Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma hits you first—crispy, golden-brown balls that promise cheesy garlic goodness. As I took my first bite of the copycat McGuire’s Irish Boxty, it felt like I was transported straight to a cozy Irish pub, savoring a beloved comfort food. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, these delightful treats offer a charming blend of creamy insides and crunchy outsides, making them an ideal appetizer for any gathering. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also pack a flavor punch that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you serve them with a tangy dip or enjoy them on their own, these boxties will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Are you ready to create this irresistible dish that’s sure to impress? Why is this recipe a must-try? Comfort Food Reinvented: This McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe transforms simple leftovers into crispy little bites of joy. Effortless Preparation: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have these ready in no time! Flavor Explosion: The cheesy garlic filling bursts with flavor, making each bite a delightful surprise. Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Everyone loves finger foods, and these boxties will be the star of your next gathering or game day. Versatile Dipping Options: Pair them with your favorite sauces like sour cream or homemade salsa for added flair! Try them out alongside a refreshing Raspberry Lemonade Refreshing or serve them with a hearty Pasta Salad Discover for a complete meal. McGuire’s Irish Boxty Ingredients • Get ready to whip up some magic with these delightful crispy potato balls! For the Potato Mixture Leftover Mashed Potatoes – Use cold mashed potatoes for the perfect creamy filling. Sharp Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese – Adds a melty richness; feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese. Garlic Powder – Enhances the flavor profile; fresh garlic can be used for an extra kick. Chives or Scallions – For a touch of freshness and mild onion notes; green onions make a great substitute. Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste, adjust according to preference. For Coating and Frying All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the mixture and creates a nice coating; gluten-free flour works too. Large Egg – Binds the coating to the boxty; use a flax egg for a vegan option. Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates that satisfying crunch; regular breadcrumbs are fine but panko yields a crispier texture. Oil for Frying – Crucial for achieving that golden finish; avocado or peanut oil are excellent choices. For Garnishing (optional) Fresh Parsley – Adds vibrant color and freshness to the dish. Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle brings an extra layer of cheesy goodness to the boxties. Embrace the deliciousness of this McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe and watch your family and friends gather around for more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe Step 1: Prepare the Mixture In a medium bowl, combine cold leftover mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, chives, and garlic powder, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful potato filling. This step is essential for the delightful taste that makes the McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe so appealing. Step 2: Form the Balls Using a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into 1-inch balls, rolling them gently in your hands to create a smooth shape. If the mixture feels too soft and difficult to handle, place the scooped portions in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes. This chilling step helps firm them up, making it easier to shape the perfect boxty. Step 3: Coat the Balls Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one filled with all-purpose flour, another with a beaten egg, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each potato ball in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off before rolling it in panko. This coating creates a crispy exterior when frying, crucial for the success of your McGuire’s Irish Boxty. Step 4: Fry In a small pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C), using enough oil to ensure the balls can float while frying. Carefully add the breaded boxties in batches of 3-4, cooking them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to monitor closely, as the oil temperature is key to achieving that perfect crunchy finish. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Step 5: Serve Hot Once your boxties are done frying, serve them immediately while still warm and crispy. These delightful McGuire’s Irish Boxty balls pair wonderfully with your choice of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or a herbed crema. Present them beautifully on a platter for an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. How to Store and Freeze McGuire’s Irish Boxty Fridge: Store leftover boxties in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain their flavor and texture. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked boxties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat frozen boxties, bake them in an air fryer at 375°F for 16-18 minutes until hot and crispy. This method ensures they’re just as delightful as when freshly made! Make Ahead Options These McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe copycats are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine your cold leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, chives, and seasonings, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can shape the balls and refrigerate them for up to 3 days for convenient frying later. To maintain their crispiness after frying, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze the boxties before serving rather than after cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fry them fresh, and you’ll have warm, golden-brown bites of comfort food ready to impress your family and friends! McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful alternatives to customize your boxty experience! Cheese Swap: Replace sharp cheddar with gouda or mozzarella for a creamy surprise. Each cheese adds its unique flavor while keeping that melty goodness intact. Herb Infusion: Spice things up by mixing in fresh herbs like rosemary or dill. This twist introduces a refreshing burst of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing! Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for a spicy kick. This variation brings a delightful heat that perfectly balances the creamy filling. Vegan Delight: Make these boxties plant-based by using a flax egg and omitting the cheese or adding nutritional yeast for extra flavor. You won’t miss the dairy when you take that first crunchy bite! Unexpected Fillings: Slip in some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for a meatier treat. The addition of savory bites inside creates an irresistible combination that everyone will love. Crunchier Coating: Instead of panko, try crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips for a different texture. You’ll be amazed at the extra crunch and flavor they offer! Dips Variety: Experiment with various dips like creamy ranch, spicy sriracha aioli, or a tangy yogurt sauce. Dipping can turn your boxty into a flavor adventure, making each bite unique. For a refreshing side, consider pairing them with a zingy Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade or serve alongside a hearty Pasta Salad for a complete meal experience! Expert Tips for McGuire’s Irish Boxty Cold Potatoes Required: Ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are cold. This helps in shaping the boxties and prevents them from becoming too mushy. Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for even portions to ensure uniformity in size. This leads to even cooking and a consistent texture in your McGuire’s Irish Boxty. Double Coating: For an extra crispy finish, consider dipping the coated balls back into the egg and then the panko again. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. Frying at 375°F (190°C) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior without burning. Watch the Batches: Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy boxties. Let Them Drain: After frying, allow the boxties to drain on paper towels. This helps maintain their crispiness by removing excess oil. What to Serve with McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe Enhance your meal with delightful sides and drinks that will make your boxties shine even brighter! Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These will echo the potato theme while adding a velvety texture. The contrasting textures complement the crispy boxties beautifully. Tangy Avocado Crema: A refreshing dip that adds a creamy, zesty twist. Perfect for offsetting the richness of the fried balls. Crisp Garden Salad: A bright medley of greens, cucumber, and tomatoes brings freshness and balance to the meal. The crunch and acidity uplift every bite of boxty. Garlic Butter Green Beans: These tender beans with a hint of garlic are easy to prepare and perfectly match the flavors of your boxty. They add a tender, savory note to your plate. Herbed Quinoa: Nutty and fluffy, quinoa tossed with fresh herbs adds a pleasant texture and nutritious touch. It’s a satisfying, wholesome addition to the meal. Sweet and Spicy Salsa: This flavorful salsa adds a burst of freshness and a hint of heat. Its vibrant flavors harmonize nicely with the cheesy garlic bites. Irish Craft Beer: Enjoy your boxties with a light, crisp lager or a stout that deepens the flavors. The carbonation complements the crispiness and richness of this dish. Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a silky-smooth chocolate mousse. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a delightful meal, balancing the savory elements perfectly. McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes work best for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, use cold leftover mashed potatoes. This helps create a creamy filling while ensuring easy shaping. If you don’t have leftovers, you can make fresh mashed potatoes and let them cool completely before using. How should I store leftover boxties? Store any leftover McGuire’s Irish Boxty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing the container to prevent moisture from making them soggy. Can I freeze McGuire’s Irish Boxty? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze these delightful potato balls! After frying, place the boxties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for 16-18 minutes until they are hot and crispy. What do I do if my boxties fall apart during frying? If your McGuire’s Irish Boxty mixture is too soft and falls apart, don’t worry! Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes before frying. You can also try adding a little more flour to the mixture to help bind it better. Frying in small batches will also prevent crowding, ensuring even cooking and aiding in keeping the shape. Are these boxties suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, these McGuire’s Irish Boxty are vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that any dipping sauces you choose to serve alongside them are also vegetarian. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit for 5 minutes) and ensure there are no dairy products in your cheese options. McGuire’s Irish Boxty Recipe: Crispy Potato Bliss Awaits Enjoy McGuire’s Irish Boxty—crispy potato balls filled with cheesy garlic goodness, perfect for using up leftovers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: IrishCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potato Mixture2 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes Use cold mashed potatoes1 cup Sharp Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1/4 cup Chives or Scallions Freshness and mild onion flavorto taste Salt and Pepper Adjust according to preference.For Coating and Frying1 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour works too.1 large Egg Use a flax egg for vegan option.1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs are fine but panko yields a crispier texture.as needed Oil for Frying Avocado or peanut oil are excellent choices.For Garnishing (optional)to taste Fresh Parsley Vibrant color and freshness.to taste Grated Parmesan Extra cheesy goodness. Equipment medium bowlcookie scoopshallow bowlsSmall Potslotted spoon Method Preparation StepsIn a medium bowl, combine cold leftover mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, chives, and garlic powder, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.Using a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll them gently to create a smooth shape.Set up a breading station with all-purpose flour, a beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each ball first in flour, then dip in the egg, and roll in panko.In a small pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and carefully add the breaded boxties in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.Serve the boxties immediately while still warm and crispy with your choice of dipping sauces. Nutrition Serving: 2boxtiesCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesThese boxties are perfect for gatherings, and pairs well with sour cream or salsa. For storage, keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
