Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting staple that transforms simple mashed potatoes into a warm, crispy bread. Perfect for breakfast or alongside your favorite meal, these farls bring a taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes (cooled)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead until smooth but do not overwork it.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the circle into quarters to create four farls.
5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat—no oil is needed.
6. Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve the farls warm, optionally with butter, eggs, or other breakfast favorites.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover mashed potatoes with butter and seasoning already mixed in for extra flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
• Add finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for a fresh twist.
• Ensure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.

Storage

Store any leftover potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to restore their crispness, or warm them in a toaster or oven. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and can add extra flavor if they already contain butter or seasoning.

Do I need to use butter for cooking the farls?

No, the traditional method is to cook the farls on a dry skillet or griddle without oil or butter, which helps achieve their characteristic crispy exterior.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

Irish Potato Farls are traditional Irish potato breads made from simple ingredients—mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter—shaped into quarters and pan-fried to golden perfection. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a crisp exterior, these farls are a comforting, hearty addition to any breakfast or meal, reflecting generations of Irish culinary ingenuity.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Bread
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Farl Dough

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes, cooled
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir and mix well until a soft dough forms that holds together.
2. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it just until smooth, being careful not to overwork it to maintain tenderness.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring it’s evenly sized for consistent cooking.
4. Cut into Farls: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the circle into four equal wedges or farls, which gives the bread its traditional shape.
5. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. There is no need to add oil or butter as the dough contains fat and will brown nicely on its own.
6. Cook the Farls: Place the farls in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast accompaniments for a traditional Irish meal.

Notes

• Use leftover mashed potatoes that are cooled for best results and to prevent sticky dough.
• Knead the dough gently to avoid tough farls.
• Cooking on medium heat helps the farls cook through without burning the outside.
• Farls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet or oven for later meals.
• Try adding chopped herbs or scallions to the dough for a flavor twist.

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Bread, Traditional Irish Bread, Breakfast Bread, Potato Farls Recipe, Pan-fried Potato Bread