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Classic British Bubble and Squeak

Featured in: The Stars of the Table

Easy Bubble and Squeak is a beloved British dish that transforms yesterday's mashed potatoes and vegetables into today's star meal. This simple recipe combines cold mashed potatoes with chopped leftover vegetables and fresh onions, pan-fried until golden and crispy on both sides. The magic happens when the butter and oil create a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. It's the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating a satisfying meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. The versatility of this dish means you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, though traditionally cabbage is the go-to choice. A cast-iron skillet will give you the best results, creating that coveted crispy crust that makes this dish so special.
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Updated on Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:45:02 GMT
A plate of food with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Pin it
A plate of food with a variety of vegetables and herbs. | tasteofcook.com

Transform humble leftovers into a golden, crispy delight with this classic British Bubble and Squeak. Every bite delivers a perfect combination of creamy mashed potatoes and tender vegetables, all wrapped in a beautifully crispy crust that makes this dish an instant family favorite. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical that works for any meal of the day.

The first time I made Bubble and Squeak, it was a desperate attempt to use up Christmas dinner leftovers. Now it's become our favorite weekend breakfast tradition, with my family gathering around the stove to watch the golden crust form and listen to the distinctive bubbling and squeaking that gives this dish its charming name.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Mashed Potatoes: Serve as a creamy, starchy base that binds all ingredients together for a smooth texture.
  • Leftover Vegetables: Add depth, flavor, and nutritional value, making the dish hearty and well-balanced.
  • Fresh Onions: Provide a sharp, savory bite that enhances the overall taste and aroma.
  • Butter: Ensures a rich, golden crust that adds a crispy contrast to the soft interior.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning, ensuring even cooking and a perfect finish.

Creating Your Dish

Combining Elements:
Mix your mashed potatoes with chopped vegetables and onions, ensuring even distribution. The potatoes should bind everything together while letting each vegetable maintain its distinct texture.
Building Layers:
Heat your pan until the butter and oil create a shimmering surface. Spread your mixture evenly, pressing down gently to create good contact with the pan. Listen for the characteristic sizzle that signals the beginning of that perfect crust.
Achieving Golden Perfection:
Let patience be your guide as the bottom transforms into a beautiful golden brown. Resist the urge to peek too often—giving it time is key to achieving that sought-after crispy texture.
Creating the Flip:
Carefully turn your creation to brown the other side. Whether you flip it whole or in sections, the goal is maintaining that precious golden crust you've worked so hard to achieve.
Two pieces of fried potatoes with herbs on a plate. Pin it
Two pieces of fried potatoes with herbs on a plate. | tasteofcook.com

After years of perfecting this dish, I've discovered that slightly dried-out mashed potatoes actually work better than fresh ones. They create a firmer texture that holds together beautifully while developing that coveted crispy exterior my family fights over.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your Bubble and Squeak into a complete meal by serving it with perfectly poached eggs, their golden yolks creating a luxurious sauce. For a traditional British breakfast, add crispy bacon and baked beans. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar and a drizzle of brown gravy transforms it into a comforting dinner.

Make It Your Own

Adapt this versatile dish to your taste by incorporating different ingredients. Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Mix in shredded cheese for extra richness. Create a vegetarian version with roasted mushrooms and leeks. Every combination brings its own unique character to this adaptable recipe.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftover Bubble and Squeak in an airtight container where it keeps well for three days. Reheat in a hot skillet to revive the crispy exterior. For busy weeks, freeze individual portions and reheat straight from frozen in a pan with a bit of butter.

Morning Magic

Transform your breakfast routine by preparing the mixture the night before. Come morning, all you need is a hot pan and a few minutes to create a delicious start to your day. Top with a fried egg and watch the yolk create a golden sauce.

Wholesome Comfort

This humble dish proves that leftovers can become something extraordinary. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior, making it a satisfying meal any time of day.

Two pieces of bread with sauce on a plate. Pin it
Two pieces of bread with sauce on a plate. | tasteofcook.com

After countless mornings making Bubble and Squeak, I've learned it's more than just a recipe for using leftovers—it's a celebration of resourceful cooking that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served at breakfast with eggs or as a cozy dinner side, this versatile dish proves that sometimes the best meals come from making the most of what you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Bubble and Squeak with fresh vegetables instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you'll need to cook them first. Boil or steam them until tender before mixing with mashed potatoes.
→ Why is it called Bubble and Squeak?
The name comes from the cooking sounds - the bubbling and squeaking noises the vegetables make while frying in the pan.
→ What's the best pan to use for Bubble and Squeak?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal as it creates the best crispy crust, but any heavy-bottomed non-stick frying pan will work well.
→ How do I store leftover Bubble and Squeak?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a frying pan to restore the crispy texture.
→ What can I serve with Bubble and Squeak?
It's great for breakfast with fried eggs, as a side dish with roast dinner, or as a main course with baked beans or gravy.

Classic British Bubble and Squeak

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a golden-crispy Easy Bubble and Squeak, a beloved British dish that's both comforting and delicious.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the base

01 Day-old mashed potatoes, about 2 generous cups
02 Any leftover cooked veggies you have on hand (cabbage, carrots, peas, or Brussels sprouts work beautifully), roughly chopped to make 1 cup
03 Fresh onion, finely diced, about 1/2 cup

→ For frying

04 Good quality butter, 2 tablespoons
05 Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
06 A generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together your cold mashed potatoes, chopped leftover vegetables, and the freshly diced onion until everything's well combined.

Step 02

Place your pan over medium heat and add both the butter and olive oil. Let them melt together until the pan is nice and hot.

Step 03

Tip your potato mixture into the hot pan, spreading it out into an even layer. Let it sizzle away for about 10-15 minutes until you've got a beautiful golden-brown crust on the bottom.

Step 04

Once the bottom is crispy, carefully flip the mixture over (don't worry if it breaks a bit - that's part of its rustic charm!) and cook the other side for another 5-10 minutes until you've got crispy goodness all over.

Step 05

Give it a taste, add a bit more salt and pepper if needed, and serve it up while it's hot and crispy!

Notes

  1. This classic British dish is the perfect way to transform leftover vegetables and mashed potatoes into something incredibly delicious
  2. Traditional recipes often use leftover cabbage, but feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand
  3. For the best crispy exterior, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works wonders

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large frying pan or cast-iron skillet
  • Sturdy spatula for flipping