Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting potato bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Made from leftover mashed potatoes, they transform simple ingredients into a delicious, hearty treat perfect for breakfast or any time of day.

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 not overworked.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the circle into quarters (farls).
5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat (no oil needed).
6. Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.

Tips & Variations

• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, to make it easier to handle.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the dough.
• Try serving farls with smoked salmon and crème fraîche for a special brunch twist.
• Farls freeze well—just reheat them in a toaster or skillet for a quick snack or breakfast.

Storage

Store leftover potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crisp exterior. For longer storage, freeze farls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and toast or pan-fry from frozen.

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 are actually the traditional way to make potato farls.

Do I need any oil or butter to cook the farls?

No oil or butter is needed for cooking. A non-stick skillet or griddle will cook the farls nicely without sticking, and the melted butter in the dough provides enough richness.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from leftover mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Shaped into quarters, these flatbreads are pan-fried to perfection, yielding a golden, crisp outside with a soft, fluffy interior. They are a staple in Irish cuisine, especially popular in an Ulster Fry breakfast, and carry cultural significance as a symbol of resourcefulness and comfort. Simple to make and versatile, they pair well with eggs, meats, or can be enjoyed as a snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Dough

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

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Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead just until smooth, careful not to overwork the dough to keep the texture tender.
3. Roll Out Dough: Roll the kneaded dough into a large circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
4. Cut into Farls: Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, divide the circle into four equal wedges, traditionally called farls.
5. Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil or butter is necessary as farls contain butter already.
6. Cook Farls: Place each farl into the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook until golden brown on the outside and slightly crisp, while remaining soft inside.
7. Serve Warm: Serve the potato farls warm, ideally with additional butter, eggs, or your preferred breakfast items for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use cooled mashed potatoes for best dough consistency.
• Do not over-knead the dough to prevent tough farls.
• Farls can be made ahead and frozen; reheat in a skillet before serving.
• They pair well with a variety of toppings including butter, jam, smoked salmon, or sausages.
• Adjust the flour quantity slightly if the dough is too sticky or dry.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Bread, Irish Breakfast, Ulster Fry, Traditional Irish Food, Potato Flatbread, Easy Breakfast Recipe