The Classic Irish Comfort Food You Need to Know About

Growing up, I ate my fair share of potatoes, but my go-to was always something Southern—mashed, fried or smothered in butter. But as I’ve explored more global flavors, I’ve found a traditional Irish dish called boxty that I just have to try.

This is a crispy, comforting and fun way to enjoy potatoes beyond the usual recipes. Whether you’re looking for a new way to serve potatoes or just want to embrace some Irish cooking, boxty is a must-try.

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What is Boxty?

Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that dates back centuries. It’s a beloved dish, especially in the northern and midlands regions of Ireland, where it has been a staple for generations. Often called the "poor man's bread," boxty was a way for people to stretch their ingredients and make a hearty meal from simple pantry staples.

Boxty is unique because it combines both raw and mashed potatoes, giving it a crispy outside and a soft, almost fluffy inside. The name "boxty" is believed to come from the Irish phrase arán bocht tí, meaning "poor house bread." Today, however, it’s a celebrated dish found in pubs and homes across Ireland, often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.

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How Do You Make Boxty?

Boxty is incredibly simple to make and relies on just a few key ingredients that most people already have on hand. The traditional boxty recipe includes a mix of raw grated potatoes and mashed potatoes to give the dish its signature texture. Starchy potatoes like Russets work best.

You'll also need flour, baking soda or baking powder, milk and salt. Some modern boxty recipes may include eggs for extra structure and additions like cheese, herbs or onions for a flavor boost.

Once you have your batter ready, you'll need butter or oil to fry the potato pancakes until they're golden brown and crispy, much as you would a standard breakfast pancake.

There are many boxty recipes online, but the simple but upgraded version from Irish TV personality, cookbook author and food writer Donal Skehan is a great one to try. You can find it on his website and see a demo of it in the video above.

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How Should You Serve Boxty?

One of the best things about boxty is its versatility. It can be served in many ways, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A hot, crispy boxty slathered in butter (preferably Irish butter) is the simplest and most traditional way to eat it.

In Ireland, boxty is often served alongside a full breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage and black pudding. The boxty acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Some Irish pubs serve boxty as a thin pancake wrap, filling it with ingredients like smoked salmon, ham and cheese or even chicken and mushrooms. It makes for a hearty and satisfying meal, and it sounds amazing!

Much like a baked potato, boxty pairs beautifully with sour cream and fresh herbs for a light but delicious option, and if you love comfort food (like I do), try serving boxty alongside a rich beef or lamb stew. It would also be delicious served with corned beef. I can imagine heating up some leftover corned beef and serving it on top of boxty for a post-St. Patrick's Day breakfast.

If you love potatoes, boxty is an easy dish to add to your recipe rotation. It’s budget-friendly, requires minimal ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a little Irish tradition into your kitchen.

Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it, boxty is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

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