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Irish Potato Farls Recipe

4.9 from 469 reviews

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with flour, salt, and butter, then shaped into quarters and pan-fried until golden and crispy. They offer a comforting blend of soft and fluffy interiors with a crisp exterior, perfect for breakfast or as a versatile side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead until the dough is smooth but avoid overworking it to keep the texture tender.
  3. Shape the Farls: Roll the dough into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife, cut the circle into four equal wedges or farls.
  4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil or butter is needed in the pan at this stage.
  5. Cook the Farls: Place each farl onto the heated skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they become golden brown and develop a slightly crisp crust.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove the farls from the skillet and serve warm with butter, eggs, or your preferred breakfast accompaniments.

Notes

  • Use cooled leftover mashed potatoes for best results; fresh hot mash may make the dough too sticky.
  • Dust the work surface and rolling pin generously to prevent sticking.
  • Do not over-knead to maintain a light texture inside the farls.
  • Farls can be made ahead and frozen; reheat on a skillet or toaster before serving.
  • Serve breakfast-style with eggs, smoked salmon, sausage, or enjoy as a snack with spreads like cream cheese or peanut butter.

Keywords: Irish potato farls, potato bread, traditional Irish recipe, skillet bread, breakfast bread, leftover mashed potatoes