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 (starchy variety such as russets); 2 cups grated raw potatoes (starchy variety such as russets); 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 (or oil for vegan option); Chopped green onions/scallions; Shredded white cheddar cheese

If you're craving something crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, you’ve got to try this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe. These traditional boxty pancakes bring a perfect balance of golden crunch and comforting softness, ideal whether it’s breakfast or any meal.

The image shows three golden brown potato pancakes stacked slightly on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The pancakes have a crispy, textured surface with uneven edges and light and dark brown spots. On the top pancake, there is a dollop of white sour cream with small pieces of green chopped scallion sprinkled over the pancakes and around the plate. The overall appearance is warm and inviting, with a rustic homemade look. 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’ve made these Irish potato pancakes countless times, and no matter the occasion, they always bring smiles. The blend of mashed and grated potatoes gives these boxty an unbeatable texture and flavor that honestly feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Dual Potato Texture: Combining mashed and grated potatoes gives you a crisp crust and a tender bite inside.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Customizable: Add green onions or cheddar for bursts of extra flavor or keep it classic.
Versatile and Satisfying: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right potatoes and balancing the wet-to-dry ingredients is key here. I always go for starchy russets because they fry up crispier and hold the traditional boxty texture beautifully.

Flat lay of a small mound of cold mashed russet potatoes, a neat pile of grated raw russet potatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing light beige baking soda powder, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl holding creamy buttermilk, and a few fresh green scallions with white bulbs arranged neatly beside a small chunk of white cheddar cheese, 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 helps keep the batter from getting too wet and adds that tender interior we love.
Grated Raw Potatoes: Freshly grated for that natural texture and flavor; wringing out excess liquid is essential to avoid sogginess.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the binder to hold everything together while keeping pancakes crispy.
Salt: Enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor and seasons the batter just right.
Baking Soda: Gives a slight lift for a lighter pancake that isn’t too dense.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the batter and adds a subtle tang, balancing the richness.
Butter, Bacon Grease, or Lard: For frying, these fats impart a delicious savory flavor and great browning; for a vegan option, you can opt for oil.
Optional Add-ins: Chopped green onions or shredded white cheddar cheese for extra flavor and texture if you want to jazz them up a bit.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs while still getting those golden, crispy edges we all love.

Cheesy Delight: I love stirring in some shredded white cheddar cheese right into the batter for an irresistible gooey surprise in every bite. It adds richness without overpowering the potato flavor.
Fresh and Green: Adding chopped green onions or scallions gives a subtle, fresh bite and a lovely pop of color. It’s like a little nod to spring no matter the season!
Vegan Version: For a vegan take, simply swap out the butter or lard for your favorite oil (like sunflower or canola), and use a plant-based buttermilk alternative. The texture stays wonderfully crisp.
Starch Method: If you want to channel the most authentic Irish method, try wringing the potato water into a bowl, letting the starch settle, then adding this to the batter. It truly boosts crispiness, but if you prefer quicker prep, skipping this step works just fine—just watch your buttermilk ratio.

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

A white plate holds a stack of five golden brown potato pancakes with crispy edges, showing a rough texture from grated potatoes. The pancakes are topped with a small dollop of white sour cream in the center and sprinkled with bright green chopped scallions. The plate sits on a dark blue cloth napkin folded neatly on top of a wooden surface, with a fork lying next to the plate. Scallion pieces are scattered around the plate on the wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes for Perfect Texture

Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then drain well and mash. For best results, make these mashed potatoes a few hours or even overnight ahead—chilling them helps create that tender but firm interior inside your pancakes. Meanwhile, grate your raw potatoes fresh when you're ready to assemble, then squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel. This step is key to avoiding soggy batter and helps your boxty crisp up beautifully in the pan.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Together

In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Giving these a good mix upfront ensures your pancakes rise perfectly and have the right seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, gently mix the cold mashed potatoes with your grated potatoes, then sprinkle your flour and leavening mixture over the top. Pour in about 1 ½ cups of buttermilk and stir everything until just combined. If the batter feels too thick or crumbly, add a little more buttermilk, a splash at a time, until it reaches a scoopable consistency. This batter should hold together but not be overly wet.

Step 4: Heat Your Pan and Get Ready to Fry

Heat your chosen fat—whether butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil—in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. A well-heated pan is essential so the pancakes start sizzling immediately, forming that golden crust we crave.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Scoop generous spoonfuls of the potato batter into the pan, gently pressing each mound down to form flat patties. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until each side boasts a lovely golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on your heat—too high and the outsides brown too fast before the inside cooks through; too low and you won’t get enough crispiness.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve Hot

As each batch finishes, transfer your pancakes to a warm oven to keep them hot and crisp while you finish frying the rest. Serve immediately for the best experience, optionally topped with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of cheddar, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe just right is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks I've picked up along the way.

Wringing out the Potatoes: Make sure to squeeze as much liquid as possible from your grated raw potatoes to keep the batter from becoming soggy. This little step really pays off in crispiness.
Managing the Heat: Fry your potato pancakes on medium-high heat but watch carefully! Too hot and they'll brown on the outside while staying raw inside — adjusting the heat mid-cook is key.
Buttermilk Amount: Start with 1 ½ cups buttermilk and add more only if the batter feels too thick. Too wet a batter can make pancakes fall apart or cook unevenly.
Keeping Warm: As you finish frying pancakes, keep the cooked ones in a warm oven to stay perfectly hot and crispy until you're ready to serve.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe

A clear glass bowl is filled with a lumpy, pale yellow mixture that looks creamy and thick, with small bits visible throughout. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the mixture, and the bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. The scene is simple and clean, highlighting the texture of the mixture in the bowl, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your boxty to the next level. Try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or scallions for a fresh burst of color and mild bite. For a richer touch, melt some shredded white cheddar cheese on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a pat of butter also complements the warm, crispy texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

Boxty makes a versatile addition to many meals. For breakfast, pair it with crispy bacon, sausages, or sautéed mushrooms. It also pairs wonderfully with eggs—whether scrambled, fried, or poached. For a heartier Irish-inspired dinner, serve alongside corned beef and cabbage or a rich beef stew. A fresh green salad can lighten up the plate for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover potato pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before packing them away to avoid condensation that might soften their lovely crisp exterior.

Freezing

Want to keep boxty on hand longer? Arrange the cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 1 month. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Reheat your pancakes in a hot skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to bring back their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy. For frozen boxty, reheat straight from frozen, adding a bit more time to ensure they heat through completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While you can try different varieties, starchy potatoes like russets are best for the Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe because they produce a tender inside and crisp outside. Waxy potatoes might result in a gluey texture.

Is it necessary to chill the mashed potatoes before mixing?

Yes, chilling the mashed potatoes—ideally for around 3 hours or overnight—helps the batter hold together better and improves the final texture of your boxty.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter, bacon grease, or lard with oil for frying, and substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tang.

What’s the best way to prevent pancakes from getting soggy?

Wringing out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes and carefully managing frying temperature are key. Also, keeping cooked pancakes warm in the oven prevents condensation buildup, keeping them crispy until serving.

Final Thoughts

Making boxty is a little culinary nod to Ireland’s humble and delicious traditions. With that perfect balance of crispiness and softness, these Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too. Whether served for breakfast or alongside a hearty dinner, they bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of Irish charm to the table. Give yourself the time to chill the potatoes and enjoy the rewarding, golden results—happy cooking!