Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe
If there’s one dish that brings comfort straight from the heart of Ireland, it’s the classic Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe. Creamy potatoes are lovingly mashed with sautéed cabbage and green onions, then enriched with a touch of buttery goodness for a side dish that is both cozy and nourishing. It’s the kind of food that begs to be ladled onto a plate next to your favorite roasted meats or simply enjoyed all on its own. This Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights but celebratory enough to wow any St. Patrick’s Day table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe is how it celebrates a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients. Each component brings its unique character—from the hearty texture of potatoes to the subtle bite of green onions—coming together in a beautiful harmony on your plate.
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): These varieties mash up creamy and smooth, forming the perfect base—just be sure to peel and chop them for even cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Butter is the soul of Colcannon, lending luxurious flavor and silkiness; don’t be shy when adding that extra pat on top for serving.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Adds moisture and a touch of decadence, making the mash irresistibly creamy—warm it up before mixing in for the best texture.
- Green cabbage (or kale): This brings a lovely bite and earthy sweetness; feel free to switch in curly kale if you’re craving something a little greener.
- Green onions (or leeks): These punch up the freshness—if you use leeks, be sure to thoroughly clean them to avoid any grit.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to find that perfect savory-sweet balance.
How to Make Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by piling your peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot, cover them with cold water, and sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for fork-tender—if your fork slides in easily, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Sauté the Greens
While the potatoes are simmering away, set a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in your chopped cabbage (or kale, if you fancy), and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s soft with just a little bite left. Stir in the green onions and give them an extra two minutes—their bright, sharp flavor will mellow and sweeten.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Drain your cooked potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Immediately add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mash until you have a lush, smooth consistency. The heat from the pot and the butter together work magic here for texture and flavor.
Step 4: Blend It All Together
Slowly pour in the warm milk or cream while you continue mashing, adding a little at a time until you reach your preferred level of creaminess. Now, gently fold in your sautéed cabbage and green onions—watch as the flecks of green swirl through the pale potatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Mound your Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe into a serving bowl while piping hot, and top with an extra pat of butter that melts into all those beautiful grooves. Get ready to dig in and watch it vanish!
How to Serve Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe
Garnishes
A pat of creamy Irish butter melting on top is classic, but you can get playful with a scattering of extra green onions or a fresh grind of black pepper. For a pop of color, finely chopped fresh parsley can be both pretty and flavorful.
Side Dishes
The Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe pairs fabulously with juicy slices of corned beef, roasted chicken, or Irish sausages. Its richness plays off roasted meats or nutty, caramelized vegetables, making it a star at both everyday dinners and special-occasion feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving scoops of Colcannon in individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or pipe the mash into swirls for an elevated look on a buffet. Leftovers can even be formed into patties and pan-fried for a crispy brunch treat—or use them as a hearty base for a savory potato cake topped with a poached egg.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftovers of your Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors mingle as it sits, making for even tastier reheated portions.
Freezing
For longer storage, spoon cooled Colcannon into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. For best texture, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Colcannon gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or a knob of butter to loosen it up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just stir partway through to keep things creamy and even.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet give you that dreamy texture, red potatoes or any waxy potato will work—just know your mash might be a touch more rustic.
How do I make this dairy free?
Swap the butter and milk with your favorite plant-based alternatives—oat milk and a quality olive oil can make a surprisingly rich and flavorful option in this Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe.
What’s the best way to get super creamy potatoes?
Make sure your potatoes are cooked until perfectly tender, mash them hot, and slowly add warmed milk or cream. A potato ricer or food mill can help if you want perfectly smooth mash every time.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Try mixing in sautéed leeks, cooked peas, or even wilted spinach for a unique twist while still keeping the soul of the Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe.
Is it traditional to serve Colcannon on St. Patrick’s Day?
Yes, Colcannon is a beloved Irish staple for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but it’s cozy and festive enough to enjoy any time you crave a touch of Irish warmth at your table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to embrace a bit of Irish comfort food bliss, the Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe is waiting for you. It’s simple, hearty, and travels straight from the heart—perfect for sharing with loved ones and making memories around the table. Give it a try and let its rich flavors brighten your day!
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Colcannon Irish Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, green onions, and plenty of butter. This recipe yields a comforting and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cut into chunks)
Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for serving)
Milk or Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Cabbage:
- 3 cups chopped green cabbage (or kale)
Green Onions:
- 1 cup chopped green onions (or leeks)
Salt and Pepper:
- to taste
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and boil for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Sauté Cabbage: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, sauté cabbage until softened, then add green onions and cook.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain cooked potatoes, mash with butter, and slowly stir in milk or cream for desired creaminess.
- Combine: Fold in cooked cabbage and green onions, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Top with butter and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or use more butter.
- This dish pairs beautifully with corned beef, sausages, or roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
