Crispy & Classic Bubble and Squeak
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most comforting—and Bubble and Squeak is proof. This traditional British recipe takes humble leftovers and turns them into a crispy, golden skillet of savory perfection. With mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onion pan-fried in butter and oil until browned and crisp, it’s an easy, satisfying way to give life to yesterday’s sides.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this Bubble and Squeak is a delicious nod to kitchen thrift and full-flavored cooking.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
Bubble and Squeak is all about simplicity, texture, and comfort. It’s a no-fuss way to reduce food waste while creating something new and totally crave-worthy. The outer crust gets golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and savory.
It’s endlessly customizable—you can toss in carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even peas. And because it’s made with everyday ingredients, it’s perfect when your fridge is running low but your appetite is big.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1½ cups cooked cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
🔪 Directions
1️⃣ Sauté the Onion:
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
2️⃣ Combine the Ingredients:
Add mashed potatoes, cabbage, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix everything together.
3️⃣ Press and Crisp:
Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and press it down with a spatula. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.
4️⃣ Flip and Finish:
Flip in sections or large pieces (rustic is fine!) and cook for another 5 minutes until browned on the other side.
5️⃣ Serve Hot:
Slice or scoop onto plates and serve immediately—crispy, golden, and satisfying!
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
🧄 Tips & Variations
- Add More Veggies: Toss in leftover Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, or peas.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of whole grain mustard.
- Go Vegan: Use plant-based butter and oil only.
- Make It Mini: Form into patties for individual portions and crisp each side.
🍽️ What to Serve With
This dish shines as a side or even a main. Here are some favorite pairings:
- Easy Turkey Wings – savory and saucy with a crisp potato base
- Baked Kosher Salami – easy, salty contrast to the potato goodness
- Blueberry Lemonade – cool and citrusy balance to the warm, savory skillet
- 3-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies – make-ahead breakfast to pair for brunch
- Walking Taco Bar – another fun and flexible leftover-friendly meal idea
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet to restore the crisp crust or reheat in a toaster oven.
- Freeze: Not recommended—texture may get mushy.
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✨ Final Thoughts
This Crispy & Classic Bubble and Squeak is a delicious way to honor leftovers while turning them into something entirely new. It’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and loaded with flavor and texture. The crispy crust is the showstopper—and the whole skillet never lasts long!
If you try it, tag @ChefManiac or comment below with your favorite add-ins!
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