Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter
Traditional Northern Irish potato farls served hot and slathered with fragrant sage-infused butter for a hearty side or breakfast. This british-inspired breakfast ready in about 20 minutes combines mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, divided unsalted butter into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 8 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mashed potatoes with 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until a soft dough forms—add a little more flour if too sticky.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a flat round about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 8 equal triangular pieces.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add the 8 fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove the leaves and set aside.
- Step 4: Add the potato farls to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Step 5: Remove the farls and spread with the reserved sage-infused butter (2 tbsp unsalted butter melted with sage leaves). Serve warm with a side of your choice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Northern Irish Potato Farls with Sage Butter?
British breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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