Authentic Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Jump to Recipe
Print Recipe

Introduction

Every time I think about a hearty Irish breakfast, my mind immediately goes to potato farls—those golden, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside wedges that make any plate feel warm and satisfying. This Authentic Irish Potato Farls Recipe is straight from my own morning ritual, rooted in tradition but made simple enough to whip up in a home kitchen. I’ve made this Authentic Irish Potato Farls Recipe more times than I can count, and every single batch reminds me why I love cooking: it connects us to the past while feeding our present.

In Ireland, this Authentic Irish Potato Farls Recipe are part of a full breakfast, often fried in a bit of bacon grease and served with eggs, sausage, and grilled tomatoes. But let me tell you—they’re equally delicious on their own with just a smear of butter or a dollop of jam. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish at heart, these farls are the ultimate comfort food: easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends. If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you’re already halfway there in having Authentic Irish Potato Farls. Let’s dive into this classic dish and make breakfast (or brunch!) a celebration.

Perfect For:

• Traditional Irish breakfasts
• Quick brunch ideas
• St. Patrick’s Day meals
• Potato lovers
• Comfort food side dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Authentic Flavor
  • These potato farls capture the true taste of an Irish kitchen, just like you’d find on a family table in Belfast. With their crisped edges and soft, buttery center, every bite delivers rustic, comforting flavor that feels like home — especially when paired with a hot cup of tea.
• Minimal Ingredients
  • You don’t need anything fancy — just leftover mashed potatoes, flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. These are made with simple, pantry-friendly staples, making them a practical and delicious way to breathe new life into leftovers.
• Quick and Easy
  • From mixing bowl to golden perfection in under 30 minutes. There’s no yeast, no rising time — just mix, shape, and sear. It’s the perfect go-to for busy mornings or when you want something cozy and homemade without the fuss.
• Versatile Anytime Dish
  • Whether you’re serving them with eggs and sausage for breakfast, pairing with soup at lunch, or loading them up for a satisfying dinner side, these farls are flexible and ready to fit into any meal. They’re just as tasty as a savory base or a sweet snack.
• Customizable with Your Favorite Add-Ins
  • Once you’ve got the base down, you can make them your own. Stir in shredded cheddar, chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or herbs like rosemary and thyme for a flavor twist that suits your mood or matches what’s in your fridge.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~200 per serving

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold leftovers)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

Ingredient Highlights:

• Mashed Potatoes: Leftovers work best—starchier, drier potatoes hold together.
• Flour: Helps form the dough and gives that slight chewiness.
• Butter: For pan-frying and that golden crisp crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Dough: Mix mashed potatoes, flour, and salt in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape into a Disk: Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat, round disk, about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Cut into Farls: Slice the disk into quarters (like a pizza).
4. Heat the Pan: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the Farls: Cook each wedge for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
6. Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately while warm with your favorite breakfast sides.

Save

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Alongside Eggs, Sausage, and Baked Beans
  • Go all-in with a classic Full Irish breakfast by plating your farls with fried or poached eggs, crispy sausage links, and a spoonful of baked beans. Add some grilled tomatoes or black pudding if you want the full traditional experience. The farls soak up the runny yolks and sauce beautifully.
• Top with Sour Cream and Chives as a Snack
  • Turn your farls into an easy appetizer or afternoon snack by spreading each one with cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives. It’s creamy, tangy, and just a little fancy — perfect with a cup of hot tea or served at brunch gatherings.
• Pair with a Bowl of Soup for a Hearty Lunch
  • Use farls as a comforting side to a bowl of hearty soup or stew — think creamy leek and potato, Irish beef stew, or tomato basil. Toast them lightly and serve warm to dip or scoop. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for soaking up broths and sauces.
• Spread with Jam or Honey for a Sweet Twist
  • Surprisingly versatile, farls also pair wonderfully with something sweet. Try a smear of butter and your favorite jam, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. This combo works especially well if you’ve made sweet potato farls or ones with a cinnamon swirl.
• Use as a Base for Mini Breakfast Sandwiches
  • Cut the farls in half and use them as the base for mini breakfast sandwiches. Stack with a fried egg, slice of bacon or sausage, and a bit of melted cheese for a handheld morning meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Great for meal prep or brunch buffets.

Additional Tips:

• Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for best texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough—mix until just combined.
• Dust farls lightly with flour before frying to get an even crisp.
• If pan gets too dry, add a bit more butter while cooking.
• Make a double batch and freeze extras for later.

Recipe Variations:

• Cheddar Chive
  • For a rich, savory boost, stir in ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives into the dough. The cheese melts into the potato base for a gooey interior, while the chives bring a fresh, oniony bite. These are perfect with a dollop of sour cream or served alongside eggs.
• Garlic Herb
  • Add depth of flavor with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme mixed into the dough. The herbs infuse the farls with an aromatic lift that makes them especially good with roasted meats or as part of a brunch spread with herbed butter.
• Bacon & Onion
  • Make it heartier by folding in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and a spoonful of sautéed onions. This variation is smoky, savory, and perfect on its own or as the base for an open-faced breakfast sandwich. Tip: caramelize the onions for extra flavor!
• Sweet Potato Farls
  • Swap regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, deeper flavor. The result is a softer texture with earthy undertones — fantastic with maple butter, apple chutney, or simply sprinkled with cinnamon and sea salt.
• Gluten-Free
  • To make the recipe celiac-friendly, use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but the result is still deliciously crisp on the outside and tender within. Be sure to use a well-floured surface for shaping to prevent sticking.

Storage and Freezing:

Refrigerator

Once your farls have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and place in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

• Tip: If you’ve layered several farls, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between each to prevent sticking and sogginess.

Freezer

Potato farls freeze beautifully and are perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks.

1. Let them cool completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer between parchment sheets.
3. Stack and store in a zip-top freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Label the bag with the date and flavor (especially if you’ve made variations like bacon & onion or cheddar chive).

Reheat

Bringing farls back to life is easy — and they crisp up beautifully with the right method:

Microwave (for speed): Heat for 30–60 seconds, though note the texture may be softer and less crisp.

Skillet: Warm in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side. This restores that classic golden-brown crust.

Toaster Oven: Toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and slightly crisp around the edges.

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife or dough cutter
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula

FAQs (People Also Ask):

What are Irish potato farls made of?
They’re typically made from leftover mashed potatoes, flour, and salt—pan-fried until crisp.

Can I make potato farls with instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but use less milk or butter when preparing the mash to keep the dough stiff enough to hold shape.

Why are they called “farls”?
The word “farl” comes from the Gaelic word for “fourth,” as the dough is traditionally cut into four quarters.

Can I bake potato farls instead of frying?
While traditional farls are pan-fried, you can bake them at 400°F for 12–15 minutes per side, though the texture may differ.

Are Irish potato farls gluten-free?
They can be if made with mashed potatoes and a gluten-free flour blend.

External Links:

• The Science Behind Frying – Frymax
• Carbohydrates– USDA Nutrition

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a humble ingredient like mashed potatoes and turning it into something this delicious. These Authentic Irish Potato Farls aren’t just easy—they’re soulful. Crisp on the outside, soft and comforting on the inside, and incredibly versatile, they fit into any meal of the day with ease.

I’ve served this Authentic Irish Potato Farls at brunches, weekday breakfasts, and even late-night snacks—and every time, they bring a smile. I hope you bring this simple yet cherished piece of Irish tradition into your kitchen and make it your own. And hey, if you end up frying up a batch, include me in your post. I’d love to see how you enjoy your farls. Sláinte!