Delicious Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes Recipe
Are you looking for a tasty and filling dish to satisfy your hunger and taste buds? If so, I highly recommend trying my Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes recipe. This traditional Irish dish is made with leftover mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and flour to create delicious potato cakes that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying. And when it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to traditional Irish potato cakes. These cakes are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a savory bacon flavor that will leave you wanting more.
But don’t let the simplicity of this dish fool you – there’s a lot of history and tradition behind it. In fact, potato cakes have been a staple in Ireland for centuries, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, they use ingredients that most people already have on hand, and they taste amazing.
So if you’re ready to try something new and flavorful, give my Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes recipe a try. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow food enthusiasts, I am excited to share with you a recipe that I am confident you will absolutely adore: Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes!
There are many reasons why this recipe is a must-try. For starters, these cakes are the ultimate comfort food – a dish that just screams warmth and coziness. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy yet tender cake, packed with the delicious flavors of mashed potatoes and crispy bacon. It’s pure bliss on a plate.
But that’s not all. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for something to whip up for breakfast, lunch or dinner, these potato cakes are ideal. They make a perfect accompaniment to bacon and eggs for breakfast, or serve them as a side dish alongside a hearty stew or soup for lunch or dinner.
And if you’re like me, who hates food waste and loves finding ways to use up leftovers, then this recipe is perfect for you! It’s an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and bacon in your fridge.
Furthermore, making Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes is surprisingly easy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious potato cakes ready in no time.
So, why indulge in your regular boring breakfast options when you could devour something as versatile and scrumptious as Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes? Try out this remarkable recipe now and prepare to have your taste buds blown away!
Ingredient List
Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes are wholesome and delicious – just like any traditional Irish recipe. To recreate this classic, you will need potatoes, the star ingredient, as well as flour, salt and pepper, which are always present in every kitchen. For flavor and texture, you’ll need some bacon – crispy bacon bits give the cakes a perfect savory quality.
Of course, there are a few more additions to make these potato cakes special. You’ll need butter because everything is better with butter! Also, to ensure your cakes don’t fall apart and hold together nicely on your plate, you’ll require a binding ingredient like egg. For an extra depth of flavor try adding some onion or for a touch of sophistication you can throw in some stilton cheese.
Here is the complete list of ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion
- 2 cups (240 g) mashed potatoes
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 pieces bacon
- Optional: Stilton or other cheese for flavoring
You may already have everything you need in your pantry and refrigerator, but if not gather these key ingredients before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe may look long but trust me, it’s quite simple. Here’s how to create my Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb leftover mashed potatoes
- 6-8 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
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Begin by mixing together the mashed potatoes, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped onion, butter, and egg in a large bowl until combined.
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Next, add the all-purpose flour to the mixture until a thick dough forms. If your dough is too wet, add more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little bit of milk until it becomes workable.
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Heat up a skillet or griddle over medium heat and use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop balls of the potato mixture in. Flatten them down into small cakes with the back of the spoon or spatula (around ½ inch thick).
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Cook the potato cakes for about 4 minutes on each side (or until golden brown). Make sure you’re flipping them gently so they don’t fall apart.
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Once they’re all cooked through, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to help absorb any excess oil.
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Enjoy your delicious Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes alone or topped with extra crispy bacon or a sprinkle of shredded Stilton cheese for some added flavor.
These cakes also make great leftovers in au gratin dishes or served with bread farls for an Irish breakfast feast.
Make sure you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch specifically for this recipe, as it will make the cakes stick together better. Follow these instructions to a tee, and you will be enjoying your very own traditional Irish potato cakes with crispy bacon in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
The Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes recipe is highly versatile, with many substitutions and variations to spice things up. While the original recipe calls for crispy bacon, cheese, and mashed potatoes, you can swap these ingredients for a new flavor profile that will excite the taste buds.
For instance, if you’re a vegetarian, you can easily swap out the bacon for mushrooms or caramelized onions. Crispy beets would also work well in place of bacon to create a unique crimson hue.
Try adding different types of cheese to the mix as well. Blue cheese or feta can add a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the mashed potatoes. If you want to take your potato cakes to the next level, use Stilton blue cheese and mix it with creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent treat!
If you have some leftover mashed potato pancakes, don’t let them go to waste! Instead, make breakfast more exciting by topping them with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. You could also transform mashed potato cakes into a savory Irish Boxty or bread farls that make fantastic sandwich bread.
In addition to adding new ingredients, experimenting with new shapes can also lead to creative results. Try shaping differently sized patties or making miniature balls instead of traditional circular cakes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for an extra pop of flavor.
So whether you want to stick with the classic bacon and cheese recipe or try something completely different, this recipe provides endless opportunities for experimentation and innovation. Just remember to focus on the fundamentals – butter, flour, salt and pepper in appropriate amounts- for best results!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve cooked up some delicious Irish potato and bacon cakes, it’s time to think about how best to serve and pair them. This dish makes a wonderful breakfast or brunch item, but can also be enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner side. I suggest pairing these potato cakes with some crispy bacon and sunny-side-up eggs, as the combination of textures and flavors is truly unbeatable.
For an extra decadent twist, try topping your potato cakes with slices of stilton cheese and crispy bacon pieces. The savory cheese perfectly complements the smoky bacon, taking this dish to the next level. You can also serve these cakes alongside a classic Irish dish like colcannon, which is made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions – the perfect comfort food combo!
Some other great ideas for serving and pairing these cakes include topping them with sour cream and fresh chives or green onions, or serving them alongside some homemade tomato chutney for a burst of tangy flavor. You could even try making an Irish boxty by folding in some leftover mashed potatoes into a pancake recipe, or frying up some potato bread or farls to create a satisfying meal.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these versatile potato and bacon cakes, they are sure to make a great addition to any meal. So go ahead and experiment with different toppings and sides until you find your perfect flavor combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the beauty of make-ahead meals! I absolutely adore this recipe for Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes because they are so easy to prepare ahead of time. If you’re planning on serving these beauties for breakfast or brunch, just pop them in the fridge after cooking and store them in an airtight container.
To reheat them, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cakes for about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them on the stovetop by simply frying them again until they’re crispy.
If you have any leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is the perfect solution. The cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To freeze, let them cool completely and then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
When you’re ready to reheat them, take them out of the freezer a day ahead and defrost in the fridge overnight. Once defrosted, simply reheat as instructed above.
One thing to keep in mind is that these cakes are best served fresh, but if you find that they’ve become a bit soggy, just pop them back into the oven for a few minutes until they crisp up again.
In summary, these Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes are not only delicious but also very practical. Make a large batch of them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to create the best Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes ever, there are some tips you need to know before getting started. Follow these essential tips, and you will amaze your family and friends with the irresistible aroma and delicious taste of these traditional Irish cakes.
Firstly, make sure you have cooked the mashed potatoes correctly to get the perfect texture. Ensure that your potatoes are well-cooked but not overdone as they can become too starchy and dense. Once you have mashed them together, avoid over-mixing since this can make them break down even further, which will result in softer cakes.
Secondly, a vital factor in making these potato cakes crispy outside and tender inside is to keep a balanced proportion of flour. Too much flour will make them dry while too little flour will cause the potato cakes to fall apart easily, especially when cooking.
Thirdly, when combining the ingredients, be gentle, and handle them as little as possible since over-mixing can toughen the cakes’ texture. Use a light hand when shaping your cakes so that they hold together well.
Fourthly, it’s crucial to handle the bacon gently while cooking to keep it crispy added with a distinct smoky flavour. You only need lightly browned pieces of bacon instead of hard or burnt ones; otherwise, they can overpower the delicate taste of potatoes.
Fifthly, don’t forget about the seasoning! With only a few simple ingredients needed in this recipe, salt and pepper will add an amazing depth of flavour that takes these potato cakes from good to great. However, be careful not to over-salt them since bacon is already salty.
Lastly, when cooking the cake on a frying pan or griddle on medium heat with butter or oil for about five minutes each side, flip it only once to avoid falling apart. It is essential not to touch until golden brown on one side before flipping so that they’ll have a chance to release from the pan quickly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to create the best Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes, perfect in both taste and texture.
FAQ
Now that we have covered the main aspects of this delicious Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes recipe, let’s move on to the most common Frequently Asked Questions about it. I will provide clear and concise answers that will help you eliminate any doubts or issues you might encounter while preparing this dish.
How do you keep potato cakes from falling apart?
When your potato cakes refuse to hold their shape and are too gooey, it could be due to the lack of flour in the mixture. To resolve this issue, gradually blend in more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency becomes more appropriate. While forming the potato cake mixture, bear in mind that it should be slightly damp with a tinge of stickiness, but not so damp that it crumbles.
Why are my potato cakes soggy?
Are your potato pancakes disappointingly soggy instead of nicely crisp? Chances are, your skillet and oil may not be hot enough. To ensure the perfect texture, make sure that both the oil and pancakes sizzle when they are added to the pan. Another issue could be overcrowding the pan, so resist the urge to cook too many pancakes at once.
What are potato cakes called in England?
In the UK, potato cakes are a popular dish, with one particular variety originating from County Durham in the North-East. This variety is known as “tattie fish” due to its resemblance to a deep-fried fish. The main ingredients in this pancake dish are flour, eggs, shredded potatoes, and onions, with potential additions like tomato or cheese.
What are potato cakes called in America?
Battered potatoes are what they call them in American fairs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes Recipe is a delightful dish that will tantalize your taste buds with its savory flavors. This traditional Irish recipe is easy to make, and its ingredients are readily available. You can serve it as a side dish or have it for breakfast with crispy bacon and eggs. With the tips and recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to make perfect potato cakes every time.
Don’t settle for bland and boring meals when you can spice up your life with Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes Recipe. It is an excellent way to make use of leftover mashed potatoes, which makes it economical as well. Trust me; your family and guests will rave about this dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this recipe a try today. Remember that cooking is an art, so let your creativity flow and experiment with different variations of this recipe. I guarantee that each time you make these potato cakes, they will taste better than the last.
Try shaping them into farls or pancakes if you want to mix things up a bit. With bacon bits and stilton cheese, you can add an irresistible twist to the traditional recipe.
Thank you for sticking until the end of the article; I hope you find this recipe satisfying and enjoyable.
Irish Potato & Bacon Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped and crisp fried
- 1 lb mashed potatoes, boiled & mashed
- 2 tablespoons flour
- salt & pepper
- butter or dripping (for frying, I use lite olive oil though not traditional)
Instructions
- Drain your bacon on paper towels.
- Mix the bacon with the mashed potatoes, flour, salt& pepper.
- Form into 4 patties.
- Heat the dripping (butter) (or oil) in a skillet and over medium heat fry the cakes about 5 minutes on each side or until golden, Serve.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.