Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is a traditional British dish that makes the most of leftover vegetables, often from a Sunday roast. This dish combines mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, all fried together until golden and crispy. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, Bubble, and Squeak is the perfect comfort food and a great way to reduce food waste. Whether served for breakfast or as a side dish, it’s both hearty and versatile.
What is Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak?
Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is her version of the classic British recipe that cleverly uses leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. The name comes from the sounds the dish makes as it fries in the pan—the “bubbling” and “squeaking” as the potatoes and veggies crisp up. It’s a rustic, comforting dish that’s quick to make and loved by many.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Great use of leftovers: This dish is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables.
- Quick and easy: It’s a simple recipe that takes only minutes to prepare.
- Crispy and comforting: The crispy edges combined with the soft vegetables make it a truly satisfying meal.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite vegetables or customize it to suit what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect side dish: Works beautifully alongside roast meats or as part of a full English breakfast.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Mashed potatoes (500g, leftover or freshly made): The base of the dish.
- Cooked vegetables (400g, chopped): Leftover cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any other vegetables.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For frying the mixture and adding a rich flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): To prevent the butter from burning and help crisp up the edges.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Optional: Add a few slices of cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet for cooking
- Spatula for flipping the Bubble and Squeak
- Mixing bowl for combining the ingredients
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes and vegetables
- If using leftover mashed potatoes, bring them to room temperature.
- Chop your cooked vegetables into small pieces to ensure even frying.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Heat the butter and oil
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Swirl the pan to ensure the butter and oil coat the bottom evenly.
Step 4: Fry the mixture
- Add the potato and vegetable mixture to the pan, pressing it down with a spatula to form a flat cake.
- Fry for 5-6 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and fry the other side
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the mixture in sections or as a whole (if you’re confident) to cook the other side.
- Fry for another 5-6 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and golden.
Step 6: Serve
- Once crispy on both sides, remove the Bubble and Squeak from the pan.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as part of a breakfast with fried eggs and sausages.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Fried eggs: Serve with a sunny-side-up or poached egg for a complete breakfast.
- Roast meats: Bubble and Squeak pairs perfectly with roast chicken, beef, or pork.
- Sausages: It makes a hearty accompaniment to sausages, especially for breakfast or brunch.
- Pickles: Add a side of pickles or chutney to balance the richness of the dish.
- Gravy: Pour over some leftover gravy for a truly indulgent meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If making a large batch, fry it in smaller portions to get a crispy texture.
- Press down firmly: Flatten the mixture in the pan to help it form a nice crust on both sides.
- Use day-old mashed potatoes: Leftover, slightly drier mashed potatoes work best as they hold their shape better.
- Add meat: For a heartier version, add chopped bacon or ham to the mix.
- Flip carefully: If flipping the whole mixture feels tricky, you can flip it in sections to avoid breaking it.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Add cheese: Stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy version.
- Vegetarian option: Keep it simple with just vegetables and potatoes for a lighter dish.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a little heat.
- Herb infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give the dish a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Root vegetables: Use leftover sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for added sweetness and variety.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Bubble and Squeak can be frozen in portions. Reheat in the oven or in a pan until warmed through.
- Reheat once: Reheat in a frying pan to maintain its crispiness.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Oven method: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop method: Fry the leftovers in a pan over medium heat until crispy and hot.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak Healthier?
- Use olive oil: Swap the butter for olive oil to make it lighter.
- Add greens: Stir in extra leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
- Skip the bacon: For a lighter version, leave out any added meats.
- Reduce salt: Be mindful of the salt content if adding bacon or other salty ingredients.
- Use sweet potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Can I make Bubble and Squeak with fresh vegetables instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can make Bubble and Squeak with fresh vegetables. Simply boil or steam your choice of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, and mix them with freshly made mashed potatoes before frying.
How do I get my Bubble and Squeak crispy?
To get a crispy Bubble and Squeak, press the mixture firmly into the pan and cook over medium heat without disturbing it for 5-6 minutes. Flip carefully to crisp the other side, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping.
Can I freeze Bubble and Squeak?
Yes, you can freeze Bubble and Squeak. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Reheat it in a frying pan or oven to restore the crispiness when ready to serve.
What vegetables can I use for Bubble and Squeak?
You can use a variety of vegetables in Bubble and Squeak, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, or any leftover roasted vegetables. The dish is versatile and works with most cooked vegetables.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is a delicious and resourceful dish that turns simple leftovers into something special. With its crispy edges and hearty flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish. This classic recipe not only reduces waste but also offers a comforting and satisfying meal.
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- Jamie Oliver Turkey and Leek Pie
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Mary Berry Bubble And Squeak
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Bubble and Squeak is her version of the classic British recipe that cleverly uses leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. The name comes from the sounds the dish makes as it fries in the pan—the “bubbling” and “squeaking” as the potatoes and veggies crisp up. It’s a rustic, comforting dish that’s quick to make and loved by many.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes (500g, leftover or freshly made): The base of the dish.
- Cooked vegetables (400g, chopped): Leftover cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any other vegetables.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For frying the mixture and adding a rich flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): To prevent the butter from burning and help crisp up the edges.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Optional: Add a few slices of cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes and vegetables
- If using leftover mashed potatoes, bring them to room temperature.
- Chop your cooked vegetables into small pieces to ensure even frying.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Heat the butter and oil
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Swirl the pan to ensure the butter and oil coat the bottom evenly.
Step 4: Fry the mixture
- Add the potato and vegetable mixture to the pan, pressing it down with a spatula to form a flat cake.
- Fry for 5-6 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and fry the other side
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the mixture in sections or as a whole (if you’re confident) to cook the other side.
- Fry for another 5-6 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and golden.
Step 6: Serve
- Once crispy on both sides, remove the Bubble and Squeak from the pan.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as part of a breakfast with fried eggs and bacon.
