Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting potato bread, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, they bring a taste of Irish heritage to your breakfast or any meal.

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 for convenience or make fresh and let cool completely before using.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with bacon fat or add finely chopped herbs to the dough.
• Dust the work surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much flour to keep farls tender.
• Try serving with smoked salmon and crème fraîche for a modern twist on a traditional dish.

Storage

Store cooked farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispness. They can also be frozen; wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

It’s best to use real mashed potatoes made from fresh or boiled potatoes, as instant mashed potatoes may change the texture and moisture balance of the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Allow it to come to room temperature and roll out before cooking.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Rolled into a circle and cut into quarters, these farls are pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. A beloved staple in Irish cuisine, especially for breakfast, they reflect hearty comfort and resourcefulness.

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

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 the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it until smooth but avoid overworking it to keep the texture tender.
3. Roll out the dough: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Cut into farls: Cut the rolled dough circle into four equal quarters called farls.
5. Heat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil is needed due to the butter content in the dough.
6. Cook farls: Place each farl in the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
7. Serve: Serve the potato farls warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast accompaniments.

Notes

• Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
• Lightly dust the work surface to avoid sticking during rolling and kneading.
• Do not over-knead the dough to maintain a soft texture inside the farls.
• They can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated for convenience.
• Serve with traditional Irish breakfast sides or as a snack with jam or butter.

Keywords: Irish potato farls, potato bread, traditional Irish, pan-fried bread, breakfast bread, mashed potato recipe