Irish Boxty Potato Pancake Recipe

Classic Irish Boxty

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Time to pull out those delicious Irish recipes! Our family has certain traditions we keep for St. Paddy’s Day, the best being a lunch date at an Irish pub. Every year we venture out, covered in green and Notre Dame attire, to enjoy a hearty dose of Celtic cheer and our favorite Irish dishes. We even take the kids with us on the years that St. Paddy’s Day is on the weekend. One of our most loved Irish foods are Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes. They are wonderfully moist and tender on the inside, yet ultra crispy on the outside.

What is a Boxty?

A boxty is a wonderful platform for your favorite fillings and can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. These potato pancakes are crispy, yet pliable, and packed with flavor. I like to serve them with earthy sautéed mushrooms, then slather them with a rich whiskey gravy. The combination of the crunchy, buttery boxty crust and the soft mushrooms is something to experience. Kissed with Irish whiskey gravy, boxties are a meal that could stand up to any stout beer. I wait all year for Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes. But really, these babies could be served any time of day on any day of the year.

What Ingredients You Need

For the Potato Pancakes:

Frozen hashbrowns All-purpose flour Parmesan cheese Chopped chives Eggs Heavy cream Butter

To Make the Sautéed Mushrooms:

Button or crimini mushrooms Butter Garlic Fresh thyme Sherry

For the Whiskey Gravy:

Butter All-purpose flour Irish whiskey Beef or vegetable stock Whole grain mustard Salt and pepper

How to Make Irish Potato Pancakes

These potato pancakes are easy to make, and can be whipped up in large batches and frozen until you are ready serve hot with freshly sautéed mushrooms.

First, mix the thawed hash brown potatoes with eggs, cream, Parmesan cheese, flour, and chives. Heat butter in a deep skillet, and working in small batches scoop the mixture into the skillet and gently flatten with the back of the spoon.
Then while the potato pancakes are frying, in a separate pan sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter with a little thyme and sherry.
Once the potato pancakes are slightly firm and golden, flip and continue cooking for a few minutes until done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Using the same skillet, make the gravy by first whisking together butter and flour, then adding Irish whiskey, beef or vegetable stock, and mustard. Continue stirring and cooking on low until your desired consistency is reached.

To serve: Fill each Irish Boxty Potato Pancake with some of the sautéed mushrooms, and pour a generous helping of the hot Irish whiskey gravy over the top. Heaven.

Can I Make this Recipe Without Alcohol?

Yes! Our classic Irish Boxty recipe calls for sherry to sauté the mushrooms and whiskey to make the gravy; however, you can substitute beef or vegetable broth for both.

How Else Can I Fill My Irish Boxties?

I love the savory combination of mushrooms and potatoes, but you can certainly fill these potato pancakes with whatever you prefer! Try sautéing chopped zucchini or your favorite hearty veggies, or stuff your boxty with scrambled eggs for a fun breakfast dish. Add cooked chopped bacon and/or shredded or crumbled cheese to really pump up the comfort food flavors.

Are Irish Potato Pancakes with Whiskey Gravy Gluten Free?

The pancakes and gravy are both made with all-purpose flour in this recipe and are therefore not gluten free; however, you can easily swap for your favorite GF-friendly flour substitute.

How Can I Make this Recipe Vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to make the gravy, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian Irish potato pancakes recipe for Saint Patrick’s Day!