Traditional Bubble and Squeak Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Traditional Bubble and Squeak Dish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 pound mashed potatoes, about 2 cups; 1 cup leftover vegetables (e.g., cabbage, kale, peas, cooked swede, cooked carrots, and/or cooked Brussels sprouts), finely chopped; Optional: bacon, leftover roast, bangers, and/or ham, chopped; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: fried or poached eggs, for serving

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Total: 20 mins

Servings: 2 to 4 servings

editor badge

336 ratings

Write a Review

Add a comment

Bubble and squeak is a quirky name for a dish that is mostly fried leftover vegetables, usually from Sunday lunch—making it popular for Monday lunch or dinner. It's also a popular British appetizer.

overhead shot of Traditional bubble and squeak with an egg on a blue-green plate — The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of foodborne illness.

In Ireland, colcannon is made from mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, and onion, and it's very similar to bubble and squeak, as is rumbledethumps in Scotland.

Traditionally, bubble and squeak will be eaten on a Monday for lunch or dinner, sometimes with a fried egg on top, and can include a little bacon or leftover meat from the day before. It makes a nice side dish for a meaty dinner, too. There are no hard-and-fast rules for this recipe except for mashed potatoes—it's the "glue" that holds the dish together. Use bubble and squeak as a way to use up whatever you have left from dinner and transform it into something delicious.

Why Is It Called Bubble and Squeak?

The origins of the name bubble and squeak are not known, but there is a reference in the "Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" from 1785: "Bubble and squeak is beef and cabbage fried together. It is so-called from its bubbling up and squeaking while over the fire."

Tip for Making Bubble And Squeak Recipe

A good base of leftover mashed potatoes should help to keep your bubble and squeak glued together. If the mixture is a little loose and falling apart, try adding a sprinkle or two of flour.

What You'll Need To Make This Bubble And Squeak Recipe

A Sturdy Pan

A Reliable Spatula

A Measuring Cup

"This bubble and squeak recipe was an easy preparation with leftover potatoes and cabbage, and the flavor was excellent. I added cooked carrots to the mixture, but other leftover vegetables may be used. Or, it could be made with potatoes and cabbage alone. It was delicious, and a great way to use leftovers." —Diana Rattray

Traditional Bubble and Squeak Dish on a plate with fork

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, or vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 pound mashed potatoes, about 2 cups
1 cup leftover vegetables (cabbage, kale, peas, cooked swede, cooked carrots, and/or cooked Brussels sprouts), finely chopped
Bacon, leftover roast, bangers, and/or ham, chopped, optional
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fried or poached eggs, for serving, optional

Gather the ingredients.

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
In a large frying pan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegetable oil) over medium heat and make sure it doesn't brown. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and fry gently for about 3 minutes or until soft and translucent.

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
Turn the heat up ever so slightly and add 1 pound mashed potatoes (about 2 cups) and 1 cup leftover vegetables (finely chopped). Add chopped meat if using. Fry for at least 10 minutes, turning everything over continuously in the melted butter to ensure that the potato and vegetables are thoroughly reheated. You are also aiming to brown (but not burn) the outside edges of the vegetables, so occasionally press the mixture into the pan to brown a little before turning.

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
Finally, when the mixture is heated right through, give the vegetables one long final press onto the base of the pan with a spatula and leave to cook for 1 minute. Flip over and repeat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
Serve with either a fried or poached egg on top. Enjoy.

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

How To Store and Freeze Bubble and Squeak

Store leftover bubble and squeak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Leftovers can be stored for longer in a heavy-duty zip-top bag in the freezer. Squeeze all of the air out and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, let defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet with a little oil until crisp and warmed through.

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

Make bubble and squeak patties. Mix the potato and vegetables, form into small patties, and fry until crisp on both sides.

22 Iconic British and Irish Potato Recipes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
306	Calories
22g	Fat
25g	Carbs
3g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories	306
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g	28%
Saturated Fat 12g	58%
Cholesterol 47mg	16%
Sodium 470mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate 25g	9%
Dietary Fiber 3g	12%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 24mg	121%
Calcium 50mg	4%
Iron 1mg	3%
Potassium 504mg	11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.