Ah, the joy of potato pancakes! There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about preparing a dish that’s warm, crispy, and filled with flavors that hug your senses. When I think of Irish comfort food, my mind floats right to the beloved boxty—those delightful potato pancakes that remind me of family gatherings, where laughter, stories, and the scent of sizzling potatoes wafting through the air filled the cozy kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my Crispy Irish Cheddar Boxty Potato Pancakes Recipe with you—an easy, perfect dish to whip up on a weekday or serve at a festive gathering. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream, and you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Packed with comforting flavors that warm the heart.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside!
- Versatile—great as a side or a main dish.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather our bounty. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups grated potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes, peeled)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Irish cheddar cheese, grated (go for aged for more robust flavor!)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or buttermilk for extra richness)
- Butter or oil for frying (I love using a mix of both for the best flavor)
- Sour cream, for serving (add a little chive if you’re feeling fancy!)
Tip: Fresh ingredients bring out the best flavors. Try to use freshly grated potatoes over pre-packaged ones when possible!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive right in!
- Prep the Potatoes: Grate your potatoes using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial; excess moisture can lead to soggy pancakes!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well blended.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the grated potatoes to the dry ingredients. Then pour in the egg and milk mixture. Gently fold in the grated Irish cheddar, blending until just combined. A quick note: don’t overmix; a little lumpiness is perfectly fine here!
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles, but not so hot that it burns.
- Fry the Pancakes: Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake. Flatten them slightly with the back of your spatula. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy, then flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. You can keep them warm in a low oven while you fry the rest!
- Serve: Serve the crispy boxty hot, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so don’t stress if your first pancake doesn’t turn out perfect—consider it a “test pancake!”
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve made the classic version, let your creativity flow! Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the batter for extra freshness.
- Spices: Feel like switching it up? A pinch of paprika or cumin can add a lovely warmth to the flavor profile.
- Other Cheeses: While Irish cheddar is a star, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey stretch or feta for a tangy twist!
- Protein Boost: Mix in some cooked bacon or ham for an added protein punch.
Keep playing around, adapting the recipe to your tastes and what you have on hand. Cooking is your canvas!
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: your table set with flickering candles, cozy blankets draped over your chairs, and warm plates of crispy boxty waiting to be devoured. These pancakes are fabulous on their own, but here are a few delightful serving ideas:
- Serve with a fresh side salad tossed in a vinaigrette.
- Pile on roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a heartier meal.
- Toast some crusty bread on the side for that perfect crunch.
- For breakfast, pair with eggs cooked to your liking—scrambled or poached work wonderfully!
Don’t forget about the sour cream! It adds a cool, creamy contrast that elevates each crunchy bite.

Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your boxty:
- Refrigerate: Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: You can freeze these in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing!
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again, or pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
There’s nothing like that lovely crunch and warm, cheesy interior, even a few days later!
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give your boxty a slightly sweeter flavor and a beautiful color. Just make sure to squeeze out the moisture as you would with regular potatoes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
What should I do if my batter is too runny?
Don’t worry! Just add a bit more flour until you reach a thicker consistency. The batter should hold together well without being too dry.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance, just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Cooked leftovers can also be reheated effortlessly!
Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments, and I’ll get back to you! I love hearing about your cooking adventures.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend! A warm and inviting recipe for Crispy Irish Cheddar Boxty Potato Pancakes, ready to bring comfort to your kitchen. I encourage you to get creative with your toppings and sides, and don’t hesitate to make this dish your own. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how your boxty turned out! Drop a comment below or share your thoughts. Happy cooking!
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Deliciously Easy Crispy Irish Cheddar Boxty Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Try this easy crispy Boxty potato pancakes recipe with Irish cheddar, served with sour cream for a perfect dish. Enjoy a taste of Ireland! (154 chars)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A warm and inviting recipe for Crispy Irish Cheddar Boxty Potato Pancakes, perfect for a comforting meal or festive gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: boxty, potato pancakes, Irish recipe, comfort food, easy recipe




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