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

Why is it called a bubble and squeak? ›

The dish's name supposedly derives from the noises made when the ingredients are fried. Similar dishes, also based on fried vegetables, include colcannon (Ireland) and rumbledethumps (Scotland).

What does bubble and squeak mean in slang? ›

chatter, small talk [bubble (and squeak) v.].

Do they have bubble and squeak in America? ›

Outside Britain

Bubble and squeak is familiar in Australia; a 1969 recipe adds peas and pumpkin to the basic mix. 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 is bubble and squeak referring to? ›

bubble and squeak in British English

noun. (in Britain and Australia) a dish of leftover boiled cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes cooked meat fried together. Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. Word origin.

Is bubble and squeak part of an English breakfast? ›

The Full English Breakfast (AKA The Fry Up)

The 'common' full English breakfast is a substantial meal consisting of back bacon, eggs, British sausage, baked beans, bubble and squeak, fried tomato, fried mushrooms, black pudding, with fried and toasted bread on the side.

What is the difference between colcannon and bubble and squeak? ›

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.

Is bubble and squeak Irish or English? ›

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.

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.

What to 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.

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.

Is bubble and squeak a northern dish? ›

Bubble & Squeak is a British recipe apparently originating since the 18th century as a 'peasant dish' using up leftover roast or mashed vegetables, mainly potatoes, mixed with other vegetables (traditionally cabbage) and frying them into a 'crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside' fritter meets hash brown kind of ...

Does Aldi sell bubble and squeak? ›

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

Why do we call it a bubble? ›

The word was first used in its economic sense in association with the collapse of the South Sea Company in 1720, based on the metaphor of an inflated soap bubble bursting.

Why is bubble called bubble? ›

The original beverage was called pearl milk tea. It was made with tapioca pearls, which became known as boba, or bubbles in Mandarin Chinese.

Why is it called a bubble? ›

Origin of term

The term "bubble", in reference to financial crisis, originated in the 1711–1720 British South Sea Bubble, and originally referred to the companies themselves, and their inflated stock, rather than to the crisis itself.

What does bubble mean slang? ›

Having a bubble, is co*ckney rhyming slang for having a laugh/joke/good time. Stems from bubble bath = laugh.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5377

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1992-10-31

Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

Phone: +6111989609516

Job: Chief Farming Manager

Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.