Name: Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
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)

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Introduction

The Irish Potato Farl is a cherished staple from the heart of Ireland’s home kitchens. Soft and warm on the inside with a golden, griddle-crisp outside, this dish captures the simple comfort of traditional Irish breakfasts. Made with just a few humble ingredients, potato farls are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare.

A round black pan holds five golden-brown triangular flatbreads with a crispy, slightly charred surface and specks of green herbs on top. The flatbreads are arranged in a circular pattern, creating a star-like shape in the pan, with a small dollop of melted white butter near the right side, adding a glossy texture. The pan rests on a blue and white woven cloth, set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 not overworked.
Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Cut the circle into quarters (farls).
Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat (no oil needed).
Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like rice or oat flour, though texture may vary slightly.
Enhance flavor by mixing in chopped fresh herbs such as chives or parsley into the dough.
Use leftover mashed potatoes without added cream or heavy butter to keep farls lighter.
Try adding grated cheese or finely shredded carrots for a twist on the classic recipe.

Storage

Store cooked potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to restore their crisp exterior. Farls can also be frozen; to reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat as usual.

How to Serve

A dark round pan holds five golden brown fried cheese breads cut into triangular shapes, showing a lightly crispy, browned outer layer with a soft, creamy inside; the breads are sprinkled with small green herbs on top, and a small white dollop of melting butter or cream sits near the breads in the pan. The pan rests on a blue patterned cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make potato farls without leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes fresh for the recipe, but be sure they are cooled completely before mixing with the flour to achieve the right dough consistency.

Do I need to use butter when cooking the farls?

No, the traditional method uses a dry pan or griddle without oil or butter. This helps the farls develop a crisp crust without becoming greasy. However, you can cook them with a little butter for extra richness if you prefer.