Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting British dish made by pan-frying leftover cabbage and potatoes until golden and crisp, perfect for breakfast or a side. This british-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes combines diced cooked potatoes, chopped cooked cabbage, unsalted butter into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 British cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups diced cooked potatoes and 2 cups chopped cooked cabbage to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Press the mixture down with a spatula and cook undisturbed for 7 minutes until the bottom forms a golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the mixture in sections and cook for another 5 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy. Serve hot as a hearty breakfast or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Traditional British Bubble and Squeak with Cabbage and Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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