Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Introduction
Irish Potato Farls are a simple, comforting treat rooted in traditional Irish cooking. Made from leftover mashed potatoes transformed into a soft, golden flatbread, they offer a delicious way to start your day or accompany a hearty 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
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead until smooth but do not overwork it.
- Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 4: Cut the circle into four equal wedges (farls).
- Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat without adding oil.
- Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.
Tips & Variations
- If mashed potatoes are too wet, add a little extra flour to help the dough hold together better.
- For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of melted butter.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dough for an herby twist.
- Farls can also be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Store cooked farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or toaster oven to restore their crispness. You can also freeze uncooked or cooked farls wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly as long as they are cooled and not too watery. If they are very moist, add a little more flour to the dough.
What can I serve with Irish potato farls?
They pair wonderfully with eggs, bacon, sausages, or simply with butter and jam for breakfast. They also make a great side for stews and hearty Irish meals.
PrintIrish Potato Farls Recipe
Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Rolled into a circle, cut into quarters, and pan-fried until golden and crisp, these farls offer a soft, fluffy interior with a delightful crispy exterior. Commonly served warm for breakfast alongside eggs and butter, they reflect the resourcefulness and hearty simplicity of Irish cuisine.
- 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
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
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it until smooth but be careful not to overwork it to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Cut into Farls: Cut the rolled dough circle into four equal wedges, which are traditionally called farls.
- Cook Farls: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat without adding oil. Cook each farl for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp crust.
- Serve: Serve the farls warm, optionally with butter, eggs, or other favorite breakfast accompaniments.
Notes
- Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- You can store farls in the fridge and reheat them in a skillet for a quick breakfast.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the dough.
- Ensure even thickness when rolling to cook the farls uniformly.
- Farls are best served warm to enjoy their crisp exterior and soft interior.
Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Bread, Traditional Irish Breakfast, Potato Recipes, Irish Cuisine, Pan-fried Bread

