Name: Traditional Irish Potato Bread
Prep time: 1 h 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Bread
Ingredients: 2 medium or large russet potatoes; 1 egg; 1 egg white; 1/3 cup canola oil; 3/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons green onion, minced; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading; 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

Irish Potato Bread has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft and fluffy texture on the inside, making it perfect to serve as a side with soups, stews or even with some butter and jam.

This delicious bread is a simple, tasty snack to feed your hungry crowd during the winter and especially for St. Patrick’s Day!

Using potatoes in the recipe makes the bread moist and adds a subtle sweetness to the flavor for this St Patricks Day Recipe.

From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday.

And I can’t think of anything more Irish than this rustic bread recipe.

to be a favorite among bread lovers all over the world!

If you’re making this recipe for your family, why not cuddle up and read St Patricks Day Board Books for Toddlers or 10 St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books for Your Leprechaun while it’s baking!

Don’t miss out on our other baking recipes!

This post contains affiliate links.

What is Irish Bread

Irish bread typically refers to traditional bread recipes that are popular in Ireland, such as soda bread or Irish brown bread.

These breads often have simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk and salt, and they may be baked in various forms, including loaves, rounds or scones.

Irish bread is known for its hearty texture, rustic appearance, and delicious flavor, making it a staple in Irish cuisine and a beloved accompaniment to meals or enjoyed on its own with butter or jam.

St Patricks Day Window Clings St. Patrick’s Day Pillow Covers St. Patrick’s Day Door Signs St Patricks Day Garden Flag

Irish Potato Bread in particular is a traditional Irish bread that is made using mashed potatoes in the dough.

freshly baked potato bread - traditional in Ireland

Irish Potato Bread has been a staple in Irish households for generations and continues

History of Bread in Ireland

Bread holds a significant place in the culinary history of Ireland, dating back centuries as a staple food in Irish diets.

Traditionally, Irish bread was made using simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water, often supplemented with local grains like oats or barley.

Green Tassel Earrings Shamrock Clover Dangle Earrings St. Patrick’s Day Green Leaf Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver Heart Four Leaf Clover Earrings

Over time, various types of bread emerged, including soda bread, which gained popularity for its ease of preparation using baking soda as a leavening agent.

Irish Potato Bread for St. Patrick's Day

Today, Irish bread continues to be cherished for its hearty texture and rich flavors, embodying the deep-rooted culinary traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Be sure to check out these other family fun ideas for St. Patricks Day

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Traditional Irish Potato Bread offers a hearty, rustic flavor and a soft, fluffy texture—perfect for cozy meals or festive gatherings.

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt and butter.
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of mashed potatoes and flour creates a dense, filling bread that’s perfect for hearty meals.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with soups, stews or simply with butter and jam for a delightful snack.
Perfect for Celebrations: This bread is an excellent addition to St. Patrick’s Day festivities or any occasion where you want to add a touch of Irish tradition.
Comforting and Familiar: Its rustic appearance and comforting taste make it a beloved choice for family gatherings and cozy dinners.

This Irish Potato Bread is a comforting and versatile addition to your table, bringing a taste of Ireland to any meal.

Irish Potato Bread Ingredients

For the full measurements, scroll down to the Irish potato bread recipe card.

russet potatoes
egg
egg white
canola oil
milk
green onion
caraway seeds
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt

Pot Holders Fox Flower Cat Design Heat Resistant Cooking Oven Mitts Leaves Pot Holders kate spade new york Squeeze The Day and Spring Gingham Pot Holder

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare this Traditional Irish Potato Bread, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients such as flour, oil, and milk.
Vegetable Peeler: To peel the russet potatoes.
Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing and grating the potatoes.
Medium Saucepan: To boil the sliced potatoes until tender.
Large Mixing Bowl: For mashing the boiled potatoes and combining all ingredients.
Potato Masher: To mash the boiled potatoes smoothly.
Grater: For grating the raw potato.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring the dough mixture.
Cheesecloth: To wring out excess moisture from the grated raw potato.
Baking Sheet: For placing the dough to bake.
Silicone Baking Mat: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Oven Mitts: To safely handle hot cookware.

Kitchen Aprons for Women with Pockets, Cooking Aprons for Women Lofekea Aprons 2 Pack Adjustable Bib Aprons with 2 Pockets Cotton Linen LessMo Kitchen Cooking Aprons with 3 Pockets – Cotton Adjustable Professional Grade Chef Apron Britimes Apron Home Kitchen Cooking Baking Gardening

These tools will assist you in preparing the Irish Potato Bread as outlined in the recipe.

How to Make Irish Potato Bread

Heat oven to 375 F.

Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside.

Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water.

Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky.

Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome.

Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep.

Irish traditional potato bread - close up

Bake 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.

Video Instructions for Irish Potato Bread

Find more celebratory recipes at Culinary.net.

More Irish Recipes

Explore a delightful array of traditional Irish recipes that capture the heart and soul of Irish cuisine, from hearty stews to comforting breads.

Caramel Chocolate Pumpkin Bread is a seriously decadent recipe if you’re looking for something more sinful!

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!

For more delicious bread ideas!

Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home Paul Hollywood 100 Great Breads: The Original Bestseller

Traditional Irish Potato Bread

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Irish Potato Bread has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft and fluffy texture on the inside with a subtle sweetness to the flavor.

Ingredients

2 medium or large russet potatoes
1 egg
1 egg white
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons green onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside.
Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water. Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky.
Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome. Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep.
Bake at 375 for 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.