Ultimate Comfort Food Irresistible Mashed Potato Casserole and Boxty Potato Pancakes Recipes

Get ready to make two mouthwatering potato dishes that will leave you craving more! Whether you’re looking for a rich, cheesy mashed potato casserole or a delicious Irish-inspired Boxty potato pancake, these recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.

Mashed Potato Casserole

Start by selecting 3 pounds (1.5 kg) of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, covering with enough water to fully submerge the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, fry 6 ounces (200 g) of bacon on low heat for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Grate 1 cup (100g) each of mozzarella and Cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup (30g) of Parmesan.

Once the bacon is done, set it aside on a paper towel to absorb the grease. Drain the water from the potatoes and return them to the pan. Add ½ cup (120ml) of milk, ½ cup (80g) sour cream, ½ cup (115g) butter, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ cup (20g) grated Parmesan. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Spread the mashed potatoes into a baking dish, sprinkle the cheeses on top, and crumble the crispy bacon over the casserole.

Bake at 380°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chives before serving.

Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t throw them away—use them to make delicious Boxty potato pancakes! This recipe comes with a fascinating story straight from Ireland. Legend has it that eating the “Salmon of Knowledge” granted immense wisdom, and that’s where the idea for these flavorful pancakes comes from.

Start with about a cup of mashed potatoes, adding 1 cup of flour, a tablespoon of baking soda, and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of buttermilk (you can substitute with homemade buttermilk by mixing whole milk and lemon juice) and gently stir until the mixture comes together. The texture should be slightly thick but not dry.

Heat a generous amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, flipping carefully to avoid breaking the soft pancakes. These pancakes are versatile—serve them as a side dish with roast meats, or even use them as a base for tacos filled with ham, fresh herbs, and cream cheese.

Enjoy the rich history and the delicious flavor of these potato dishes, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply treating yourself to comfort food at its finest!