Colcannon Potatoes: The Irish Comfort Food You’ll Want Every Week
I still remember the first time I made colcannon potatoes. I was looking for something simple yet hearty, a dish that wasn’t just mashed potatoes but had a little twist.
When I came across colcannon, I thought, “Mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale? Hmm… interesting.” But when I actually tried it, I realized how much flavor and comfort it brings to the table.
It’s creamy, buttery, and filling, with a touch of greens that balance it out perfectly. And honestly, if you’ve ever thought plain mashed potatoes felt a little boring, colcannon is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this Irish classic.
What Exactly Are Colcannon Potatoes?
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that takes classic mashed potatoes and mixes in cabbage or kale along with plenty of butter, cream, and sometimes green onions.
It’s been around for centuries in Ireland, especially as a comfort food during colder months. The name itself comes from the Gaelic word cal ceannann, which roughly means “white-headed cabbage.”
In simple words: colcannon = mashed potatoes + greens + buttery goodness.
Why You’ll Love Colcannon Potatoes
You might be wondering—why make colcannon instead of regular mashed potatoes? Here’s why:
- More Flavor: The greens give it a slight earthy, fresh taste.
- Extra Nutrition: Kale or cabbage adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Comfort Food Vibes: It feels hearty and cozy, the kind of dish you want on a chilly night.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish for almost any meal—meat, fish, or even on its own.
Once you try it, you’ll probably start craving it more often than plain mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making colcannon doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You might already have most of these in your kitchen:
- Potatoes – Use starchy ones like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy mash.
- Butter – The more, the better. Irish butter if you can get it.
- Milk or Cream – For richness and smooth texture.
- Cabbage or Kale – Traditional recipes usually use green cabbage, but kale works beautifully too.
- Green Onions (Scallions) – They add a nice mild onion flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
Optional: A little garlic or nutmeg for extra depth.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Colcannon Potatoes
Here’s a simple way to make colcannon at home.
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, usually about 15–20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Greens
While the potatoes are boiling, sauté chopped cabbage or kale in a little butter until soft and tender. You can steam them too, but I like using butter because it adds more flavor.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Mash the potatoes with plenty of butter and warm milk or cream. Don’t be shy with the butter—it’s what makes them rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Stir in the cooked greens and chopped green onions. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve with a Little Extra Butter
Traditionally, people make a small well in the center of the colcannon and drop in a pat of butter. You dip each spoonful into that melted butter as you eat. It’s simple but magical.
Tips for the Best Colcannon
- Warm Your Milk or Cream: Cold milk can make the potatoes gummy. Warm it before adding.
- Don’t Over-Mash: Mash just until smooth; overworking them can turn the texture gluey.
- Use Plenty of Butter: This dish is meant to be rich. Don’t hold back.
- Mix in Slowly: Add the greens a little at a time so they blend evenly.
- Try Variations: Add leeks instead of scallions, or a touch of garlic for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
Colcannon is versatile, and you can switch it up depending on your taste. Here are some fun variations:
- With Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add smoky flavor and crunch.
- With Cheese: Stir in some grated cheddar for extra richness.
- With Spinach: If you don’t have cabbage or kale, spinach works too.
- Vegan Version: Use olive oil or vegan butter, and swap dairy with plant-based milk.
What to Serve with Colcannon Potatoes
Colcannon makes a fantastic side dish. Here are some pairings that always work well:
- Irish Stew – The ultimate comfort food combo.
- Roast Chicken – Simple, classic, and always delicious.
- Grilled Sausages – The creaminess of colcannon balances the smoky meat.
- Corned Beef – Especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
- Fish – A pan-seared salmon or white fish works great.
You can also just eat it on its own for a light meal—it’s filling enough.
Why Colcannon Is More Than Just Food
For me, colcannon isn’t just a recipe. It feels like a dish with a story. In Ireland, it was often served during Halloween, with little surprises like coins or charms hidden inside for fun. Families would gather around the table, and colcannon wasn’t just about eating—it was about sharing warmth and tradition.
That’s why when you make it, you’re not just cooking—you’re connecting with a piece of history and culture. And honestly, that’s what makes it special.
Storage and Reheating
If you’ve made a big batch, here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add butter or cream to refresh it.
FAQs About Colcannon Potatoes
1. Can I use kale instead of cabbage?
Yes! Kale is actually very common in colcannon. It gives a slightly deeper, earthy flavor compared to cabbage.
2. Can I make colcannon ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just prepare it, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Add a little milk or butter when reheating to keep it creamy.
3. What’s the best potato for colcannon?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best because they mash up fluffy and smooth.
4. Is colcannon healthy?
It depends how much butter and cream you add. But since it includes greens, it’s definitely more nutritious than plain mashed potatoes.
5. Can I make it without dairy?
Yes. Use olive oil or vegan butter, and substitute dairy with plant-based milk or cream. It will still be tasty.
6. Can kids enjoy colcannon?
Definitely. It’s creamy and mild in flavor, and adding greens is a sneaky way to get kids to eat more vegetables.
7. How is colcannon different from champ?
Champ is another Irish potato dish that uses green onions, but no cabbage or kale. Colcannon always includes greens.
8. When is colcannon usually eaten?
Traditionally, it’s served during Halloween in Ireland, but nowadays people enjoy it year-round, especially with hearty meals.
9. Can I add meat directly into colcannon?
Yes. Bacon, ham, or corned beef bits can be mixed in for a fuller dish.
10. What does colcannon taste like?
It tastes like creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of earthy greens and buttery richness. Comforting, flavorful, and not heavy at all.
Final Thoughts
Colcannon potatoes might sound simple, but they’re the kind of dish that sticks with you. They’re comforting, rich, and bring a little Irish tradition to your table. If you’re tired of plain mashed potatoes, this is the perfect way to make them exciting again.
Next time you’re making dinner, give colcannon a try. I have a feeling it might just become your new favorite side dish.
