Delicious Irish Potato Scones Recipe | Easy and Homemade
Are you looking to try your hand at a traditional Scottish or Irish potato recipe? Look no further than Irish Potato Scones! Also called tattie scones, these savory bites of goodness are the perfect side dish to any meal.
Using simple ingredients like flour, salt and mashed potatoes, this recipe is easy to follow and is sure to impress your family and friends. These scones are a staple in both Scottish and Irish cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also versatile. Serve them as a side dish for breakfast with eggs and bacon, pair them with a bowl of soup for lunch, or enjoy them alongside your favorite protein for dinner.
So why not give it a try? This Irish Potato Scones recipe is the perfect way to get in touch with your Scottish or Irish roots, or simply to add some variety to your regular meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Potato scones, or tattie scones as they are known in Scotland, are a delicious breakfast staple. But why limit yourself to just one type of potato scone when you can enjoy the Irish version as well? This Irish Potato Scones Recipe is the perfect addition to any traditional Scottish breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.
What sets this dish apart is its soft and delicate texture, which comes from using leftover mashed potatoes that are combined with flour, salt, and bacon fat. The result? A savory pancake-like treat that pairs perfectly with fried eggs, smoked salmon, or even mature cheddar cheese.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also versatile. You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add your favorite herbs like wild garlic to give it an extra flavor kick. You can even make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Trust us; you will love the taste and ease of this Irish Potato Scones Recipe! Don’t miss out on this unique twist on a classic Scottish dish that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredient List
Before beginning any recipe, it is important to gather all the ingredients and measure them out properly.
This Irish Potato Scones recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover mashed potatoes work great!)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
In addition, you’ll need some bacon fat or cold butter to cook the scones and melt some additional butter to brush on top.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the essentials for Irish Potato Scones, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; this recipe is straightforward and simple, and the end result is well worth the effort.
The Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons bacon fat or cold butter
- 2/3 cup cold mashed potatoes
The Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of plain flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Cut in bacon fat or cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold mashed potatoes and stir until the mixture forms a dough.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut discs of dough using a 3-inch round cutter.
- Place on greased griddle over medium heat or in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook each side for approximately 3 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from pan and place into warm oven until ready to serve.
To add some variety to this classic recipe, try adding some grated cheddar or chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to your scone dough before cooking.
Irish Potato Scones make an excellent accompaniment to a traditional Scottish breakfast with smoked salmon or as a side dish with soup or stew.
Now that you know how to make these delicious potato scones, why not try them with butter and a hot cup of tea or coffee? You won’t be disappointed!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to add a unique twist to your Irish Potato Scones recipe? You’re in luck! There are many substitutions and variations you can make to put a personalized spin on this classic dish.
Firstly, if you don’t have bacon fat, don’t panic! Simply substitute it with butter or oil for equally delicious results.
Feeling adventurous? Why not try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? This variation provides a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
For those looking for a vegan option, swap the bacon fat for coconut oil and use plant-based milk in place of regular milk.
Another variation is adding some wild garlic and mature cheddar cheese to the mix. These ingredients elevate the traditional potato scone with their bold flavors.
Want to serve your potato scones as a main course? Add some smoked salmon for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
In Scotland, these scones are also called “tattie scones,” and are often served alongside a traditional Scottish breakfast. Turn them into potato pancakes by shaping them into wider and flatter disks, and fry them until golden brown.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Irish potato scones are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are most popularly served as a side dish for a traditional Scottish breakfast or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. These scones can also be served as a delectable snack or appetizer.
For a traditional Scottish meal, serve your potato scones with grilled or poached eggs, black pudding, haggis, and sautéed mushrooms. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, pair them with honey, jam or butter.
These savory scones pair beautifully with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a delightful brunch option. For a healthier option, serve them with green salad and roasted vegetables.
You can also experiment with different variations by substituting some of the ingredients to create different flavors. For example, try making sweet potato scones by replacing the Irish potatoes with sweet potatoes. Pair them with wild garlic and mature cheddar for a distinct flavor fusion.
Whatever way you choose to serve your Irish potato scones, they are sure to please your taste buds and add to your dining experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Irish Potato Scones are a fantastic make-ahead meal. If you’re planning to serve these for breakfast or brunch, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. This dough will taste even better when allowed to rest overnight, giving time for the flavors to meld together.
To store leftovers, let the scones cool down to room temperature first. If you put them away while they’re still hot, it can create condensation inside the container and cause sogginess. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You may also freeze the scones for later use – just pop them into a freezer bag and label them properly.
To reheat the scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the scones on top of it. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you may heat them through on a griddle or in a hot skillet with a bit of butter for added crispiness.
Irish Potato Scones are also perfect to pack for a picnic or road trip. They’re easy to transport and don’t need any utensils to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Irish Potato Scones involves some tweaks and adjustments that can take your dish to a whole new level. As an experienced chef, I’ve discovered some tips that ensure your scones turn out flawless every time. Here are my secret tips for making these popular, classic scones.
1. Keep the Dough Moist
Growing up in Scotland, I learned that the key to creating sumptuous potato scones is maintaining safe levels of moisture in the dough. If you let it dry out (or even underdo it), you may end up with overly stiff scones or burned ones if overcooked. Therefore, add enough water or milk until all ingredients hold together without crumbling.
2. Use Cold Ingredients
To make Irish Potato Scones that are light, flaky, and airy, get your ingredients as cold as possible before you begin baking them. There is nothing worse than having butter or cream cheese at room temperature on a hot day when attempting to mix dough.
3. Use Bacon Fat or Cold Butter
Bacon fat is hands down better for crispy and savoury scones than regular butter. Alternatively, use cold (not room temperature) unsalted butter that you have grated, rather than softened with a fork.
4. Cook on Low Heat
One characteristic of potato scones is that they take their time to cook. If you rush the cooking process by flipping them too soon or cooking them too quickly over high heat, they may still be doughy on the inside and charred on the outside.
5. Let Them Rest for a While
Before serving freshly cooked Irish Potato Scones, give them about 10 minutes to sit well and firm up slightly while still warm after removing them from heat and covering them with a kitchen cloth. It can enhance their texture and make them more heavenly-tasting when eaten.
With these simple tips, you can make the most delicious Irish Potato Scones every time. Now that you know my secrets, there’s nothing else to stop you from creating this iconic Scottish dish with confounding ease. Good luck and happy baking!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make Irish Potato Scones with ease using our simple and delicious recipe, it’s time to address some common questions that might come up during the cooking process. Answering these questions will help you perfect your cooking technique and enjoy the dish even more. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about these savory scones.
What is the difference between potato scones and potato cakes?
Potato scones and potato cakes, despite having different names based on their country of origin, both serve the same purpose of being a staple part of a savory meal such as breakfast. While potato scones can also be paired with butter or jam and enjoyed with a cup of tea.
What is a Tattie scone called in Ireland?
These delightful treats are known by different names such as potato scones, fadge or potato bread in Ireland. However, they are all essentially referring to the same dish – tattie scones. These scones offer a simple and timely solution to utilizing left-over mashed potatoes.
What is the secret to moist scones?
If you want to achieve a moister texture in your scones, you can consider incorporating more milk into the recipe or even try adding a touch of buttermilk for that extra burst of moisture.
Why is a potato scone called a potato scone?
If you’re wondering what on earth a “tattie” is, let me clarify – it’s actually just another word for “potato”. Potato scones, or “tattie scones” as they’re known in Scotland, are a type of griddle scone that contain – you guessed it – potatoes. Traditionally, they’re served as part of a cooked breakfast, or what some might call a “fry-up”, alongside other breakfast classics like sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, and tomatoes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Potato Scones recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates traditional British cuisine. With a few basic ingredients and simple instructions, you can easily whip up these delicious scones in no time. Not only are they a perfect side dish to any meal, but they can also be served on their own as a savory snack or even as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast.
While there may be many variations of potato scones out there, this particular recipe offers a slightly crispy and golden exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The beauty of this recipe lies in the fact that it can be easily customized to suit your personal taste preferences by simply adding in different ingredients like smoked salmon or mature cheddar.
Additionally, with the use of leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe helps to reduce food waste and use up any extra potatoes you may have on hand. It’s an added bonus that you don’t have to wait for fresh potatoes to make these scones.
So why not give this recipe a try? Once you do, you’ll understand why potato scones hold such a special place in traditional British cuisine. The taste alone is sure to transport you across the pond and leave you feeling warm and nostalgic inside.
Irish Potato Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes
- 6 tablespoons bacon fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups flour
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender. Drain. Peel. Rice.
- Mix with the bacon fat, salt and flour.
- Roll out into a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut in 2 inch circles. Prick all over with a fork.
- Heat an iron skillet over high heat.
- Add scones, a few at a time. Turn heat to medium. Cook until browned and speckled.
- YUM!
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.