Pan Haggerty is a traditional potato dish that originated in Northumberland, but is popular everywhere in England, as well as Ireland. Most recipes, in fact, call for using Irish cheddar, such as Dubliner, and some call for Irish bacon, as well. Although the actual dish takes about an hour to bake, it's quite fast to put together, and is a wonderful, comforting side dish.

Of course, you can use regular cheddar cheese, and regular bacon if Irish ingredients aren't available. You can also use regular potatoes, rather than small ones; they will need to be peeled, however. Incidentally, Pan Haggerty is a great brunch dish served with eggs and fruit, or also for a late-night supper. It's great to serve on St. Patrick's Day, but you'll find yourself serving it year round.

6 Servings

8 ounces thick bacon, preferably Irish bacon, chopped
1 large onion, quartered and sliced

2 cup Irish cheddar cheese, such as Dubliner, grated and divided

2 tablespoons butter, preferably Irish, divided

2 pounds small potato, scrubbed and very thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Cook the bacon in a 10-12" cast iron skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
3. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain.
4. Add the sliced onion to the bacon fat and sauté until soft; remove the onions to a bowl, and stir in the bacon.
5. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheese and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt one tablespoon of the butter and arrange 1/4 of the potatoes over the bottom; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Top with 1/3 of the bacon mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 of the remaining cheese.
8. Add another layer of potatoes, salt and pepper, bacon mixture, and cheese; repeat, and add a top layer of potatoes.
9. Spread the remaining tablespoon of butter over the potatoes, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
10. Remove the foil from the pan, sprinkle the top with the cheese, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 Calories from Fat 208
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 47% Protein 16% Carb. 37%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 23 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Cholesterol 61 mg
Sodium 498 mg
Total Carbohydrate 41 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 18 g

Vitamin A 11% Vitamin C 51% Calcium 0% Iron 14%