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 like russets); 2 cups grated raw potatoes (starchy variety like russets); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk, plus more if needed; Butter, bacon grease, or lard (for vegan option, use oil); Chopped green onions/scallions; Shredded white cheddar cheese

If you’ve ever craved something with crispy edges and a soft, comforting middle, this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic boxty—simple, soulful, and downright addictive.

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 been making boxty for years, and every time I do, it brings me right back to cozy kitchen mornings filled with the smell of sizzling potatoes and butter. This recipe is foolproof and always gets rave reviews around the table.

Perfect texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside—every single time.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and common potatoes for an accessible, no-fuss recipe.
Make ahead friendly: Chill your mashed potatoes ahead of time for maximum flavor and ease.
Customizable add-ins: Easily toss in green onions or cheddar cheese to add your own twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This classic Irish potato pancake recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients, but choosing the right ones is key. Always reach for starchy russet potatoes—they give you that crispy edge and fluffy bite. And if you love breakfast flavors, the optional add-ins can really bring it up a notch.

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 chilled mashed potatoes adds softness and body to the pancakes while helping them hold together.
Grated raw potatoes: These provide that essential texture contrast and ensure crispiness when fried.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a binder without weighing down the pancakes.
Salt: Enhances natural potato flavor.
Baking soda: Helps lighten the batter and promote browning.
Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the batter moist and tender.
Fat for frying: Butter, bacon grease, or lard give rich flavor and help develop that beautiful golden crust. For a vegan option, oil works well too.
Optional add-ins: Chopped green onions or shredded cheddar cheese make for tasty flavor boosts.

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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 best parts about making this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds and pantry. Whether you want to keep it simple and traditional or spice it up with a few personal touches, these potato pancakes warmly welcome your creativity.

Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded white cheddar cheese into the batter is my favorite way to elevate these pancakes. The cheese melts beautifully inside, offering that delightful gooey surprise in every bite.
Green Onion Boost: Stirring in some chopped green onions or scallions really brightens the flavor. It's a fresh, mild oniony note that complements the richness perfectly.
Vegan Version: Swap out butter or lard for your favorite oil like vegetable or sunflower oil. The crispiness still shines through, making it a great option for plant-based diets.
Extra Crispy Starch Step: If you have time, try the traditional method of letting the grated potato liquid sit so the starch settles. Adding that starch back into the batter can give your pancakes an even crisper exterior.
Seasonal Flavors: Mix in some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives during warmer months for a fresh seasonal burst.

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: Chill Your Mashed Potatoes for Perfect Texture

Start by boiling your russet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them thoroughly. Here’s a key tip: let these mashed potatoes chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step firms up the mash, which helps create that signature crispy outer crust while keeping the inside wonderfully fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients with Care

While your potatoes chill, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This simple mix is your base, lending structure and the perfect bit of lift to your pancakes. Having this ready helps you move swiftly when everything else is combined.

Step 3: Wring Out the Raw Potato for Less Moisture

Grate the raw potatoes and place them in a clean cotton kitchen towel. Now for a little muscle work—wring out as much liquid as you can. Removing the excess moisture here is essential to avoid soggy pancakes and really ramp up that crispiness.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together with Buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, your well-drained grated potatoes, and the dry ingredient mix. Pour in 1 ½ cups of buttermilk and stir everything together. If the batter feels too thick or not quite spreadable, add more buttermilk little by little. Aim for a consistency that scoops easily but holds its shape when fried.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high and add your choice of butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil to coat the surface generously. Scoop the batter into the pan, shaping each into a round patty and gently pressing down. Cook until the bottoms are beautifully golden brown, then carefully flip to brown the other side. Cooking slowly enough to avoid burning while ensuring the inside cooks through is key—so adjust your heat as you go.

Step 6: Keep Pancakes Warm and Serve Hot

As you fry each batch, transfer the cooked ones to a warm oven to keep them hot and crispy. Serve these warm Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes fresh from the pan for the best texture and flavor experience—perfect as a comforting side or a savory snack.

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe just right is all about mastering a few key steps that make a big difference in texture and flavor. Here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours.

Drain the Potatoes Well: Wrapping the grated raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing out as much moisture as possible is essential. This helps the pancakes crisp up beautifully and prevents sogginess.
Chill the Mashed Potatoes: Letting your mashed potatoes chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight!) is a game-changer. Cold potatoes bind better with the flour and buttermilk, giving you that perfect crispy edge.
Control the Heat: Cook the pancakes over medium heat to ensure they develop a golden crust without burning. Patience here keeps the insides tender and fully cooked.
Use Starchy Potatoes: Russets are your best friend for this recipe — they have the right balance of starch to texture for that classic Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes finish.

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 Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes to something truly special. Try sprinkling freshly chopped green onions or scallions on top for a burst of color and mild sharpness. A dusting of shredded white cheddar cheese also melts beautifully over hot pancakes, adding richness and extra depth of flavor. For a classic touch, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter never fails.

Side Dishes

These potato pancakes make an excellent side that pairs well with traditional Irish fare. Serve alongside corned beef and cabbage or a hearty beef stew for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, pair with a fresh green salad or sautéed mushrooms. Don’t forget a poached or fried egg on the side if you’re making these for breakfast or brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to help maintain their crispiness once reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your potato pancakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes reheating easier.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pancakes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to restore that irresistible crispy exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk acidity. Use oil instead of butter, bacon grease, or lard for frying.

Why is chilling the mashed potatoes important?

Chilling the mashed potatoes helps them firm up, which makes the batter easier to handle and yields a better texture in the final pancakes. It prevents the batter from being too runny and helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

Can I prepare the potato mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire batter and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, and add a splash of buttermilk if it feels too thick.

What’s the best potato to use for this recipe?

For the crispiest and fluffiest results, use starchy potatoes like russets. They have the right texture and starch content to give you those golden edges and a soft interior.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Irish Potato Pancakes is like bringing a little taste of Ireland into your kitchen—comforting, rustic, and utterly delicious. With just a handful of humble ingredients and these simple tips, you can enjoy golden, crispy boxty anytime you want. Whether for a cozy breakfast or a festive side dish, these pancakes never fail to bring smiles around the table. So grab your skillet, take your time, and savor every crispy bite!