Classic Bubble and Squeak: Traditional Irish Breakfast Recipe

As a child I loved when my grandma made Bubble & Squeak for breakfast. The playful name suits this hearty skillet — pure comfort food. In our family it’s a tradition to serve it the morning after a roast or boiled dinner.

Packed with vegetables, this breakfast skillet is budget-friendly and appeals to both adults and children. The dish dates back centuries and has remained a dependable favorite in home cooking.

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Recipes like this remind us how easily leftovers can be transformed into something delicious and memorable.

The Origins of Bubble & Squeak

Bubble & Squeak originated in Ireland and became a staple in England as a way to avoid food waste. Leftover potatoes and vegetables were shredded and mixed with bits of roast, then fried to a crisp in a cast iron skillet. It’s often served with eggs but is equally satisfying on its own.

My Lower Carb Recipe for Bubble & Squeak

For this version I used my Irish Colcannon as the base, added shredded Brussels sprouts and leftover corned beef, and topped it with a fried egg. My husband loved it and asked me to make it more often — he prefers comforting, familiar dishes over anything too fancy.

This hearty dish works well for people managing blood sugar: the carbohydrates come from nutrient-dense vegetables, providing sustained energy without a sharp spike. It’s filling and keeps you satisfied for hours.

Bubble & Squeak fits nicely into a Trim Healthy Mama style of eating and requires no special ingredients, so you can easily find everything at a local grocery store.

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Bubble & Squeak Recipe

Bubble & Squeak
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Irish
Author: Judy
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
A traditional Irish and British skillet breakfast that uses leftovers from a roast beef or corned beef dinner.
Ingredients
  • Irish Colcannon (use your preferred recipe)
  • 1 cup cooked Brussels sprouts, shredded
  • 4 ounces cooked corned beef brisket, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
  1. Shred the Brussels sprouts and corned beef.
  2. Combine the shredded greens and meat with the Colcannon until evenly mixed.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mixture, pressing and spreading it to form a layer about 1/2 to 1 inch thick that reaches edge to edge.
  4. Fry until a crisp, golden crust forms on the bottom, then invert onto a serving platter to crisp the other side if desired.
  5. Serve with fried eggs or on its own as a satisfying breakfast or dinner.
Serving size: 1 cup Calories: 217 Fat: 16g Carbohydrates: 15g Sodium: 761mg Fiber: 4g Protein: 7g Cholesterol: 53mg
Notes
This is a forgiving recipe — measurements can be adjusted. You can substitute or combine cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts for the greens, or omit one if you prefer. The important thing is that the mash holds together so it can form a crisp, sliceable cake in the pan.
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