Colcannon
If you’ve never had Colcannon before, get ready to meet your new favorite way to eat mashed potatoes. This creamy, dreamy Irish classic blends buttery mashed potatoes with tender cabbage (or kale!) and scallions for a side dish that’s humble but so satisfying. It’s the kind of food that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, with love in every spoonful.
Whether it’s Saint Patrick’s Day or just a random Tuesday when you need some food for the soul, trust me — this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Colcannon
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients — it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can switch up the greens or add extra mix-ins like bacon, leeks, or even cheese for your own twist.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like potatoes, cabbage, and butter. No fancy ingredients required.
Quick and Easy: Comes together fast with minimal fuss. Just boil, mash, stir, and boom — comfort on a plate.
Customizable: Swap cabbage with kale, toss in garlic, or stir in crispy bacon for extra flavor. Make it yours!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Colcannon
Here’s the magic of this dish — it’s made with just a few humble ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Potatoes: The heart of the dish. Starchy or all-purpose potatoes work best for that fluffy, mashable texture we love.
Cabbage or Kale: Adds a tender bite and earthy flavor. Green cabbage is classic, but kale gives it a slightly modern twist.
Butter: Rich, creamy, and essential. Don’t be shy with it — it makes everything taste better.
Milk or Cream: Helps create that ultra-smooth mash. Warm it up before mixing it in for best results.
Green Onions: Adds a mild oniony zing that wakes up the dish just right.
Salt and Pepper: The finishing touch to bring all the flavors into balance.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Boil the Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well — we want them fluffy, not soggy.
Cook the Greens: While the potatoes are boiling, sauté chopped cabbage or kale in butter until tender and lightly golden. This step adds amazing flavor.
Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add butter and warm milk or cream, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Add the Greens: Stir in your cooked cabbage or kale, along with sliced green onions. Fold everything together gently to keep the mash light and fluffy.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to your liking. A little extra butter on top doesn’t hurt either — trust me.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into a big bowl and serve warm. It’s the kind of dish that practically demands a second helping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Colcannon
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– Serve it alongside roasted sausages or corned beef for a hearty meal.
– Use it as a bed for grilled chicken or pork chops.
– For a vegetarian meal, pair with roasted root vegetables and a drizzle of herby olive oil.
– Top with a fried egg for a brunchy twist.
– Make little Colcannon cakes with leftovers — crisped up in a skillet, they’re irresistible.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Warm the milk or cream before adding it to keep the mash fluffy.
– Don’t over-mix the potatoes or they may turn gluey.
– Add a clove of garlic to the greens for extra depth.
– If using kale, remove the stems and chop finely for best texture.
– A pat of butter melted on top just before serving makes everything better.
– For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream.
– Got picky eaters? Start with just a small amount of greens and increase over time.
– Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of milk and rewarm gently.
– It’s freezer-friendly! Freeze in portions and reheat as needed.
– Great for meal prep — make a big batch and enjoy all week.
FAQs
1. Can I make Colcannon ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
2. What kind of potatoes should I use?
Yukon Gold or Russet work best — they mash up creamy and fluffy.
3. Can I use kale instead of cabbage?
Absolutely. Kale adds a lovely earthy flavor and holds up well.
4. Is Colcannon gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you double-check your ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
You bet. Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or even corned beef for extra heartiness.
6. What can I do with leftovers?
Form into patties and pan-fry for crispy Colcannon cakes — so good!
7. How do I keep my mashed potatoes from getting gummy?
Drain well and mash gently. Avoid overmixing and use warm milk or cream.
8. Can I freeze Colcannon?
Yes, it freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
9. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s up to you! Peeled makes it smooth, but leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.
10. What other herbs go well with Colcannon?
Chives, parsley, or a little thyme work beautifully here.
Conclusion
Colcannon is one of those dishes that proves simple really is beautiful. With creamy mashed potatoes, buttery greens, and just the right pop of flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that wraps you up in comfort. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want something cozy on a weeknight, this dish delivers every single time. So grab a fork and dig in — this one’s made to be savored.
PrintColcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender greens like kale or cabbage, enriched with butter and milk. It’s a comforting side dish, often enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but delightful any time of the year.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: SideDish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 slices bacon
– 1/2 small head cabbage, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion and cabbage over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm.
5. Mash the cooked potatoes with the melted butter and warmed milk until smooth.
6. Fold in the sautéed cabbage and onions, and the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, with an additional pat of butter on top if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onions and cabbage in butter or olive oil. You can also substitute kale for cabbage, or use a combination of both for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1cup
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
