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

Irish Potato Farls are a simple, traditional bread made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter. With a soft interior and crispy golden crust, they make a comforting addition to any breakfast or meal. This quick recipe is perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes and brings a taste of Irish heritage to your table.

A black frying pan holds five golden-brown, triangular fried turnovers, each with a crispy, spotted crust showing patches of light tan and darker brown. The turnovers are arranged in a circle around a dollop of melting white butter or cream that is slowly spreading onto the pan. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled lightly on the turnovers, adding a touch of color. The pan sits on a blue and white patterned cloth over a white marbled surface. 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 it until smooth but do not overwork.
Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Cut the circle into quarters (these are your 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, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.

Tips & Variations

Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for extra flavor and freshness.
Use gluten-free flour as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free, keeping in mind texture may vary slightly.
Try adding a bit of grated cheese to the dough for a richer taste.
Serve with jam or honey for a sweet twist.
For extra crispiness, lightly butter the pan before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness. They also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Five golden brown, triangular pieces of fried flatbread with a slightly crispy texture and scattered green herb bits are arranged in a circle in a black pan. Each piece has a crisp, lightly charred surface with varying shades of golden and brown, showing a fluffy white interior along the edges. A small dollop of melted white butter sits next to one of the triangles, partially spread over the pan, adding a creamy contrast. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white patterned cloth partially visible beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best if the mashed potatoes have cooled completely first. Warm potatoes can make the dough sticky and harder to work with.

Do I need to add oil or butter to the pan when cooking?

No, potato farls typically cook well in a dry non-stick skillet or griddle. However, adding a little butter or oil can enhance browning and flavor if you prefer.