Irish Potato Farls, also known as potato bread or fadge, are a simple yet beloved staple in Irish cuisine. These pan-fried flatbreads made from leftover mashed potatoes are traditionally served as part of a hearty Ulster Fry breakfast. Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside, potato farls bring warmth and nostalgia to the table with every bite.
Whether you’re honoring your Irish roots or simply love rustic, comforting recipes, this guide will walk you through making authentic potato farls at home—from ingredients and technique to serving ideas and recipe variations.
🇮🇪 What Are Potato Farls?
The word “farl” comes from the Scottish and Irish word fardel, meaning a fourth or quarter part—because the dough is often shaped into a round and cut into quarters before cooking.
Traditionally, potato farls are:
- Made from mashed potatoes (usually leftovers)
- Mixed with a bit of flour, salt, and sometimes butter
- Formed into rounds and cut into triangles or quarters
- Cooked on a griddle or skillet until lightly browned
Potato farls are a classic component of a full Irish or Ulster Fry breakfast, alongside eggs, sausage, bacon, black pudding, and tomatoes. However, they can also be enjoyed on their own, with butter, jam, or even filled like a sandwich.
🛠 Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher or ricer
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or nonstick griddle
- Dough scraper or sharp knife
- Spatula
🧾 Ingredients
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make this dish both easy and affordable:
For 4 Farls:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 450g; cold or room temp)
- ½ to ¾ cup all-purpose flour (about 60–90g)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
- A little butter or oil for cooking
Note: Make sure your mashed potatoes are not too wet. If they’re too soft, reduce the flour slightly or add a bit more until the dough holds together without being sticky.
👨🍳 How to Make Irish Potato Farls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter (if using).
- Mix gently until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not overly sticky. Don’t overwork it—this isn’t bread dough.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
- Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and gently shape it into a ball.
- Flatten with your hands or a rolling pin into a round disc, about ½ inch (1 cm) thick.
- Use a knife or dough scraper to cut the circle into 4 wedges (farls).
Step 3: Cook the Farls
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Place the farls in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a clean kitchen towel while you cook the rest.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Irish Potato Farls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Traditional Irish Breakfast:
- Fried eggs
- Bacon rashers
- Sausage (bangers)
- Grilled tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Black pudding
As a Snack or Light Meal:
- With butter and jam
- With cheese or smoked salmon
- Topped with sour cream and scallions
- Made into sandwiches with ham or turkey
🔁 Variations
- Cheesy Farls: Mix in ½ cup grated cheddar for added flavor.
- Herbed Farls: Add fresh or dried herbs like chives, thyme, or parsley to the dough.
- Vegan Potato Farls: Use plant-based butter or skip it altogether. The base recipe is naturally dairy-free if you omit butter.
🥶 Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover farls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Toast in a dry skillet or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
🧠 Tips for Success
Use dry mashed potatoes for best texture—avoid soupy or overly creamy mash.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; it should stay soft and tender.
- Cook on a medium heat—too hot and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- Flour the surface lightly to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much, which can dry out the dough.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Irish Potato Farls are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something absolutely delicious. This humble yet satisfying flatbread is a timeless favorite in Irish homes and a wonderful way to give new life to leftover mashed potatoes.
Whether served with a full Irish breakfast or enjoyed with a simple slather of butter, these farls are the very definition of comfort food. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and deeply rooted in Irish culinary tradition.
