Hey y'all! If you love homemade bread with a rustic twist, you're going to adore this Irish Potato bread Recipe. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and tender, warm bread creates a uniquely soft texture and deliciously comforting flavor that’ll make you reach for seconds. Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast, a cozy family dinner, or need a sturdy base for your favorite sandwich fillings, this bread has you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Irish Potato Bread Recipe
- Super soft and irresistibly fluffy thanks to mashed potatoes.
- Perfect for any meal—from breakfast toast to dinner sides.
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients and no fancy equipment required.
- Wonderful for using up leftover mashed or boiled potatoes.
- Hearty texture and subtle earthiness make it extra satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup (200g) cold mashed potatoes (plain, no butter or milk added)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Up to ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (more or less as needed)
- Extra butter for serving (optional)
How to Make Irish Potato Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add the mashed potatoes and softened butter, mixing until clumps start to form. Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a shaggy dough begins to come together. You may not need the full ½ cup—just add enough for the dough to hold together without being sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Bread
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 2-3 times until smooth. Pat into a round disc about 1 inch (2.5cm) thick. If making farls (triangle wedges), cut the disc into quarters with a sharp knife.
Step 3: Cook the Potato Bread
Heat a heavy non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low. Cook the bread rounds or farls for 4-5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through. If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the center cooks through. You can also bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, if you prefer.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm, spread with butter or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes, but avoid potatoes with lots of butter or cream as these can make the dough too soft.
- If dough feels sticky, sprinkle in extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth.
- Tastes best fresh but can be gently reheated in a skillet the next day.
Variations
- Herbed Potato Bread: Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Potato Bread: Fold in ½ cup grated cheddar cheese for a savory boost.
- Vegan Potato Bread: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife for shaping
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Let bread cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet to restore texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with salted butter or a dollop of jam for breakfast.
- Pair with soups and stews for a comforting dinner side.
- Use as the base for hearty sandwiches or even as a toast for eggs.
Pro Tips for the Best Irish Potato Bread
- For extra fluffy bread, don’t over-knead the dough—just bring it together gently.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the bread for an even golden crust.
- Test for doneness by tapping the bread; it should sound hollow and feel firm to the touch.
FAQ
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they're prepared without extra butter or cream for the right dough consistency.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, though the texture will be a bit different.
3. Can I bake the bread instead of cooking on a skillet?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to incorporate.
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2Add melted butter and milk to the mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.
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3Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead for 1–2 minutes until smooth, then flatten into a round disc about ½ inch thick.
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4Cut the disc into 6–8 wedges. Optionally, sprinkle black pepper and chopped scallions on top for extra flavor.
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5Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each wedge for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
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6Serve warm, with butter or as an accompaniment to a full Irish breakfast.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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