Bubble and squeak is one of those recipes that exists because someone looked at leftovers and said, “We’re not wasting this.” I respect that energy deeply.
The first time I made this, it was the day after a big roast dinner. I had potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and zero motivation to cook anything new.
I mashed everything together, fried it up, and accidentally made something better than the original meal.
That’s when I realized bubble and squeak isn’t a recipe so much as a second chance.
It’s humble food. No tricks. No pretending. Just mashed leftovers getting crispy and cozy, which honestly feels like a life lesson.
Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)
- Leftovers magic: It turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s win.
- Comfort food royalty: Warm, buttery, and deeply familiar.
- Cheap and filling: Feeds people without draining wallets.
- Hard to mess up: Mash, season, cook. That’s it.
- Crispy top joy: That golden cheese moment never disappoints.
- Flexible: Use what you’ve got, always.
- Feels nostalgic: Even if you didn’t grow up with it.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Dry the potatoes: Extra moisture makes sad mash.
- Season generously: Potatoes need confidence.
- Don’t rush the crisping: Golden takes patience.
- Use real butter: This is not the time to be shy.
- Cheese on top matters: It adds crunch and comfort.
- Leftovers work best: Cold mash holds together better.
- Check the middle: Hot all the way through is the goal.
Variations You Can Mess Around With
- Extra Cheesy: Add cheese inside and on top.
- Onion Upgrade: Sauté onions and mix them in.
- Bacon Energy: Crispy bacon bits never hurt.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of mustard or pepper flakes.
- Pan-Fried Version: Fry patties instead of baking.
- Different Veg: Leeks, peas, or Brussels sprouts work.
- Vegan Route: Olive oil and dairy-free cheese still deliver.
How To Make Bubble and Squeak?
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into 4 cm cubes
- 1/2 Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
- 400 g (1 lb) carrots, peeled and sliced
- 50 g (2 oz) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 50 g (2 oz) cheese
Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Add the carrots and cabbage and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until everything is tender.
Step 3:
Preheat the grill to medium.
Step 4:
Drain the vegetables well, then return them to the saucepan. Place the pan back on the heat for about 1 minute to cook off any excess moisture.
Step 5:
Mash everything together with the butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 6:
Grease a grill-proof dish with the sunflower oil and spoon in the mash, smoothing the top.
Step 7:
Sprinkle the cheese over the top and place under the grill for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Leftover Method Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
Mash your cold, cooked potatoes and vegetables together with butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3:
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for about 30 minutes until hot all the way through.
Bubble and Squeak Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the carrots and cabbage and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until everything is tender.
- Preheat the grill to medium.
- Drain the vegetables well, then return them to the saucepan. Place the pan back on the heat for about 1 minute to cook off any excess moisture.
- Mash everything together with the butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Grease a grill-proof dish with the sunflower oil and spoon in the mash, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top and place under the grill for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Mash your cold, cooked potatoes and vegetables together with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for about 30 minutes until hot all the way through.
Notes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 406 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54 gm |
| Fat | 18 gm |
| Protein | 09 gm |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
How I Like to Serve This
- As a main: With a fried egg on top.
- As a side: Perfect next to sausages.
- Brunch energy: Crispy edges, runny yolk.
- Cold weather dinner: When comfort matters.
- Straight from the dish: Standing at the counter.
- With gravy: Because obviously.
Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts
- Fridge friendly: Keeps for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Oven or pan for best texture.
- Microwave note: Works, but loses crisp.
- Freezing: Possible, but texture softens.
- Next-day flavor: Even better and more cohesive.
- Crisp revival: A quick pan fry fixes everything.
FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)
Is bubble and squeak supposed to be mashed?
Yes. That’s the whole point.
Can I fry it instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Frying is very traditional.
Do I need cheese?
No, but it helps morale.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but use what you like.
Can I add meat?
Sure. Bacon or leftover roast works well.
Why is it called bubble and squeak?
Because it literally bubbles and squeaks while cooking.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Swap butter and cheese for plant-based versions.
