Traditional Irish Potato Boxty

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional Irish Potato Boxty is a crispy, tender potato pancake that is perfect for breakfast, a side dish, or even an appetizer. With mashed and grated potatoes combined with a simple batter, these pancakes have a crispy exterior and a fluffy, soft interior. The addition of sour cream and chives brings extra flavor, making them irresistible.

Ingredients

Sour Cream and Chives Topping:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

Boxty Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Russet potatoes (about 4 large)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, large
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Canola oil for cooking

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F and place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
2. Boil half the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Grate the remaining potatoes and squeeze out excess liquid.
4. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, milk, and egg to make the batter.
5. Mash the boiled potatoes with half-and-half and butter, then combine with the grated potatoes and flour mixture.
6. Heat oil and butter in a skillet, cooking the batter in batches until golden on both sides (4-5 minutes per side).
7. Serve warm, topped with sour cream and chives.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add finely chopped onions or garlic for extra flavor.
• Use different potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for boxty?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a creamier texture.

2. How can I make the boxty more crispy?

Use a generous amount of oil and butter when frying, and cook at medium heat.

3. Can I freeze boxty?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet.

4. Can I use dairy-free substitutes?

Yes, try almond milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

5. What can I serve boxty with?

Boxty pairs well with eggs, smoked salmon, or as a side to stews and soups.

6. How do I get the right consistency for the batter?

The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry. Add more milk if needed.

7. Can I make boxty without an egg?

Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute.

8. How do I prevent the grated potatoes from turning brown?

Keep them submerged in water until ready to use, or squeeze out excess moisture immediately.

9. Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is not spicy. Add spices like cayenne or paprika if desired.

10. Can I make the sour cream topping ahead of time?

Yes, mix the sour cream and chives ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

Traditional Irish Potato Boxty offers a delightful combination of crispy and fluffy textures, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy it with breakfast, as a side, or topped with sour cream and chives, this recipe brings a bit of Irish tradition to your table.