Name: Irish Potato Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons butter, for mixing; 3 tablespoons butter, for frying

These Irish Potato Cakes, also known as Potato Farls, are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, flour, and butter, these cakes are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.¹

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile: These potato cakes have a wonderful savory flavor and a crispy exterior, making them a satisfying and versatile dish.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these potato cakes are surprisingly easy to prepare.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy them for breakfast with eggs and bacon, serve them as a side dish with your favorite protein, or even enjoy them as a snack on their own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Irish Potato Cakes:

For the Potato Cakes:

Potatoes: Such as Russet or Yukon Gold, for a fluffy and flavorful base.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind the potato mixture.²
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
Butter: For adding richness and flavor, and for frying the potato cakes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls)

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and stir. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a large bowl. Use a potato ricer, a sieve, or a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Add the flour, 3 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Cook

Flatten the dough into an 8-inch disk on a lightly floured surface. The disk should be about 1-inch thick. Cut the disk into 8 equal triangles, like a pizza. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potato cakes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the potato cakes from the skillet and serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use the right potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content and will create fluffy potato cakes.
Adjust the flour: The amount of flour needed may vary depending on the type of potato and the humidity of your environment. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed to create a dough that holds its shape.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the potato cakes from browning properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.

How to Serve Irish Potato Cakes

Breakfast: Serve these Irish Potato Cakes for breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Side Dish: They’re a delicious side dish for any meal, especially with roasted meats, fish, or chicken.
Snack: Enjoy them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover potato cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing:

Let the potato cakes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also flash-freeze them first by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transfer them to a container or bag.

Reheating:

Thaw the frozen potato cakes in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pan-fry them in a skillet with a little butter until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use leftover mashed potatoes, but make sure they are at room temperature and use softened or melted butter for easier mixing.

Can I add other ingredients to the potato cakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add grated cheese, chopped herbs, or spices to the dough for extra flavor.

Can I bake these potato cakes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

How can I make this dish vegan?

You can use vegan butter and a plant-based milk or cream substitute.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) that will become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!