Irish Potato Farls are a classic piece of traditional Irish cuisine. This simple yet delicious recipe transforms mashed potatoes into a hearty, golden-brown bread. The farls are pan-fried to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a hearty breakfast or a delightful snack when served with butter, jam, or even just a cup of tea.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Extra flour for dusting
Butter or oil for frying
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a soft dough begins to form.
Lightly flour a work surface, then roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into quarters or triangles to form farls.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Cook the farls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve warm with butter, jam, or as part of a traditional Irish breakfast.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Herb-infused Farls: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the dough for a savory twist.
Sweet Farls: Mix in a teaspoon of sugar or a dash of cinnamon for a slightly sweet version. Top with honey or maple syrup for an added treat.
Cheese and Bacon Farls: Add cooked crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the dough for a rich, flavorful twist.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftover Irish potato farls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find that reheating them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes works best to retain their crispy exterior. Alternatively, they can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Just make sure the potatoes are smooth and free of lumps for the best texture.
Can I freeze Irish potato farls?
Yes, you can freeze these farls! Once they have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Reheat them in a skillet or oven when you're ready to enjoy.
What can I serve Irish potato farls with?
I love serving these farls with a traditional Irish breakfast, which includes eggs, sausage, bacon, and beans. They’re also delicious with butter or jam, or alongside soups and stews.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking to get the right texture.
How do I know when the farls are cooked through?
The farls should be golden brown on each side and slightly crisp. I like to press gently on them with a spatula to check that they are firm and cooked through, but still soft inside.
Conclusion
Irish Potato Farls are an easy, delightful way to transform mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden treat. Whether I’m serving them as a side to a traditional Irish breakfast, or simply enjoying them on their own with butter and jam, I know I’m in for a delicious bite. With endless possibilities for variations and easy preparation, it’s a recipe I can always rely on for comfort and flavor.
Recipe:
Irish Potato Farls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish dish made by transforming leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-brown bread. Easy to prepare and versatile, these pan-fried farls offer a fluffy interior and crispy exterior, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. Whether served with butter, jam, or as part of a hearty Irish breakfast, they are a comforting treat.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Extra flour for dusting
Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into quarters or triangles to form farls.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, greasing it lightly with butter or oil.
- Cook the farls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or as part of a traditional Irish breakfast.
Notes
For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the dough.
For a sweet twist, mix in a teaspoon of sugar or cinnamon and top with honey or syrup.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 150 kcal
