Bubble and Squeak Recipe: Ah, Bubble and Squeak—a name that makes you smile before you even take your first bite. This classic British comfort food is as charming as it is tasty. Imagine a crispy, golden-brown patty made with leftover vegetables and mashed potatoes, fried up until the edges are deliciously crunchy and the inside is warm, soft, and full of savory goodness.
Historically, it was a Monday staple in many British homes, where the Sunday roast leftovers were magically transformed into something entirely new and exciting. But nowadays, Bubble and Squeak isn’t just for leftovers—many make it from scratch just for the love of it. It’s perfect as a breakfast item, a hearty brunch, or a side dish for dinner.
Whether you’re new to the dish or want to perfect your go-to recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the ingredients to the frying pan, we’re going step by step to make sure your Bubble and Squeak is nothing short of amazing.
So, roll up your sleeves, heat up the pan, and let’s dive into making one of the UK’s most beloved traditional dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make an amazing Bubble and Squeak, you don’t need a pantry full of rare items—just a handful of simple, humble ingredients. What makes this dish shine isn’t fancy elements, but the way they all come together to create a flavor-packed experience.
Basic Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers)
- 1 ½ cups cooked cabbage (savoy or green works best)
- 1 cup cooked carrots (optional but adds sweetness and color)
- ½ cup chopped cooked Brussels sprouts (optional)
- 1 medium onion (chopped and sautéed for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)
Now, this is the base recipe. But the beautiful thing about Bubble and Squeak? You can make it your own.
Optional Add-Ins:
Want to elevate the dish a bit? Try these:
- Chopped cooked bacon – Smoky, salty goodness.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar works wonders.
- Peas, leeks, or parsnips – Any leftover veg is fair game.
- Chopped fresh herbs – Parsley or thyme for freshness.
- Eggs – Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Fresh vs. Leftover Ingredients
While the traditional recipe relies on leftovers (and tastes brilliant that way), you can absolutely make it from scratch. Just boil or steam your vegetables, mash the potatoes, and go from there. The flavor will still be top-tier.
And remember: the quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final dish. Use real butter, season well, and don’t skimp on crisping it up in the pan. That golden crust? It’s everything.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Bubble and Squeak doesn’t require high-end kitchen gadgets or complicated tools. In fact, you probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.
Essential Equipment:
- Large frying pan or skillet – Preferably non-stick or cast iron for that golden crust.
- Spatula – A flat metal or silicone one works best for flipping.
- Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients easily.
- Potato masher – If you’re making mash from scratch.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping your veggies.
- Wooden spoon – For sautéing the onions and mixing.
Pro Tip:
Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. It distributes heat evenly and helps form that unbeatable crust without burning the inside. Also, make sure your ingredients aren’t too wet—too much moisture will stop it from crisping up.
How to Make Bubble and Squeak (Step-by-Step Guide)
This is where the magic happens. Let’s walk through every step to ensure you end up with crispy, golden perfection. Whether you’re using leftovers or making it all fresh, this method works like a charm.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by collecting everything you need. If you’re using leftovers, ensure they’re not too cold—room temperature helps things combine more easily. If making from scratch, cook your vegetables first and let them cool slightly before mixing.
Make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t overly creamy or runny. They should be on the firmer side so the final mixture holds together better in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
If your veggies are already cooked, you’re halfway there. If not, steam or boil cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any other veg you’re using until they’re tender but not mushy. Once cooked, let them drain and cool.
Chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures the mix is well-combined and you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Mash your potatoes until smooth, but don’t go overboard. You want them to be fluffy but still have a bit of texture. Avoid adding too much milk or cream—it can make the mixture too soft to hold its shape when frying.
If using leftover mashed potatoes, just bring them to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave to make mixing easier.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Now comes the fun part. In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed potatoes and chopped vegetables. Toss in the sautéed onions, a pinch of salt, some black pepper, and any herbs or extras you’re using (like cheese or bacon).
Use a spoon—or better yet, your hands—to mix everything thoroughly. You’re looking for a chunky, well-combined mixture. Don’t over-mix, or it’ll become gluey.
Step 5: Shape Into Patties or Leave Rustic
This step is all about preference. Some people love shaping the mix into thick patties—great for presentation and crisping. Others just press it into the skillet in one big rustic cake and slice it up later.
For patties: Scoop out handfuls of the mix, shape into ½-inch thick discs, and set aside on a plate. You can chill them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes if you want them to firm up even more before frying.
For a rustic cake: Simply press the mixture into the pan like one big hash, and let it cook undisturbed.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties or rustic cake to the pan.
For patties: Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
For a large cake: Let it fry for 6–8 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Then, flip it—carefully! You can do this in sections or slide it onto a plate and invert back into the pan.
Patience is key here. Resist the urge to flip too early. Let the crust form properly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is golden and hot all the way through, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Now dig in! Serve hot, topped with a fried egg, a dollop of brown sauce, or alongside bacon and toast. It’s hearty, savory, and full of nostalgic flavor.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Want to make sure your Bubble and Squeak turns out perfect every single time? Let’s cover a few helpful tricks and tips.
1. Let the Mix Cool First
A warm or slightly chilled mixture holds together better when frying. If it’s too hot, the patties might fall apart. If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before frying.
2. Use the Right Fat
Butter gives that classic, rich flavor, but mixing it with a bit of oil prevents it from burning. A 50/50 blend of unsalted butter and vegetable oil works brilliantly.
3. Go Low and Slow
The crust is the best part. Cook on medium heat so it gets golden and crispy without burning. High heat might burn the outside before the inside warms through.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Frying too many patties at once drops the pan’s temperature and leads to soggy, uneven results. Give each patty some breathing room.
5. Add Cheese for Extra Crisp
A handful of grated cheddar in the mix not only adds flavor—it helps with crispiness too. As it melts and hits the pan, it caramelizes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of Bubble and Squeak is its versatility. It can be a centerpiece, a side dish, or even a breakfast hero.
Breakfast or Brunch
- Topped with a poached or fried egg
- Served alongside sausages or bacon
- Drizzle of brown sauce or ketchup on the side
Lunch or Dinner
- With roast meats (great with leftover roast beef, ham, or turkey)
- Served alongside grilled mushrooms and tomatoes
- As a side to steak and ale pie or fish
Vegan Option
- Swap butter for vegan margarine
- Add sautéed garlic mushrooms and top with avocado slices
Fancy Up Your Plate
- A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche
- Sprinkle of fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)
- A dash of hot sauce for kick
No matter how you serve it, Bubble and Squeak fits in just about anywhere—from a simple weekday dinner to a holiday brunch spread.
Leftovers & Storage
Bubble and Squeak is not just great as a meal—it’s also fantastic as leftovers, again! This dish stores and reheats surprisingly well, so don’t worry about making a big batch. In fact, it might even taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
How to Store It
If you’ve got leftover Bubble and Squeak (or intentionally made extra), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools completely before storing.
- Separate Layers: If you’ve made patties, stack them with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
Reheating Tips
Bringing Bubble and Squeak back to life is easy:
- In a Pan (Best Method): Reheat on a skillet with a bit of oil or butter over medium heat. This keeps the crispness intact and revives the original flavor.
- In the Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F and place patties on a baking tray. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In the Microwave: Use only if you’re in a rush. It softens the crust, but the flavor will still be good. Heat in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking.
Can You Freeze It?
Absolutely. Bubble and Squeak freezes well, which makes it an excellent make-ahead meal.
- Freezing Tips:
- Freeze cooked and cooled patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-fry or bake as described above.
Freezing raw mix isn’t recommended because the texture can become watery. It’s best to cook, cool, and then freeze for the best results.
Variations of Bubble and Squeak
One of the best things about this dish? You can make it a thousand different ways and never get bored. Here are some tasty twists to try when you want to shake things up:
Vegetarian & Vegan Versions
It’s already mostly plant-based, so just a few swaps make it fully vegetarian or vegan.
- For Vegetarian: Use butter and maybe add cheese or eggs on top.
- For Vegan: Use plant-based margarine or oil, skip the dairy, and throw in extras like chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for protein.
Cheesy Bubble and Squeak
Mix shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese directly into the mixture. The cheese melts while frying, giving each bite a gooey, savory hit. Top with extra cheese and grill until bubbly for a more decadent version.
Regional Twists
Different parts of the UK and beyond have put their spin on the dish:
- Scottish version: Add leftover haggis for a smoky, earthy flavor.
- Irish twist: Include colcannon or champ instead of plain mash.
- Australian version: Add pumpkin and sweet potato for a sweeter, softer twist.
- American-style: Use sweetcorn, hash browns, or even diced turkey around Thanksgiving.
Spicy Kick
If you like things hot, add a pinch of chili flakes, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the mix. Spicy Bubble and Squeak is surprisingly addictive.
Nutritional Value
While Bubble and Squeak is a comfort food, it’s also got a few hidden health perks—especially when loaded with veggies.
Typical Nutritional Breakdown (per medium serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–300 kcal |
| Protein | 4–6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25–30 g |
| Fat | 10–15 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
Key Benefits
- High in fiber from cabbage, sprouts, and potatoes.
- Low in sugar and simple carbs compared to most processed sides.
- Vegan-friendly (with minor swaps).
- Budget-friendly, nutritious use of leftovers.
Healthier Swaps
- Use sweet potatoes for more beta-carotene and lower glycemic impact.
- Swap butter for olive oil for healthier fats.
- Load up on greens like kale or spinach instead of just cabbage.
While not a low-calorie food by default, it’s a smart option when you control the ingredients—especially compared to deep-fried or processed alternatives.
FAQs about Bubble and Squeak Recipe
Let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about this beloved British dish.
1. What’s with the name “Bubble and Squeak”?
It’s all about the sound! Traditionally, the dish makes bubbling and squeaking noises as the veggies and potatoes fry in the pan. That sizzling sound gave the dish its famously quirky name.
2. Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes, and it still tastes great! To bake, preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F, place your patties or cake on a baking tray with a little oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. You won’t get the same crispiness, but it’s a healthier and hands-free alternative.
3. Is Bubble and Squeak gluten-free?
It can be! All the base ingredients—potatoes, vegetables, butter, and oil—are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any added extras like sausages, sauces, or cheese don’t contain hidden gluten.
4. What meats work well with it?
Bubble and Squeak is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:
- Sausages (Cumberland or Lincolnshire)
- Roast beef or pork
- Grilled bacon or ham
- Cold cuts from a roast dinner
It’s perfect with just about any meat or protein.
5. Can kids eat this dish?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s a great way to sneak veggies into a kid-friendly dish. Just mash everything finely so they won’t even notice the cabbage or sprouts. Add a bit of grated cheese, and they’ll love it.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Bubble and Squeak has stood the test of time—it’s comforting, easy, flexible, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re reviving your Sunday roast leftovers or cooking everything fresh from scratch, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
It’s a blank canvas for creativity. Add cheese, spice it up, go vegan, or make it meaty—there are endless ways to enjoy it. And no matter how you spin it, that crisp golden crust and soft flavorful center never disappoint.
So next time you’ve got a fridge full of veg or just want something hearty and British, whip up a batch of Bubble and Squeak. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.
