The Fluffiest Irish Potato Cakes Recipe: Golden & Homestyle

Crispy golden Irish potato cakes might just become your weekend breakfast obsession.

potato lovers appreciate these delectable treats that blend rustic comfort with simple ingredients.

Humble pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Regional kitchens across ireland have perfected this scrumptious recipe through generations of careful preparation.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cakes irresistibly satisfying.

Compact and portable, they work beautifully as a quick snack or hearty meal companion.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of these traditional treasures.

FAQs

• What are potato farls traditionally used for?

Potato farls are a classic part of an Ulster fry breakfast in Northern Ireland, often served alongside bacon, eggs, and soda bread.

• Do I need special potatoes to make potato farls?

No, you can use any type of starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold that mash well and create a smooth texture.

• Can I make potato farls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking, making meal prep easier.

• Are potato farls gluten-free?

Traditional potato farls contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour for a similar result.

Irish Potato Cakes That Define Simple Comfort

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these potato cakes in under 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients, making them a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food fast.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget, creating something delightful from ingredients you already have at home.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love these crispy, golden potato cakes that offer a satisfying texture and mild flavor perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
• Versatile Mealtime Hero: Serve these potato farls as a breakfast side, lunch accompaniment, or dinner snack, pairing wonderfully with eggs, bacon, or as a standalone treat with a dollop of sour cream.

Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) Ingredients

• Mashed Potatoes: The heart of the dish, providing creamy texture and classic potato flavor. Best when using starchy potatoes like Russet or King Edward.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a tender, cohesive dough. Ensures the potato cakes hold their shape during cooking.

• Butter, Salt: Butter adds rich flavor and helps with browning, while salt enhances the overall taste. Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.

• Flour (Additional): Helps adjust dough consistency if too sticky. Prevents the potato cakes from becoming too wet or falling apart.

Potato Cakes Old-Fashioned Steps

Step 1: Prepare Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend together mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and salt.

Work the ingredients gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until they come together into a soft, pliable dough.

If the mixture feels too sticky, gradually sprinkle in small amounts of additional flour to achieve the right consistency.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface with a light coating of flour.

Transfer the potato dough onto the surface and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a smooth, even circle about quarter-inch thick.

Take your time to create an uniform thickness for even cooking.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Farls

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the flattened dough into quarters, creating four triangular-shaped potato farls.

These traditional Irish bread pieces should look like neat, rustic wedges.

Step 4: Cook on Griddle or Skillet

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.

No need to add extra oil or butter.

Carefully transfer the potato farls onto the hot surface.

Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato farls from the heat and place them on a warming plate.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

These traditional Irish potato cakes pair wonderfully with breakfast dishes, can be topped with butter, or enjoyed alongside eggs and bacon.

Potato Farls Tips for Irish Breakfast Favorites

• Work the dough gently to avoid tough potato cakes, stopping when the ingredients just come together.
• Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking and create smooth, even potato farls.
• Use a medium-low heat setting to ensure golden-brown edges without burning the delicate potato cakes.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor and personal flair.
• Enjoy potato farls immediately after cooking for the crispiest texture and most delightful taste experience.

Irish Potato Cakes Leftovers

• Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual potato cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed potato cakes at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even heating.
• Quickly revive potato cakes in a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and warm, restoring their delightful crispy exterior.

What to Serve With Irish Potato Cakes

• Savor Classic Irish Breakfast Pairing: Serve these potato farls alongside crispy bacon, sunny-side-up eggs, and black pudding for an authentic Irish breakfast experience that transports you straight to the emerald countryside.
• Complement with Creamy Dairy: Pair these warm potato cakes with cool, tangy sour cream or rich Irish butter to balance the hearty potato flavor and add a luxurious creamy texture that melts beautifully.
• Match with Robust Beverages: Enhance the potato farls with a strong cup of Irish breakfast tea or a smooth, dark stout beer like Guinness, which perfectly cuts through the richness of the potato cakes.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or fresh parsley on top to add a bright, green note that lifts the dense potato texture and brings a fresh, aromatic element to the traditional dish.

Irish Potato Cakes Traditional Takes

• Gluten-Free Potato Cakes: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the traditional texture.
• Vegan Potato Farls: Swap butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine, and use mashed cauliflower or sweet potato as a partial potato replacement for added nutrition.
• Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to elevate the classic recipe with vibrant, aromatic flavors.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute flour with ground almond meal or coconut flour, and add grated cheese to boost protein and reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the crispy exterior.

Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Potato farls bring Ireland’s hearty culinary heritage to life with crispy, golden edges and rich, buttery flavor. Homemade potato cakes offer comfort and warmth you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Fats/Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a cohesive dough that holds together without crumbling.
2. If the mixture appears overly adhesive, gradually incorporate additional flour, ensuring the consistency remains pliable and manageable.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently kneading for a minute to develop a smooth texture and ensure even ingredient distribution.
4. Roll out the dough into a circular shape approximately ¼ inch thick, maintaining an even surface for uniform cooking.
5. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, divide the rolled dough into quarter sections, creating traditional potato farl triangles.
6. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-low heat, lightly greasing the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
7. Carefully transfer the potato cake triangles onto the heated surface, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and the interior remains tender.
8. Watch carefully to prevent burning, adjusting heat as needed to achieve a crisp exterior and soft interior.
9. Remove the potato farls from the skillet, placing them on a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
10. Serve warm alongside breakfast items like eggs, bacon, or as a standalone comfort food, optionally accompanied by additional butter or fresh herbs.

Notes

• Flour your work surface generously to prevent sticking and ensure smooth rolling of the potato dough.
• For extra crispiness, use cold mashed potatoes from the refrigerator and make sure they are well-drained to remove excess moisture.
• Consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the flavor profile and add a subtle green color.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg