What Is a Potato Scone?

A potato scone is a type of simple, unleavened bread which consists of just a few ingredients, and is usually cooked on the stovetop. It is very popular in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and may also be referred to in these countries as a tattie scone or a potato farl. For many people in these countries, the potato scone is considered an essential part of a home-cooked breakfast. As these scones allow cooks to use up leftover potatoes, they are a very economical form of bread.

Usually, a potato scone consists of just a few ingredients. Most recipes call for cooled, mashed potatoes, softened or melted butter, and a small quantity of flour. Sometimes, spices and seasonings such as pepper or mace are added to slightly alter the flavor of the traditional potato scone recipe. These ingredients are mixed together to form a soft dough, which is patted into a flat circle and then cut into four wedges. The wedges are usually then cooked in a frying pan or on a griddle, although some variations of the typical scone recipe call for oven baking.

Potato scones are very popular in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In these countries, this type of scone may also be referred to as a tattie scone or a potato farl. The name tattie scone derives from the word tattie, which is a slang term for the potato which can be heard in various parts of the United Kingdom. Farl is believed to be a word of Scots Gaelic origin. While farl can be used for any roughly triangular baked good, it is most often applied to the potato scone.

For many people in the United Kingdom, particularly Northern Ireland and Scotland, the potato scone is considered an essential part of a home-cooked breakfast. Often, it is served alongside fried eggs, bacon, and sausages. These items may be stacked between two potato scones to create a breakfast sandwich. For a simpler taste, many people enjoy potato scones with just a pat of butter on top.

Preparing a batch of potato scones is an excellent way to use up potatoes which are left over from a previous meal. Further, in addition to leftover potatoes, few ingredients are needed to make these scones. For the home cook, they are thus a very economical form of bread.