Bubble and Squeak (2024)

"Bubble and squeak" might have a funny name, but this British dish is seriously delicious. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftovers!

What Is Bubble and Squeak?

Bubble and squeak is a fried British dish made with potatoes and cabbage. It'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 on Boxing Day with leftovers from the Christmas feast. It is sometimes topped with a fried egg.

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

You'll find the full, step-by-step instructions below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this bubble and squeak recipe:

1. Cook and drain the cabbage.
2. Cook the bacon and onion.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and return the cabbage to the pan.
4. Cook it until browned on the bottom, flip, and brown the other side.

How to Store Bubble and Squeak

Store your leftover bubble and squeak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You can freeze bubble and squeak for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I thought it was fantastic," raves Autumneyes. "Next time we will add a little garlic powder and use red potatoes instead of russets, but that is it."

"Gave me something to do with Thanksgiving leftovers," according to Pam Funk. "This recipe will definitely stay in my bag of tricks for future meals!"

"I threw this together and loved it," says CORITA. "Used thick-sliced pepper bacon and drained off some of the grease. Gave it just a touch of heat. It was quick, easy, and delish. Will definitely make it again."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Bubble and Squeak (2024)

FAQs

What is bubble and squeak made of? ›

Bubble and squeak is a fried British dish made with potatoes and cabbage. It'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 on Boxing Day with leftovers from the Christmas feast.

What does the British term "bubble and squeak" mean? ›

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."

Do they have bubble and squeak in America? ›

The dish is not common in the US but is not unknown; an American recipe from 1913 resembles Rundell's version, with the addition of a border of mashed potato.

What's the difference between bubble and squeak and Colcannon? ›

Colcannon is mashed potatoes and chopped cabbage and usually chopped ham or bacon. Bubble and squeak is mashed leftover potatoes and chopped cabbage mixed up and fried as single round cake, and then sliced and served usually at breakfast.

What do you serve with bubble and squeak? ›

A great leftover recipe that can be made with any vegetable leftovers. Serve with a poached, fried or scrambled egg and crispy bacon or with poached smoked haddock fillets or grilled trout. Pop them in the freezer at the end of step 4 for a delicious snack on another day.

Is bubble and squeak part of an English breakfast? ›

This is a traditional post-Christmas breakfast dish - but don't wait until then to make this. Excellent if served as part of an English breakfast with bacon and eggs, or as a light supper dish."

What does bubble mean in co*ckney? ›

'Having a bubble means to have a laugh and I think it's co*ckney rhyming slang for having a bubble bath'

What is a bubble in co*ckney slang? ›

Bubble Bath = Laugh

You're having a bubble.” This is one of the most common phrases, and it's spoken across the UK. It's used to express disbelief or a flat out refusal to do something.

Does Aldi sell bubble and squeak? ›

For a full review of Bubble 'N Squeak from Aldi click here.

Why does my bubble and squeak fall apart? ›

Use a floury potato for the mash. The potatoes and vegetables need to be very well drained and the potatoes roughly mashed. Do not add milk etc., if there is too much moisture then the bubble & squeak patties will break apart.

Who invented bubble and squeak? ›

The first recorded mention of the dish can be found in the 1806 cookbook, "A New System of Domestic Cookery," by Maria Eliza Rundell. Her exceedingly simple recipe includes only five ingredients (beef, cabbage, salt, pepper, and butter) and no measurements.

How long does bubble and squeak last? ›

How long will it keep? Leftover mashed potato and vegetables will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Once you have made the Bubble & Squeak you can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I would then eat them the next day.

Why are mashed potatoes called champ? ›

Champ is popular in Ulster, whilst colcannon is more so in the other three provinces of Ireland. It was customary to make champ with the first new potatoes harvested. The word champ has also been adopted into the popular Hiberno-English phrases, to be "as thick as champ", meaning to be stupid, ill-tempered or sullen.

What's the difference between mash and champ? ›

Both Irish dishes, Champ is mashed potatoes with chopped spring onions (scallions) and milk. Colcannon is Champ with the addition of cabbage and sometimes some herbs.

What is the name of the dish similar to champ but made from kale or cabbage rather than scallions? ›

Champ and colcannon are both favorite Irish mashed potato dishes. They're very similar, though champ recipes tend to feature spring onions (scallions) alone, while colcannon adds cabbage, kale, or leeks.

Does bubble and squeak have meat? ›

Bubble and Squeak dates back to the 18th century in England and is probably the most famous dish for being made out of leftovers. It started out with cooked beef in its ingredients, but during Second World War rationing it became more common to just have the mashed vegetables.

Does bubble and squeak contain egg? ›

Add the beaten egg to the mashed potato, then mix in the cabbage, spring onions and bacon with the pan juices. Season. Melt the rest of the butter and oil in the frying pan and swirl to cover the surface. Add the potato mixture and level the top, pressing it down lightly.

Can you buy frozen bubble and squeak? ›

M&S Bubble & Squeak Cakes Frozen 500g.

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