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    You Are Here: Home → Bread

    Irish Potato Bread

    March 7, 2023 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    17 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    slices of Irish potato bread on dish towel
    close-up of slices of Irish potato bread on dish towel

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    This Irish potato bread, also known as farl, is a well-liked breakfast in Ireland that resembles a potato pancake, while requiring only 5 simple ingredients.

    slices of Irish potato bread on dish towel

    When it comes to Irish food, I'm all about it, from smoked corned beef to beer cheese dip to Irish coffee cake.

    If you've never had Irish potato bread, you've been missing out. It's like a mix between a pancake and bread. It looks similar to naan but denser with a potato flavor.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Simple - you'll be surprised how easy these are to make. Just mix together the ingredients and roll out before cooking in a skillet.
    • Freezes well - you can make a big batch and then freeze whatever is left so you can enjoy another morning.
    • Can utilizes leftovers - while you can boil potatoes specifically for the recipe, you can also use leftover mashed potatoes. It will be about 2 cups.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Variations
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Breakfast Recipes
    • Irish Potato Bread
    overhead shot of ingredients for Irish potato bread

    Ingredient Notes

    • Potatoes - the main ingredient. While I like to use Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold can be used as well.
    • Butter - to keep with the Irish them, Kerrygold butter is my go-to as it has a richer flavor since it comes from cows that eat grass. You can use any type of butter or even oil if you prefer.
    • Salt - enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
    • Flour - all-purpose flour is best as it helps lighten the texture and form a dough.
    • Baking powder - creates a fluffy bread/pancake.

    Variations

    While Irish potato bread is pretty traditional as far as ingredients are concerned, you can add your own flair to it. Some options include:

    • Cheese - mix in a handful of your favorite grated cheese.
    • Herbs - add 1-2 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs like thyme or oregano.
    • Bacon - I mean let's be honest, bacon makes everything better.
    • Cinnamon sugar - if you want a sweet version, dust some cinnamon sugar on the bread when done.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of boiling potatoes before using a potato ricer in a bowl

    Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender before draining. Use a potato ricer to rice the potatoes in a bowl.

    process shots of forming dough and forming into disc

    Mix in the butter, flour, salt and baking powder. Knead until smooth and for into a disk, cutting in half.

    process shots of rolling dough out to ¼" thickness and cooking in skillet

    Roll out the dough to ¼" thickness and cut into quarters. Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Do NOT use butter or oil. Add the bread and cook 3-4 minutes per side.

    FAQs

    Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

    Yes of course. However since the consistency of mashed potatoes are different depending on the recipe. You might have to add more flour to form the dough. You'll need about 2 cups total.

    I like to use my leftover cream cheese mashed potatoes or brown butter mashed potatoes.

    Serving Suggestions?

    If you want to go the traditional route you make an Ulster Fry which is a traditional Irish breakfast with eggs, bacon, black pudding, tomato, soda bread and farl.

    However you can also serve with some eggs and your favorite veggies or even make it part of a pancake board.

    How Long Will It Last?

    Irish potato bread will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge or for up to 3 months in the freezer.

    How to Reheat?

    Just place in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also add a tiny bit of butter to a skillet and heat the bread until warmed through.

    Equipment

    The equipment you use is important to how the recipe turns out. What is needed is the following:

    • Potato ricer - helps create a light and creamy mashed potato. You can also mash yourself.
    • Rolling pin - I like to get one with thickness rings so I can roll to exactly ¼" easily.
    • Skillet - you want something large enough to cook the bread.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use a potato ricer to create, creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes.
    • If you have leftover mashed potatoes, just use that instead of boiling potatoes.
    • DO NOT use oil or butter in the skillet so you can build up a nice crust.
    • Wipe any excess flour our of the skillet so you don't have a burnt flavor.
    close-up of slices of Irish potato bread on dish towel

    Other Breakfast Recipes

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      Apple Ricotta Pancakes
    • banana chocolate chip pancakes stacked on plate with bananas on top
      Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
    • stacked pancakes with mangos on top on plate
      Mango Pancakes
    • stacked pancakes with butter and fruit on plate
      Oat Flour Pancakes

    If you’ve tried this Irish potato bread or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    slices of Irish potato bread on dish towel
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Irish Potato Bread

    With just 5 ingredients, this Irish potato bread, or farl, is a popular breakfast in Ireland which is similar to a potato pancake.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: Irish
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 130kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
    • ¼ cup Kerrygold butter, softened
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (85g)
    • ¾ teaspoon baking powder

    Instructions

    • Place the potatoes into a large stockpot and cover with salted cold water. Bring the potatoes to a gentle boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes.
    • Use a potato ricer to rice the potatoes and add to a large bowl. Add the butter and salt, tasting and add more salt if needed. Add in the flour and baking powder, stirring until most of the flour is mixed in.
    • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide into two portions and roll out to ¼" thickness. Cut into quarters and repeat with the second portion of dough.
    • Warm a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with no butter or oil. Add the bread and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining dough and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Use a potato ricer to create, creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes.
    • If you have leftover mashed potatoes, just use that instead of boiling potatoes.
    • DO NOT use oil or butter in the skillet so you can build up a nice crust.
    • Wipe any excess flour our of the skillet so you don't have a burnt flavor.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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