Bubble and Squeak — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

The name is the sound it makes frying, and the whole point is the crust: press the mash and cabbage flat and leave it alone on medium heat until the bottom is genuinely dark and crisp before you break it up. Stir too soon and it stays a pale, sad hash.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Mashed potatoes

Cold leftover mash binds best; fresh mash is too loose to crisp. A floury potato mashes fluffiest.

3 cups

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Cabbage or greens

Cooked cabbage, Brussels sprouts, or kale, chopped. The classic uses Sunday-roast leftovers.

2 cups

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Butter

For frying, half the flavor and the browning. A good cultured butter browns beautifully.

3 tbsp

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Onion

Softened first for sweetness through the cake. Fresh, bought local.

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryer

The Method

Soften the onionMelt butter and cook the onion until soft and golden.
Mix and pressFold the mash and greens together with the onion, season well, and press the whole lot flat into the pan.
Crust itFry on medium, undisturbed, until the underside is dark and crisp. Patience here is the entire recipe.
Flip in piecesBreak it, flip the crusted chunks, and fry the other side. Serve with a fried egg on top.

The Toolkit

Cast-iron skillet · Fish spatula · Potato masher

Straight Answers

Can you make Bubble and Squeak in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Bubble and Squeak? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Bubble and Squeak ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Bubble and Squeak gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Bubble and Squeak vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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Bubble and Squeak, and where to source it