Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Introduction
Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting dish, perfect for breakfast or as a side. These crispy, golden potato cakes are simple to make and bring authentic Irish flavor to your table.

Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a pot with water, add the peeled potatoes, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let simmer for 20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them dry out with the residual heat for a few minutes.
- Step 3: Mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes with flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5: Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough briefly. Roll it into a 9-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 6: Cut the dough into four quarters (farls) using a floured knife.
- Step 7: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sprinkle with a little flour. Cook the farls for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Step 8: Sprinkle with a touch of salt and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dough before cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, cook the farls a little longer on each side, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve with butter or alongside eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
Storage
Store leftover potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or microwave them briefly if you prefer soft. 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 leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be used, but make sure they are warm and soft enough to form a dough when mixed with flour and butter.
What type of potatoes work best for potato farls?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal as they mash smoothly and provide a nice texture for the dough.
PrintIrish Potato Farls Recipe
Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread, made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, cooked on a skillet until golden and crispy. These soft and slightly crispy farls are perfect for breakfast or as a side, offering a simple yet tasty way to enjoy potatoes with a fluffy interior and a lightly crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potato Farls Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting and cooking)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Fill a pot with water, add the peeled and halved potatoes, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let them simmer for 20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Allow them to dry out in the residual heat for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps for a creamy texture.
- Make Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes with the flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Roll: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough briefly to combine. Roll the dough out into a 9-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into Farls: Using a floured knife, cut the dough circle into four equal quarters, known as farls.
- Cook Farls: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly dust with flour. Cook each farl for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
- Serve: Sprinkle the cooked farls with a touch of salt and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are well dried after boiling to avoid soggy dough.
- Use slightly warm mashed potatoes when mixing the dough to help bind ingredients better.
- Adjust cooking time based on your stove to prevent burning; farls should be golden but not overcooked.
- These farls can be enjoyed on their own or with butter, jam, or alongside a cooked breakfast.
- Extra flour is used to prevent sticking during rolling and cooking.
Keywords: Irish potato farls, Irish potato bread, potato flour bread, traditional Irish recipes, breakfast farls, skillet potato bread

