If you’ve never had Irish Potato Cakes, also known as Potato Farls, you’re in for a treat. These golden, buttery, pan-fried potato cakes are made with simple ingredients and are a staple in a traditional Irish breakfast. They have a crispy outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of richness from mashed potatoes and butter. Whether served as a side dish, a snack, or with a fried egg on top, they’re pure comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes
Super simple ingredients, big flavor
Crispy, buttery, and totally addicting

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

Leftover mashed potatoes
All-purpose flour
Butter
Salt and baking powder

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with flour, salt, and baking powder. Knead gently until it forms a soft dough.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thick circle (about ¼-inch thick). Cut into quarters to form four triangle-shaped farls.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the farls for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy them warm with butter, or as part of a full Irish breakfast!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use cold mashed potatoes – They hold together better.
Don’t overwork the dough – A light hand keeps them tender.
Cook in butter for extra richness – But a mix of butter and oil prevents burning.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make them cheesy – Add shredded Irish cheddar to the dough.
Try sweet potato farls – Swap in mashed sweet potatoes for a fun twist.
Add herbs – Chopped chives or green onions give a nice pop of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Potato farls are perfect with:

A fried or poached egg – A runny yolk is the best topping.
Bacon or sausage – Classic Irish breakfast pairings.
Sour cream or apple sauce – For a different flavor twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a dry pan or toaster oven for the best crispiness.

FAQs

Can I freeze potato farls?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then reheat in a pan.
Do I have to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Freshly mashed potatoes work too—just let them cool first.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend.
What’s the difference between potato farls and potato pancakes?
Farls are thicker and made with mashed potatoes, while pancakes are usually grated.

Conclusion

Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) are a simple, delicious, and traditional dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served for breakfast, as a side, or on their own with butter, they’re pure Irish comfort food!

Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) – A Cozy, Traditional Favorite

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Irish Potato Cakes, or Potato Farls, are a traditional Irish dish made from simple ingredients—mashed potatoes, flour, butter, and seasoning. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. These delicious potato cakes are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and make a comforting addition to breakfast or as a tasty snack.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold)
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tbsp butter, melted (plus extra for frying)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick circle. Cut into four triangle-shaped farls.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Cook the farls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with butter or as part of an Irish breakfast with eggs, bacon, and sausage.

Notes

For extra crispiness, cook over medium-low heat and flip when golden.
If using freshly mashed potatoes, let them cool before making the dough.
Try adding grated cheese, herbs, or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 potato cake
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg