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Authentic Irish Potato Farls: Easy Pan-Fried Comfort Bread

A stack of freshly griddled, golden brown irish potato farls, cut into wedges, showing a fluffy interior.

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Make traditional Irish Potato Farls using mashed potatoes, flour, and butter. These simple potato cakes pan-fry quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (plain, no milk or cream added)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Butter or oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Combine the cold mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
  2. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface. Gently knead it 2 or 3 times until it just comes together.
  3. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into four equal wedges (triangles).
  5. Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil.
  6. Place the farls onto the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  7. Serve the Irish potato farls warm with butter, jam, or alongside eggs and bacon.

Notes

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes, but they must be cold and dry for the best texture.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it is manageable.
  • Cook the farls over medium heat; if the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside heats through.

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