Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (2024)

Published: by Debra Clark · 3 Comments

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This recipe combines chunky mashed potatoes with cabbage, onion and salty bacon! Colcannon Potatoes are a traditional Irish side dish and perfect served with corned beef or glazed ham. Perfect for anytime you're craving comfort food!

Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (1)

Speaking of comfort food... next time try this recipe for Guinness Beef Stew!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • More St. Patrick's Day Recipes
  • Colcannon with Bacon Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

What is not to love? It's a mixture of chunky mashed potatoes and salty bacon. If you think the cabbage doesn't work, then you're wrong and you need to give this a try!

It's the perfect side dish! Colcannon potatoes are on our table often, it's one of may favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • potatoes - russet potatoes are a best choice for this recipe, but you'll want to peel them. I like their starchy texture, they make a great mash. Yukon gold potatoes or baby red potatoes work also.
  • red or yellow onions
  • cabbage - use green cabbage. Nothing fancy here!
  • crisp bacon - I recommend thick cut smokey bacon. Oh my goodness, it's an amazing ingredient and makes the best bacon nibbles for this side dish.
  • milk and butter - to add rich creaminess! Salt and pepper to season it just right!

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (2)
  1. Slice the bacon into thin strips, fry until crispy, remove and drain.
  2. Dice the cabbage and onion. Season with salt and pepper, fry until caramelized and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Wash, peel then dice the potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salt water. Drain well and return the potatoes back to the pan and mash.
  4. Add the fried cabbage and onion. Add half of the reserved bacon and mix again. Use just enough milk and melted butter to bring the mash together.
  5. Top with the remaining crispy bacon pieces and butter.

Equipment

  • Potato masher
  • Large saucepan
  • Large skillet

FAQ's

What is Colcannon?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made ​​from potatoes, cabbage or kale, leek or scallion and cream. Depending on the region in Ireland, it may also include ham or Irish bacon.

Can you freeze Colcannon?

No, I have not been successful freezing the dish. It becomes watery when thawed.

What is the difference between colcannon and champ?

It's very similar, except while these potatoes are a chunky mash, champ is smooth, creamy potatoes seasoned with yummy spring onions. Delicious huh?

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

It's really a personal preference whether or not you peel the potatoes. When I use russet potatoes I always peel them. Red or Yukon potatoes have thinner skins. You can get away with not peeling those.

Tips

  • You're not looking for a smooth creamy mash, the potatoes in this dish are chunky and rustic.
  • Be sure to warm the milk and butter mixture. Adding cold milk and butter to hot potatoes will make them gluey or sticky.
  • Over mashing will also make the potatoes heavy and gluey.

Pro tip and bonus recipe! Let's just say you're tired of mashed potatoes... don't toss them! Add an egg and a little flour to stiffen it up a bit. Fashioned the potato mixture into patties and fried them with butter. Delish!!!

Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (3)

Storage

Refrigerate - This dish doesn't freeze well, but great news - it will last three to five days in the refrigerator!

Reheat - The best way to reheat the casserole is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the casserole dish covered with foil in the oven for about 20 minutes or until completely heated through.

Potato recipes are king, you're with me right? Check these out!

  • Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes - fluffy tender meat every time!
  • Breakfast Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes - bacon + potatoes = delicious!
  • Potato Soup - seriously?!! What's not to love!
  • Or Smashed Potatoes - YUM and
  • Simple roasted potatoes.

Serve with

This would be delicious with BBQ Tri Tip - super easy to make while your significant other is doing the grilling (hey... everyone contributes, right?!). Also delicious with slow cooker pork chops and gravy.

Mmmm.... what about Barbecue Pork Ribs - these absolutely melt in your mouth and the potatoes would be a lovely side dish. Serve that and some Steamed Brussels Sprouts and dinner would be done!

More St. Patrick's Day Recipes

  • Irish Stew, one of my favorite is Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup - savory and hearty meal packed with delicious vegetables and tender corned beef!
  • Irish Lamb Stew - sweet succulent lamb in a rich, hearty broth.
  • Dublin Coddle Recipe - think Irish beef stew with bacon, pork sausages, onions, and potatoes stewed in a thick brown gravy.
  • Bisquick Irish Soda Bread - this easy-to-make quick bread is perfect for sopping up Dutch Oven Guinness Beef Stew!
  • Check out this for a TON of great recipes - for St. Patrick's Day. Drinks, appetizers, main dishes and more!

Have you tried this recipe? I love to hear what you think. Please comment below. I can't wait to hear from you!

Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (4)

5 from 2 votes

Colcannon with Bacon Recipe

A traditional savory Irish side dish that's hearty and easy to make! It's perfect for any potluck!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Cost: $12

Ingredients

  • 6 cups potatoes peeled and diced
  • 6 cups cabbage chopped
  • ½ red onion rough chop
  • 4 slices thick cut bacon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup butter divided
  • salt and pepper to taste - I used about ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. The amount of salt you'll use will depend on how salty the bacon is.

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Slice the bacon into lardons and fry until crispy. Remove from the pan and place it on a paper towel, to drain set aside.

  • Dice the cabbage and onion. Add the cabbage and chopped onion to the pan and fry with the bacon drippings. Season with a solid pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until caramelized and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  • Clean and peel the potatoes. Dice and place potatoes in pan, season with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender. Drain well and return the potatoes back to the pan.

  • Warm the butter and milk in a small pan on the stove. Don't allow it to boil! Just warm it enough to melt the butter and warm the milk.

  • Give the potatoes a good mash. Add the half of the bacon, all of the sautéed cabbage and onions, mix again. Use just enough warm milk and butter to bring the mash together.

  • Top with the remaining crispy bacon and a tablespoon of butter. Thinly sliced green onions would be a lovely garnish - enjoy!

Notes

What do you eat Colcannon with?

This dish is a terrific side dish anytime you're serving comfort food. Perfect served alongside turkey, roast beef, corned beef or glazed ham.

Leftovers last 3-5 days refrigerated. Leftovers also make great potato pancakes!Add an egg to the leftover potatoes along with a little flour. Mold into small patties and fry in butter until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 797mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

More Vegetables and Side Dish Recipes

  • Pear Vinaigrette Recipe
  • Green Bean Almondine Casserole
  • Teriyaki Noodles
  • Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois

    Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (9)
    This sure does look good. Will be making it ASAP. Thank you

    Reply

  2. Kathleen

    Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (10)
    Debra, you did it again! I think there is more Irish in you than that DNA test lets on! Wow, I cannot wait to make these and I am pretty sure it will be our main dish!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Oh my gosh Kathleen, you'll love this dish! So hearty and delicious and filled with so much flavor - enjoy, I know you will!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Colcannon Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is colcannon made of? ›

Colcannon is an Irish dish that's made of mashed potatoes, shredded cabbage or kale, green onions and tons of butter and whole milk. Sometimes crumbled bacon is added for an extra-succulent, salty flavor.

What is the difference between colcannon and Champ potatoes? ›

What's the Difference Between Champ and Colcannon? Champ and colcannon are both favorite Irish mashed potato dishes. They're very similar, though champ recipes tend to feature spring onions (scallions) alone, while colcannon adds cabbage, kale, or leeks.

Why are my mashed potatoes gummy? ›

When too much starch gets released, the potatoes become gummy, gluey, and unappetizing. Overworking the potatoes can happen in a couple ways: either by simply handling them too much, or by using a food processor, blender, or similar tool, which mixes the potatoes too aggressively.

How do you make mashed potatoes thicker without cornstarch? ›

Add Dehydrated Potatoes

Here's the method recommended by Dr. Potato at the Idaho Potato Commission: An “easy fix for watery potatoes is to break out the instant dehydrated potatoes and mix them in a tablespoon at a time, into the wet potatoes. This usually will thicken them up.”

What is colcannon in English? ›

Colcannon (Irish: cál ceannann, meaning "white-headed cabbage") is a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage.

What does colcannon mean? ›

The word colcannon is derived from the Gaelic term cal ceannann, which means "white-headed cabbage" — the vegetable most commonly mixed with potatoes in this dish. It's often served alongside Irish meats, and is made by combining potatoes and greens (usually cabbage, but kale and other leafy greens are sometimes used).

What do the British call mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed potato or mashed potatoes (American, Canadian and Australian English), colloquially known as mash (British English), is a dish made by mashing boiled or steamed potatoes, usually with added milk, butter, salt and pepper. It is generally served as a side dish to meat or vegetables.

Is bubble and squeak the same as colcannon? ›

He comments that although the basic ingredients of bubble and squeak and colcannon are similar, the two are very different dishes, the former being traditionally made from left-overs and fried to give a brown crust, and the latter "a completely separate dish of potato, spring onion and cabbage, served almost as creamed ...

What is the tradition of colcannon? ›

Colcannon is a hearty dish that has been eaten on Halloween night for years. Traditionally, a ring was hidden in the dish, and whoever was to find it would be likely to marry in the upcoming year! Colcannon was even paired with a little poem: Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?

Which potato is best for mashed potatoes? ›

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.

Can you overcook potatoes for mashed potatoes? ›

For good measure: Be careful not to overcook potatoes you plan to mash, because the starch cells will break down and create a sticky mash. Cook them just until a thin-bladed knife meets a bit of resistance. It is also important to drain the potatoes well after cooking to prevent gumminess.

Is it OK to eat gluey mashed potatoes? ›

"Become somewhat sticky" is not a sign of spoilage (in the food safety sense,) it's probably the starch gelatinizing. Unappealing as mashed potatoes, but not a clear sign that it will make you sick if you ate it. But better to make the potatoes closer to the time they will be eaten so that they are more appealing.

What to do when you put too much milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Choose a thickening agent that works for you.

There are several ingredients that you can add to your potatoes that will quickly thicken them. They include flour, cornstarch, powdered milk, instant potato flakes, potato starch, arrowroot, tapioca, or parmesan cheese.

Why can't you add flour to mashed potatoes? ›

Regular flour can also be used to thicken your potatoes as well, but I don't love using it because its raw flavor needs to be cooked out, and it more noticeably dulls the flavor of the potatoes themselves.

What happens when you put too much milk in mashed potatoes? ›

There are several reasons that you may have runny mashed potatoes but here are a few of the most common reasons your potatoes may be runny! What is this? Excess moisture. If you have excess moisture in your potatoes, like too much milk or melted butter, you can get soggy potatoes.

Is colcannon the same as bubble and squeak? ›

Simply put, Champ and Colcannon are essentially boiled potatoes with the addition of Cabbage, in the case of Colcannon, and Onions in the case of Champ. Bubble and squeak is left over potatoes, cabbage and any veg you have left over. Fried in butter or lard. don't use vegi oil if you want a proper bubble and squeak.

Are boxed mashed potatoes real potatoes? ›

Instant mashed potatoes are potatoes that have been through an industrial process of cooking, mashing and dehydrating to yield a packaged convenience food that can be reconstituted by adding hot water or milk, producing an approximation of mashed potatoes. They are available in many different flavors.

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