Boxty is one of those traditional dishes that is served in Ireland often. There are dozens – even hundreds – of versions, and three distinct cooking methods. There is even an Irish folk rhyme about boxty: “Boxty on the griddle, Boxty in the pan, If you can’t make Boxty you’ll never get a man.” While reviewing an excellent cookbook, Dishing up New Jersey, I ran across a recipe for Bacon Cheddar Boxty and it was a huge hit with the Official Hancock Tasters. In fact, it is hands-down the best boxty I’ve ever tasted, and this St. Patrick’s Day, there will be plenty of it on my buffet table. Incidentally, there are several other delicious Irish recipes from this cookbook, so it’s a book you may want to pick up.

I have adapted the recipe from the book to my tastes and to make it a little easier to prepare. Once you taste these yummy potato pancakes, you’ll make them often. Yum!

8 Servings

1/2 pound bacon, chopped
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
1 medium onion, grated
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, preferably Irish

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons chives, chopped
1 cup sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Cook the bacon until it is crisp; remove to paper towels to drain and set aside.
3. Grate the potatoes, place them in a fine strainer, and press on them (over the sink), until the liquid is drained out.
4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the onions, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in half of the cheese and half of the bacon.
6. Heat the vegetable oil on medium heat in a large skillet.
7. Scoop 1/4 cup mounds of the potato mixture into the hot oil and press down to form patties.
8. Cook until crisp, turning once. Place on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and place in the oven to keep the boxty warm.
9. When all are cooked, serve them topped with the remaining cheese, bacon, and chives and sour cream.

Amount Per Serving:
Calories 463 Calories from Fat 261
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 56% Protein 14% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per
Total Fat 29 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Cholesterol 103 mg
Sodium 666 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 16 g

Vitamin A 11% Vitamin C 54% Calcium 0% Iron 11%

Dishing Up New Jersey can be purchased on Amazon: Dishing Up® New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State