mixture into rustic round pancakes.

7. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and place some of the pancakes in the hot oil to fry.

8. Fry about 2 minutes or until browned and crispy on the bottom.

9. Flip over and fry on the other side another 2 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Remove to a plate and continue to cook the rest of the boxty until all of the potato mixture is used up.

11. Serve warm.

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