Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting potato bread that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a warm, crispy treat. Simple to prepare, these farls offer a soft interior with a golden, slightly crisp exterior—perfect for breakfast or any cozy 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 to form the 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

• For richer flavor, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs or garlic for added taste.
• Try adding chopped green onions or grated cheese into the dough before cooking for a savory twist.
• Make smaller farls as snack-sized portions perfect for dipping or sandwiches.

Storage

Store cooked farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to restore their crispness. 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 fresh potatoes instead of mashed potatoes?

It’s best to use cooled mashed potatoes for the right texture. If starting with fresh potatoes, cook and mash them first, then allow them to cool before combining with the other ingredients.

Do I need to add oil or butter to the skillet?

No, the farls can be cooked in a dry non-stick skillet or griddle. The melted butter in the dough helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. These farls are rolled out, cut into quarters, and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. A beloved staple of Irish cuisine, potato farls are simple, comforting, and perfect served warm with butter or alongside breakfast favorites.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: 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. Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms.
2. Knead Dough. Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it until smooth, being careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Roll Dough. Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin on a floured surface.
4. Cut into Farls. Cut the rolled dough circle into four equal quarters, known as farls, by slicing it into wedges.
5. Heat Pan. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat without adding oil.
6. Cook Farls. Place each farl onto the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Serve Warm. Remove the farls from the skillet and serve warm, optionally with butter, eggs, or other favorite breakfast items.

Notes

• Ensure mashed potatoes are cooled before mixing with flour to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
• Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for best results and to avoid using extra oil.
• Do not overknead the dough to keep the farls tender inside.
• Farls can be served as part of a traditional Irish breakfast or enjoyed as a snack with butter and jam.
• Leftover farls can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.

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