If you have a soft spot for Irish comfort food and need to avoid gluten, you’re absolutely going to love this Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe. It’s a hearty, tender bread that captures the rustic charm of traditional Irish cooking, but with a gluten-free twist that keeps it light and approachable. Using simple pantry staples like potatoes and gluten free flour, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a warm, satisfying bread that’s perfect for breakfast, alongside stews, or just with a bit of butter. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in bread form — and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe relies on a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each play a key role in making the bread tender, flavorful, and perfectly textured. From creamy potatoes to gluten free flour, every component works together to create that classic potato bread appeal.
- Potatoes (1 lb peeled and chopped or 2 cups mashed): The star of the bread, providing moisture, softness, and a subtle sweetness.
- Butter (3 tbsp softened or melted): Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender and flavorful.
- Gluten free all purpose flour (6 tbsp): The key to making this recipe accessible for gluten free diets while maintaining structure.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives that gentle rise so the bread isn’t dense or heavy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp plus seasoning): Enhances the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
How to Make Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly sized chunks, then boil them until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain them well and mash until smooth. Using mashed potato rather than chunks ensures your bread has that signature soft, moist crumb.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
While the potatoes are still warm, add the softened or melted butter to the mash and stir until fully incorporated. The butter melts right in, enriching the bread with a lovely creamy flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning for a consistent texture.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the potato mixture. The dough will be soft but manageable. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Bread
Shape your dough into rounds or patties and cook them in a warm, lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side, so the bread develops a beautiful crust while staying moist inside.
How to Serve Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Top your potato bread with a pat of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add color and a fresh bite to the hearty bread. A little flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful crunch and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with traditional Irish meals like stews and soups, or alongside eggs and bacon for a comforting breakfast. Its mild flavor makes it a perfect companion to rich and savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it for a crispy exterior, then top with smoked salmon and crème fraîche for an elegant twist. Or use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches with fresh avocado and tomatoes for a lighter, modern presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
Gluten free breads often freeze well, and this potato bread is no exception. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and toss into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
Reheat leftover bread gently in a toaster oven or in a warm skillet for a few minutes. This restores the crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and moist, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a lovely sweetness and vibrant color but may slightly alter the texture and flavor. They work beautifully if you’re looking to add a twist to the classic.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly and will yield a tasty result.
What type of gluten free flour works best?
A gluten free all purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum tends to work best for structure. Avoid single-ingredient flours like rice flour alone, as they can make the bread crumbly.
Can I bake this bread instead of frying it?
You can bake the dough in a greased pan at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through, but the skillet method gives the best texture and crisp crust.
How do I know when the bread is cooked through?
The bread should be golden brown on both sides and spring back slightly when pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean if you bake it.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe is a true treasure for those craving traditional Irish flavors without the gluten. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast or as a side to your Sunday stew, this bread always feels like a little celebration of home cooking. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting warmth in every bite!
PrintGluten Free Irish Potato Bread Recipe
This Gluten Free Irish Potato Bread is a soft, tender bread made with mashed potatoes and gluten free flour, offering a delicious and easy-to-make option for those avoiding gluten. Perfect as a side or for a snack, it captures the comforting texture of traditional Irish soda bread while being suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 6 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or 2 cups (450g) mashed potato*
Dry Ingredients
- 6 tbsp gluten free all purpose flour (50g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt + more for seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tbsp softened or melted butter (42g)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks, then boil until tender. Mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth and mashed, allowing them to cool slightly before using.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten free all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed potatoes and softened or melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you form a consistent dough that holds together but is not too sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a surface with gluten free flour and shape the dough into a round loaf. Optionally, score the top with a cross pattern to help with even cooking.
- Cook the Bread: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the loaf on the skillet, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes per side. The bread should be firm and crispy on the outside with a soft interior.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- If using freshly boiled potatoes, ensure they are well mashed and not watery to avoid a soggy bread.
- This recipe naturally uses no yeast, so it’s a quick bread alternative that does not require rising time.
- You can add herbs or seasoning to the dough for additional flavor.
- For a crispier crust, cook the bread over a slightly higher heat but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen.
