Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional, comforting potato bread that transforms simple mashed potatoes into a warm, crispy treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these farls are soft on the inside and golden on the outside, carrying the taste of Irish heritage in every bite.

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

• Use leftover mashed potatoes with a bit of butter and salt for best flavor; avoid potatoes with too much added milk to prevent a sticky dough.
• For a richer taste, brush the farls with a little melted butter after cooking.
• Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the dough for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store cooled potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze the cooked farls separated by parchment paper and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes to make farls?

While fresh mashed potatoes give the best texture, you can use well-prepared instant mashed potatoes if they are cooled and not too watery. Adjust the flour amount slightly if the dough feels too sticky.

Are Irish Potato Farls gluten-free?

Traditional potato farls contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but the texture may vary.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 564 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with flour, salt, and butter. Rolled into a circle and cut into quarters, these farls are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy inside. They are a beloved staple often served as part of an Ulster Fry breakfast or enjoyed warm with butter and eggs, highlighting the resourcefulness and comfort of Irish culinary heritage.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir together until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead Dough: Lightly flour a 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 Dough: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Cut into Farls: Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the rolled dough circle into four equal triangular wedges called farls.
5. Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil or butter is necessary as the dough contains butter.
6. Cook Farls: Place each farl on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.
7. Serve Warm: Remove the farls from the skillet and serve immediately warm, optionally with additional butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast accompaniments.

Notes

• Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
• Do not over-knead the dough as it can make the farls tough.
• Adjust cooking time slightly if your skillet runs hot to avoid burning.
• Farls can be reheated in a skillet or toaster for a crisp finish.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and monitor texture.

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

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