Meet Bubble and Squeak: The Cheap British Potato Recipe That's Almost 300 Years Old
Plus, it's a great way to use up leftovers.
Allrecipes / Karen Hibbard
We love experimenting in the kitchen here at Allrecipes. Nothing excites us more than creating new and exciting recipes that shake up tired routines. But, of course, there’s something to be said for dishes that have graced dinner tables for years (centuries, even). If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—right?
That brings us to why we’re here. Bubble and squeak is a hearty, one-pan recipe that makes the most of potatoes, cabbage, and pork. The nearly 300-year-old British favorite might have a funny name, but it’s seriously delicious. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Bubble and Squeak?
Bubble and squeak is a fried British dish made with potatoes and cabbage that’s quite similar to the Irish colcannon. Bubble and squeak, which often contains meat such as ham or bacon, is traditionally made on Monday with the leftovers from Sunday's dinner or the day after holidays like Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day.
The recipe was first referenced in 1762, but it likely existed before that. Considered a "peasant dish" because of its budget-friendly and accessible ingredients, bubble and squeak is easy to tweak with whatever you have on hand.
Allrecipes / Karen Hibbard
Why Is It Called Bubble and Squeak?
The name "bubble and squeak" likely comes from the noises the ingredients make when they are fried together in a pan. Since cabbage contains a lot of water, it tends to make "bubbly" noises as it wilts and cooks.
How to Make Bubble and Squeak
Cook and drain the cabbage and cook the bacon with the onions. Add the remaining ingredients, then return the cabbage to the pan. Cook it until browned on the bottom, flip, and brown the other side. That’s all there is to it!
Allrecipes / Karen Hibbard
What the Allrecipes Community Has to Say
“I have long wanted to try Bubble and Squeak, being fascinated by all things across the pond. This morning I realized I had all ingredients on hand, so I dug out my cast iron skillet and had a proper fry up! It was great! Tender and browned to perfection. This may have been the first time I made this dish but it certainly won't be the last!” —flowergirl
“My family loved this. Even my husband who does not like cabbage. He even had seconds and took leftovers to work.” —Jennifer M
“My boyfriend says this reminds him of home in England. I had never heard of Bubble and Squeak until his family introduced it to me, and thought I just had to give it a try. It's now one of my ultimate comfort foods, and makes a delicious meal for lunch or dinner.” —Chels
So keep those leftover potatoes handy. A centuries-old recipe is certainly worth a try.
Get the recipe: Bubble and Squeak
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