Bubble and Squeak with Fried Eggs

3 July 2026

Bubble and Squeak with Fried Eggs

Bubble and squeak is the king of leftovers cooking. Named after the sound it makes in the pan, it turns yesterday’s potatoes and cabbage into something crispy, golden and genuinely delicious. At 53p a portion it is one of the cheapest proper meals you can make and it honestly tastes better than the original dinner. The trick is getting a good crust on each side – patience and a hot pan are all you need. A runny fried egg on top turns it from a side dish into a meal. This is the recipe that proves the best food does not need the most expensive ingredients.

Total cost: £2.10 (£0.53 per portion) – Serves 4 people. Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins

Bubble and Squeak with Fried Eggs

The classic British leftovers dish - crispy fried potatoes and cabbage topped with a runny fried egg. Zero waste cooking at its best, under 55p a portion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: british

Ingredients
  

  • 500g potatoes, cooked and mashed
  • 200g cabbage or spring greens, cooked and shredded
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 30g butter
  • 4 eggs
  • salt and pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Method
 

  1. Mix the mashed potato, shredded cabbage and diced onion together in a bowl. Season well with salt, pepper and a splash of Worcestershire sauce if using.
  2. Shape the mixture into 4 flat patties with your hands. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes if you have time - they hold together better.
  3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Do not move them too early or they will break apart.
  4. While the bubble and squeak is frying, heat the butter in another pan and fry the eggs to your liking - runny yolks are best.
  5. Place a bubble and squeak patty on each plate and top with a fried egg. Season with extra pepper and serve with brown sauce or ketchup.

Tips and Variations

Cold mash works much better than warm mash – make it the day before if you can. Add any leftover veg you have: carrots, peas, sprouts all work. Press the patties firmly and do not flip too early or they fall apart. A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the mix adds a proper savoury kick.

Is it cheaper to make this from scratch? Use our Cook vs Buy Calculator to compare the real cost of homemade vs shop-bought.

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