Skip to main content

colcannon recipe

Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe – Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage

Learn how to make authentic Irish Colcannon—a creamy mashed potato dish with cabbage and scallions. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or cozy family dinners.


What Is Colcannon?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato dish made with creamy potatoes, cabbage or kale, and green onions. It's a comfort food classic that’s both simple and hearty—often served with butter and sometimes bacon. Popular around St. Patrick’s Day, but delicious year-round!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Irish flavor with minimal ingredients
  • Comforting, creamy, and hearty
  • Easy to customize with kale, bacon, or leeks
  • Perfect side dish for sausages, roast meat, or fried eggs

Ingredients for Colcannon

  • 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1/2 small green cabbage, finely chopped
  • 4–5 green onions (scallions), sliced
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (warm)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (plus extra for serving)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 2–3 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped kale (instead of or in addition to cabbage)

How to Make Traditional Colcannon

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Cabbage

In a separate pan, cook chopped cabbage in a little butter until softened (5–7 minutes). Add green onions and sauté for 2 more minutes.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Mash the hot potatoes with butter, warm milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Fold in the sautéed cabbage and scallions. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve warm with a generous knob of butter melting on top. Optional: garnish with crispy bacon or fresh herbs.


Tips for Perfect Colcannon

  • Use starchy potatoes for a creamy mash.
  • Warm the milk/cream before adding—it blends more smoothly.
  • Don’t over-mash or your potatoes may become gluey.
  • Add kale, bacon, or garlic for delicious variations.

FAQs About Colcannon

Is Colcannon the same as Champ?
No. While both are Irish mashed potato dishes, Champ uses only scallions, while Colcannon includes cabbage or kale.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or butter.

Can I freeze Colcannon?
You can, but the texture may change. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.


What to Serve with Colcannon

  • Irish sausages or bangers
  • Corned beef or boiled ham
  • Roast chicken or lamb
  • Fried eggs for a hearty brunch

More Irish Recipes to Try


Love Irish food?
Pin this Colcannon recipe or share it for your next cozy dinner or St. Patrick’s Day celebration!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

bagel breakfast sandwich recipe.

  🥯 Best Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Recipe (Easy, Cheesy & Protein-Packed) Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 2 Looking for the best bagel breakfast sandwich recipe ? This easy bagel breakfast sandwich is loaded with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and savory fillings, all layered inside a toasted bagel. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a hearty brunch, this recipe is quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious. ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bagel Breakfast Sandwich 🥯 Ready in just 20 minutes 🍳 High-protein and satisfying 🧀 Cheesy, savory, and customizable ⚡ Perfect for quick breakfast or brunch 🔄 Endless variations to suit your taste 🛒 Ingredients 2 bagels (plain, sesame, or everything) 4 large eggs 2 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss) 4 slices cooked bacon or sausage patties 1 tbsp butter Salt and pepper to taste 👩‍🍳 Instructions 1. Toast bagels Slice bagels and toast until golden and c...

keto chicken recipes.

  🍗 Best Keto Chicken Recipes (Easy, Low-Carb & High-Protein  Meals) Discover the best keto chicken recipes that are easy, low-carb, and packed with protein. Perfect for weight loss, healthy eating, and quick family dinners. 🍽️ Keto Chicken Recipes You’ll Love Looking for easy keto chicken recipes that are both delicious and low in carbs? These meals are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle while still enjoying rich, satisfying flavors. From creamy skillet chicken to grilled healthy options, these recipes are perfect for lunch, dinner, and meal prep . 🍳 1. Garlic Butter Keto Chicken Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts 3 tbsp butter 4 cloves garlic Salt & pepper Parsley Instructions: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in butter until golden. Add garlic and sauté. Finish with parsley and serve. 👉 Rich, buttery, and completely keto-friendly. 🥑 2. Creamy Keto Chicken Alfredo Ingredients: Chicken breast Heavy cream...

peameal bacon sandwich recipe.

  🥪 Canadian Bacon Sandwich Recipe  (Easy Homemade  Breakfast Sandwich - Better than Deli Style) Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10–12 minutes Total Time: 20–25 minutes Servings: 2 This peameal bacon sandwich recipe is a classic Canadian favorite made with juicy, pan-seared peameal bacon (also called “Canadian bacon”), fresh bread, and simple toppings. It’s crispy, savory, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick meal any time of day. ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Peameal Bacon Sandwich 🥓 Juicy, crispy, and full of flavor ⚡ Ready in under 25 minutes 🇨🇦 Authentic Canadian breakfast classic 🥪 Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch 🔄 Easy to customize with toppings 🛒 Ingredients 4 slices peameal bacon (Canadian bacon) 2 sandwich buns or brioche buns 1 tbsp butter or oil 2 slices cheese (cheddar or Swiss, optional) 4 lettuce leaves 2 tomato slices 2 tbsp mayonnaise or mustard Salt and pepper to taste 👩‍🍳 Instructions 1. Cook peamea...