Name: Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes (such as Russets or Yukon Gold); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons butter; 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 even as a side dish for dinner! Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, flour, and butter, these cakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re a traditional Irish staple that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Flavorful: These potato cakes are made with just a few basic ingredients, yet they’re packed with flavor. The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy edges, and buttery goodness is simply irresistible.
Versatile: These potato cakes are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them for breakfast with eggs and bacon, serve them as a side dish for dinner with grilled meats or fish, or even enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of these delicious potato cakes ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

Potato Cakes:

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they have a fluffy texture when mashed.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure and helps to bind the potato cakes.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the potato cakes.

For Frying:

Butter: Used to fry the potato cakes until golden brown and crispy.

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: Boil the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. 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 pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and mash them using a potato ricer, a sieve, or a potato masher. The goal is to achieve a fluffy consistency.

Step 3: Make the Dough

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

Step 4: Shape and Cook the Potato Cakes

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

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before using, or use very soft or melted butter to make it easier to combine with the flour.
Adjust Flour: You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the moisture content of your potatoes and the humidity of your environment. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and add more if needed to achieve a soft dough.
Half Mashed, Half Shredded: For a different texture, you can use half mashed potatoes and half shredded potatoes.

How to Serve

These Irish Potato Cakes are delicious served with:

Breakfast: Enjoy them with fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and grilled tomatoes for a hearty breakfast.
Brunch: Serve them alongside smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a side of fruit salad for a delightful brunch.
Dinner: Pair them with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Snacks: Enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ketchup, or aioli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

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

Reheating

Reheat leftover potato cakes in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or toaster oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Russet or Yukon Gold are generally preferred for their fluffy texture.

2. Can I bake the potato cakes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the potato cakes in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

3. Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also shape the potato cakes and freeze them uncooked for a quick and easy meal later.

4. How can I prevent the potato cakes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is hot and well-greased with butter or oil before adding the potato cakes. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the potato cakes to stick.