Name: Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes; 2 cups grated raw potatoes; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk, plus more as needed; Butter, bacon grease, or lard for frying (vegan: use oil); Chopped green onions/scallions; Shredded white cheddar cheese

If you’ve ever wanted that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, flavorful center in a potato pancake, you’re going to love this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe. It’s all about combining cold mashed potatoes with freshly grated raw potatoes, plus a few simple ingredients that bring this traditional Irish dish called Boxty to life.

A white plate holds three golden brown potato pancakes stacked slightly overlapping, showing a crispy, textured surface with some rough edges. On top of the pancakes is a small dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with finely chopped green onions. More green onion pieces are scattered over the pancakes and the white marbled surface beneath. A fork and a spoon are partly visible at the plate's edge, resting on a dark blue cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made Boxty—it quickly became a favorite not just for breakfast but any time the craving for comfort food hit. There’s something magical about the crispy golden crust paired with that fluffy potato goodness inside.

Traditional flavors: Stays true to authentic Irish Boxty using simple, honest ingredients.
Perfect texture: Chilling the mashed potatoes and squeezing out excess moisture leads to that coveted crispiness.
Customizable: Feel free to toss in scallions or cheddar for an extra flavor punch.
Versatile serving: Delicious at breakfast, brunch, or alongside dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you gather ingredients for this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe, quality is key. Choosing the right potatoes and a good buttermilk makes a noticeable difference, while simple pantry staples pull everything together smoothly.

Flat lay of fresh whole russet potatoes with brown skin and earthy texture, a small mound of grated raw potato strands, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth cold mashed potatoes, a small white bowl holding fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing pale buttermilk, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl with white baking soda powder, and a few fresh green scallions loosely arranged nearby, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes adds a creamy texture and helps bind the batter without extra moisture.
Grated raw potatoes: Freshly grated to add texture and body to the pancakes—just be sure to squeeze out excess liquid for crispiness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps hold everything together for those golden pancakes.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes and balances the richness.
Baking soda: Adds a lightness to the batter so the pancakes aren’t dense.
Buttermilk: Brings tangy flavor and moisture, making the batter smooth yet thick enough to hold form.
Butter, bacon grease, or lard: Classic fats for frying that create those irresistible crispy edges; vegan-friendly oils work well too.
Optional add-ins: For a little twist, chopped green onions or shredded cheddar cheese add a delightful boost of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add a twist with some fresh herbs or make it a bit more indulgent, there are plenty of ways to make it your own without losing the authentic heart of the dish.

Cheesy Boxty: I love stirring in a handful of shredded white cheddar cheese into the batter before frying. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the crispy exterior.
Green Onion Boost: Adding chopped green onions or scallions gives the pancakes a fresh, sharp bite. It feels like a bright little burst of spring in every bite.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap out butter or bacon grease for a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, and use plant-based buttermilk alternatives to keep things vegan while still getting great crispiness.
Extra Crispy Trick: For a crunchier result, try the traditional method of saving the starch from the potato liquid and mixing it back into your batter—this really amps up the texture!
Seasonal Variations: Feel free to fold in some finely diced sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a cozy, seasonal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe

A white plate holds five golden brown, round pancakes stacked slightly overlapping. They have a crispy, textured surface with small shredded bits visible, each pancake topped with small pieces of green chopped spring onions scattered evenly. A dollop of white sour cream with a soft, creamy texture sits on top of the pancakes near the center. The plate rests on a blue cloth napkin, with two forks placed beside it. The background shows a white marbled surface with scattered bits of green onions and part of a dark wooden table edge visible in the upper left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Like a Pro

Start by boiling your potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them smoothly. This is the perfect time to make the mashed potatoes ahead and chill them in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. Chilling is key—it firms up the mash and helps develop that signature texture we want in our pancakes.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

While your potatoes chill, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Set it aside for later – this simple mix will bind everything together and add a gentle lift to the pancakes.

Step 3: Wring Out the Grated Potatoes

Grate your raw potatoes next. Then, put the grated potatoes into a clean cotton kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step helps keep your batter from becoming soggy, ensuring those pancakes fry up crispy and golden.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, the grated potatoes, and the flour mixture. Add 1 ½ cups of buttermilk and stir gently to create a thick batter that’s easy to scoop. If it feels too stiff or dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more buttermilk—aim for a consistency similar to thick pancake batter.

Step 5: Heat Up Your Pan for the Perfect Sizzle

Use a heavy pan and melt your fat of choice—be it butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil—over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough to brown the pancakes without burning. If you see smoke, turn down the heat a notch—you want steady, even cooking.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Scoop the batter into the pan, forming individual patties. Press gently to flatten each one. Cook on one side until it’s beautifully browned and crispy—this usually takes a few minutes. Then flip carefully and brown the other side. Keep an eye on the heat so the inside cooks through without the outside getting too dark.

Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve Hot

Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a warm oven to keep them ready while you finish frying the rest. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and that warm, comforting flavor that makes this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe so irresistible.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of crispy Irish potato pancakes takes a little patience and a few insider tricks. These tips help you get that perfect golden crust and tender center every time.

Chill the Mashed Potatoes: I always chill my mashed potatoes for at least 3 hours before mixing. It really firms up the texture, making the pancakes much easier to shape and fry evenly.
Wring Out the Grated Potatoes: Squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes is a game-changer. It keeps the batter from getting soggy and helps the pancakes crisp up beautifully.
Control the Heat: Frying over medium-high heat is key, but I carefully adjust it so the boxty cooks through slowly without burning. This balance makes sure the inside is tender and the outside perfectly browned.
Optional Starch Step: If you have time, let the starch settle from the grated potato liquid and add it back in. I did this once and noticed a noticeably crispier crust — definitely worth trying if you want to experiment.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface containing a thick, creamy mixture with a pale yellow color and slightly lumpy texture. A silver spoon is positioned in the bowl, partially covered with the mixture and resting near the side. The mixture appears dense and uneven, showing visible small chunks throughout its smooth but textured consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe, try garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh chives. A bit of smoked salmon or crispy bacon on top pairs wonderfully too. For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some shredded white cheddar right after flipping the pancakes in the pan or serve it melted on top.

Side Dishes

These golden boxty pancakes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside traditional Irish breakfast favorites like sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, or sausages. For a lighter meal, pair with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed kale tossed in garlic. And don’t forget a side of tangy apple sauce or a drizzle of honey for a delicious contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pancakes, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently to preserve their crispiness.

Freezing

Crispy Irish potato pancakes freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This way you can enjoy homemade boxty anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a hot skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

For the best texture and authentic flavor, it’s best to use homemade mashed potatoes chilled for at least 3 hours. Instant mashed potatoes don’t have the same starch content or consistency needed for crispiness.

What kind of potatoes work best for Boxty?

Starchy potatoes like russets are ideal because they help create a tender inside and crispy outside. Waxy potatoes may result in a denser, less crispy pancake.

Can I add cheese or herbs to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped green onions or shredded white cheddar cheese are wonderful additions to add flavor and richness to your pancakes. Just fold them gently into the batter before frying.

How do I prevent the pancakes from burning before they cook through?

Cooking over medium-high heat is essential, but adjusting to medium or slightly lower if the pancakes brown too fast helps cook them through without burning. Patience pays off!

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes is like bringing a little bit of Ireland’s heart into your kitchen. The mix of cold mashed and grated raw potatoes creates a uniquely satisfying texture that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. With just a bit of care and the right technique, your homemade boxty will be a comforting favorite for breakfasts, brunches, or any time you want a delicious taste of tradition. Enjoy the process as much as the pancakes — Sláinte!