Name: Crispy Irish Potato Cakes 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 black pepper (freshly ground); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons butter

There’s something utterly irresistible about a golden, crunchy-on-the-outside yet soft-on-the-inside potato cake. This Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe brings the best of traditional Irish comfort food right to your kitchen. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for breakfast, lunch, or even a cozy dinner side!

The image shows a white plate with seven triangular pieces of golden brown food arranged in a circle. Each piece has a crispy, browned outer layer with small bits of bright green herbs sprinkled on top. The texture looks crunchy on the outside with hints of soft, creamy spots where the surface is lighter. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these Irish potato farls—there was this perfect crispy crust paired with fluffy potatoes inside that just made me smile. They’re deceptively simple, but truly special once you get the technique down.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen pantry.
Perfectly crispy: Fried in butter for that irresistible golden crust.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, or as a side with dinner.
Vegetarian-friendly: A comforting dish that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail that iconic texture and flavor, a few key ingredients really shine here. Choosing the right potato and using plenty of butter makes all the difference. Plus, simple seasoning keeps the focus on natural potato goodness.

Flat lay of two whole Russet potatoes with natural brown skin, a small mound of white all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fine salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a few slices of golden yellow butter arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold are my favorites—they mash up nicely and give a fluffy texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the potato mixture into a dough without overwhelming the flavor.
Salt: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a mild, appetizing kick.
Butter: Used twice—for mixing into the dough and frying—to add richness and a golden finish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're aiming for a heartier twist or a diet-friendly version, these cakes adapt beautifully to your taste and pantry.

Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: I love adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dough for a fresh, aromatic touch. It lifts the flavor and adds a pretty pop of green to the cakes.
Cheesy Delight: Mixing in a handful of grated sharp cheddar or parmesan before shaping makes the cakes irresistibly cheesy and satisfying—a perfect indulgence for a weekend brunch.
Gluten-Free Twist: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains wonderfully crispy, so no need to sacrifice anything if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Shredded Potato Mix: If you prefer a bit more texture, replace half of the mashed potatoes with shredded potatoes. It gives an extra crispy and rustic feel that can be quite nostalgic.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mix. It adds warmth and a subtle smoky note that pairs fantastically with the buttery crisp exterior.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two sunny-side-up eggs on the left side, each egg having a bright yellow yolk and white edges sprinkled with black pepper. Above the eggs are two thick slices of red tomato, seasoned lightly with green herbs and black pepper. On the right side of the plate, there are two golden-brown, triangle-shaped toast pieces with a slightly crispy texture, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. A silver fork rests inside the plate’s upper left edge. The plate is placed on a dark wooden surface with fresh green parsley leaves nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes for Perfect Texture

Start by cutting your potatoes into equally sized pieces to ensure even cooking—this step is key for that perfectly fluffy interior. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water, stirring in about 1 teaspoon of salt to season as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily without resistance.

Step 2: Drain and Mash Until Silky Smooth

Carefully drain the potatoes and transfer them to a bowl. For the fluffiest texture, I prefer using a potato ricer or pressing the potatoes through a sieve. If you don’t have those, a potato masher works just fine—just aim for a smooth, lump-free mash that feels light and airy. This will be the foundation for your Crispy Irish Potato Cakes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients to Form Dough

To your warm mashed potatoes, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of softened butter, ½ teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. It should hold together without being sticky—if it's too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour to adjust.

Step 4: Shape and Slice Your Potato Cakes

Lightly flour your work surface, then pat the dough into an 8-inch diameter disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut this disk into 8 equal triangular pieces, just like slicing a pizza. This shape helps the cakes cook evenly and crisps up beautifully on all sides.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection

Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is hot and bubbling, add your potato cake triangles carefully, giving them space to crisp without crowding. Fry each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and gets irresistibly crispy. The aroma of butter and potatoes filling your kitchen is simply the best signal that they're ready to enjoy.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior on your Potato Cakes can sometimes be tricky, but these tips have made all the difference in my kitchen!

Use Equal Potato Pieces: Cutting your potatoes into evenly sized chunks ensures they cook uniformly, resulting in that ideal texture inside your Irish Potato Cakes.
Butter Temperature Matters: When mixing your dough, using soft or melted butter helps you combine ingredients without overworking the mixture—keeping the cakes tender and light.
Don’t Skip the Floured Surface: Rolling the dough on a lightly floured surface prevents sticking and helps you shape a neat disk, making it easier to slice evenly into those classic farl triangles.
Mind Your Heat: Cooking over medium heat allows the cakes to brown beautifully without burning, giving you that signature crispy, golden crust.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left contains three layers: the bottom layer is yellow shredded substance, the middle layer is a pile of white flour, and the top layer has two small square pieces of pale yellow butter along with a small pile of black pepper. The bowl on the right has a single thick dough layer with a smooth slightly shiny texture, and a white spatula with a maroon handle resting inside the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Crispy Irish Potato Cakes are deliciously simple, so garnishes should enhance, not overpower. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a pat of butter melting on top adds a creamy touch. For a bit of zest, a light drizzle of malt vinegar or a side of tangy chutney pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These potato cakes are incredibly versatile — serve them alongside traditional Irish fare like sautéed cabbage or smoky Irish bacon for a hearty meal. They also complement a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables beautifully, turning them into a satisfying vegetarian main course or side dish. Breakfast lovers, consider pairing them with eggs and baked beans for a full Irish breakfast experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover potato cakes, let them cool completely first. Then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy crisp, warm cakes without starting from scratch the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. After cooling the cakes fully, you can either freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid (flash freezing) or place them directly in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen potato cakes will stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated cakes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat by frying them again in butter over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re heated through and perfectly crispy—just like when freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work well. Just take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before mixing, or use soft or melted butter to make combining easier.

What type of potatoes are best for potato cakes?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture, which helps create fluffy interiors while allowing the cakes to crisp nicely on the outside.

How do I prevent the potato cakes from falling apart while frying?

Ensuring the dough is well mixed and firm enough is key. Also, cooking over medium heat with enough butter to crisp without burning helps keep their shape and texture intact.

Can I make these potato cakes gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly. Adjust the amount to achieve a workable dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, crispy Potato Cake fresh from the skillet. This Crispy Irish Potato Cakes Recipe brings that little taste of Ireland right to your table, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I hope these cakes add a cozy, delicious touch to your day. Happy cooking and even happier eating!