Cabbage and Bacon Boxty Bake
A hearty and comforting bake that elevates traditional boxty by layering it with savory bacon, tender cabbage, and a creamy cheese sauce. This dish offers a delightful twist on a classic Irish staple, perfect for a family meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and grated, then squeezed dry)
- 150 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 200 ml Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 50 g Butter(melted, plus extra for greasing)
- 200 g Bacon(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 0.5 medium Cabbage(finely shredded)
- 200 ml Heavy cream
- 150 g Cheddar cheese(grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed grated potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. Pour this mixture into the potato mixture along with the melted butter. Stir until just combined to form a thick batter.
- 4
In a skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon.
- 6
Spread half of the boxty batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cabbage and bacon mixture over the batter. Pour the heavy cream over the cabbage mixture, then sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- 7
Spread the remaining boxty batter over the cheese layer. Cover the dish with foil.
- 8
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bake is set.
- 9
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure potatoes are squeezed very dry for the best boxty texture.
- ✓Don't overmix the boxty batter, as this can make it tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add some cooked, crumbled black pudding to the cabbage and bacon mixture.
- Use a mix of cheddar and Gruyere cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use sautéed mushrooms and leeks instead.