Irish Potato Colcannon
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Irish Potato Colcannon
Making Colcannon Mashed Potatoes is your shortcut to a comforting Irish classic, blending creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage and fresh scallions for a side dish that’s full of flavor and ready in under an hour. This traditional colcannon recipe is surprisingly simple, turning basic ingredients into a hearty, globally-inspired meal that feels both wholesome and special. It’s the perfect way to add an international touch to your weeknight dinner rotation with bold flavors and zero fuss.
3 Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Effortless International Flavor – Enjoy the authentic taste of Irish mashed potatoes without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Surprising Nutrition – The addition of cabbage transforms basic potatoes with cabbage into a dish that’s richer in fiber and vitamins.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – This recipe holds beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday planning.
- Total Comfort Food – It delivers the ultimate cozy, satisfying experience that makes scallion mashed potatoes a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for Your Colcannon
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered – Their high starch content is the secret to an exceptionally creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning – Added to the cooking water to season the potatoes from the inside out.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – Use part for cooking the vegetables and the rest for a rich finish.
- 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds essential creaminess without making the mash too heavy.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is the key to making the mash extra rich and luxurious.
For the Cabbage & Scallion Mix
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 4 cups) – It wilts down beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness.
- 4 medium scallions, thinly sliced – They provide a mild, fresh onion flavor that’s essential to traditional colcannon.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Freshly grinding it just before serving gives the best aroma.
Your Quick Path to Irish Comfort
I love that this cozy dish comes together in just 40 minutes total, making it totally achievable for a weeknight. With only 15 minutes of active prep and 25 minutes of mostly hands-off cooking, you can have this traditional Irish comfort food on the table without a long time commitment.
Compared to other potato dishes that can take much longer, these potatoes with cabbage are a fantastic quick recipe. The simmering time for the potatoes is the longest part, but it’s mostly passive. This makes it a perfect easy family dinner side. For more simple potato sides that are just as quick, check out my garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
If you’re sugar-conscious or managing your blood sugar, you’ll be happy to know that this dish is naturally low glycemic. The primary ingredients are whole foods that provide steady energy. For even better glycemic control, you can make a couple of simple tweaks.
First, be sure to keep the potato skins on for extra fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption. You could also substitute a portion of the russet potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version. Finally, this is a naturally diabetic-friendly recipe as written, with no added sugar.
My Pro Tips for the Best Colcannon
After making this Irish staple countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a big difference. These small adjustments ensure your Colcannon Mashed Potatoes turn out perfectly every single time.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using kale instead of cabbage. It’s a common variation in some Irish regions and adds a lovely, earthy note.
- Diet Tweak: To make this dish vegan, use plant-based butter and a rich, unsweetened plant milk like oat or cashew. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.
- Texture Fix: Always drain the cooked potatoes well and let them steam dry in the hot pot for a minute. This prevents watery mashed potatoes and gives you the perfect, fluffy base for your loaded mashed potatoes or this colcannon.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess. For more make-ahead strategies, my guide on make-ahead Thanksgiving sides has you covered.
Colcannon Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with tender cabbage and scallions. This traditional Irish side dish combines fluffy potatoes with savory vegetables for the perfect comfort food.
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- small saucepan
- potato masher
- wooden spoon
- rubber spatula
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- serving bowl
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more for seasoning
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced about 4 cups
- 4 medium scallions, thinly sliced
Seasoning
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until it is wilted and softened. Stir in the sliced scallions and cook for 1 minute more. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm over low heat until just steaming; do not boil. Keep warm.
- Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for a minute off the heat so any residual moisture evaporates.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until fully incorporated and the potatoes are creamy.
- Gently fold the cooked cabbage and scallions into the mashed potatoes until evenly distributed. Season generously with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, make a well in the center, and place the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the well to melt before serving.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This dish is more than just comfort food; it’s a nourishing choice. Potatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamin C, while the cabbage contributes significant vitamin K and fiber. Together, they create a side dish that’s richer in nutrients than standard mashed potatoes.
The fiber from the cabbage supports digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied. When you’re looking for other sides that pack a nutritional punch, my sweet potato salad is another great option. For more on the health benefits of potatoes, the Potato Goodness website is a fantastic resource. And if you love healthy potato dishes, don’t miss my roasted sweet potatoes.
A Lighter Version of Colcannon
If you want to lighten up this classic, it’s incredibly easy to do without sacrificing flavor. You can reduce the butter by a tablespoon or two and replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk. The result is still wonderfully creamy but a bit lighter.
For a different twist, you could even swap half the potatoes for cauliflower. It blends in seamlessly and adds extra vitamins. This is a great way to enjoy a lower-carb version of this traditional dish. For another light side dish idea, try my sweet potato and black bean salad.
How to Serve Your Colcannon Creation
I love serving this dish family-style in a big, warm bowl with a well of melted butter in the center. It’s a presentation that always feels special and inviting. This Irish mashed potatoes dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many mains.
It’s a classic alongside roasted chicken or a simple sausage. For a truly traditional Irish meal, serve it with corned beef. It also makes a fantastic comforting side for a holiday spread. For more inspiration on building a memorable meal, check out my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. And if you’re planning a full menu, these easy Thanksgiving side dishes will help immensely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Colcannon
Even simple recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues people run into, so your Colcannon Mashed Potatoes turn out flawless.
Why are my mashed potatoes gluey? This usually happens from over-mashing. Use a potato masher or ricer, not a food processor, which can break down the starches too much. Stop mashing as soon as they are smooth.
How can I prevent watery colcannon? The key is to thoroughly drain the potatoes and let them steam dry. Also, make sure your cooked cabbage isn’t holding excess water; sauté it until nicely wilted.
Why is my dish bland? Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Potatoes need a good amount of salt. Always taste at the end and adjust the salt and pepper. The BBC Good Food guide to perfect mash has great general tips. For more holiday side dish guidance, my herb stuffing and grandma’s classic stuffing recipes cover common mistakes too.
I remember the first time I made this and under-salted it; it was such a easy lesson in how important seasoning is for simple ingredients!
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This dish stores wonderfully, which is great for meal prep. Let the colcannon cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, stirring every 30 seconds. For another side that stores and reheats well, try my cornbread stuffing.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Now
This recipe is a beautiful way to bring a taste of Irish tradition to your table with minimal effort. The combination of creamy potatoes and savory greens is comfort food at its absolute best. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
Whether you’re looking for a new staple side dish or a memorable addition to a holiday meal, these Colcannon Mashed Potatoes deliver. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. For more simple and satisfying ideas, explore my simple Thanksgiving dishes, my indulgent southern sweet potato casserole, or even crispy sweet potato fries from the air fryer.
More Cozy Potato and Side Dish Favorites
If you loved this hearty and comforting recipe, you’re sure to find more inspiration in these other family-friendly dishes. Each one brings its own unique twist to classic comfort food.
Ready for more easy, flavor-packed sides? Here are a few more recipes to complete your meal planning.
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes – Just as creamy and decadent as the classic, using simple plant-based ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between colcannon and regular mashed potatoes?
The key difference is the addition of cooked cabbage or kale and scallions. Colcannon Mashed Potatoes are a specific Irish version that incorporates these greens, giving them a more complex flavor and texture compared to plain mashed potatoes.
Can I use kale instead of cabbage in colcannon?
Absolutely! Using kale is a traditional and delicious variation. Simply swap the thinly sliced cabbage for an equal amount of finely chopped kale. Sauté it until wilted and tender before folding it into your Colcannon Mashed Potatoes.
What meat goes well with colcannon?
Colcannon is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, sausages, or a holiday ham. For a truly authentic Irish meal, serve it alongside corned beef.
Can colcannon be made ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare the Colcannon Mashed Potatoes completely, let them cool, and store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra milk to restore the creamy texture.
