Colcannon potatoes are a classic Celtic side dish often enjoyed for St. Patrick’s Day. This comforting dish features creamy mashed potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, sautéed cabbage, onions, and green onions. Rich, savory, and full of flavor, it’s a delicious twist that might just replace your regular creamy mashed potatoes for good! 🍀🥔

overhead shot of colcannon potatoes in white bowl topped with bacon, chives and pepper

What Are Colcannon Potatoes?

Colcannon potatoes are a traditional Irish side dish made by mixing creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale and butter. The dish often includes additional ingredients like sautéed onions, green onions, and sometimes crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Originating in Ireland, colcannon has long been a comfort food staple and is especially popular during celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day. The potatoes are typically mashed until smooth and then combined with tender cooked cabbage, creating a rich, hearty dish with both creamy and slightly crisp textures.

side angle shot of colcannon potatoes in small saucepan

Ingredients Needed

  • 3 pounds of red potatoes (scrubbed clean with the skin left on and cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 5 slices bacon (thick-cut is preferred, but use your preference. You could also swap the bacon for turkey bacon, but will need to cook veggies in additional oil)
  • 5 cups shredded green cabbage (roughly half of a medium-sized cabbage. You could also use kale or spinach instead. Basically anything green!)
  • 1 small white or yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup milk (whole is best, but you can use your preference)
  • 4 scallions (sliced thin)

How To Make Colcannon Potatoes

1

Cook the Potatoes

Bring the potatoes to a boil in a large pot, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes. Drain, and set aside.

how to make calconnon potatoes recipe
2

Cook Bacon

Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat, and cook until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. DO NOT DRAIN THE FAT from the skillet!

how to make calconnon potatoes recipe
3

Cook the Cabbage

Add the shredded green cabbage and diced onion to the same pan the bacon was cooked in, and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.. Take off the heat, and set aside.

how to make calconnon potatoes recipe
4

Mash the Potatoes

Add butter and milk, and continue to mash until lump-free.

how to make calconnon potatoes recipe
5

Add Mix-Ins

Stir in the chopped bacon, sautéed cabbage, onion, garlic, and raw green onions. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

how to make calconnon potatoes recipe

Colcannon Potatoes FAQ

What else can I add to Colcannon Potatoes?

  • Try different greens! Leafy kale and Lacinato kale would work well here. You could also add spinach, but you’d need to also use a heartier leafy green since it would cook down a lot.
  • Spice it up! Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a seeded and diced jalapeño to incorporate some heat into this dish.
  • Make it Vegan or Vegetarian by omitting the bacon or swapping for a compliant alternative, use your favorite dairy-free milk in place of the whole milk (almond or full-fat coconut would work well here), and use plant-based butter.
  • Turn these into potato cakes by forming chilled leftovers into a patty or ball shape. Then, roll in some Panko bread crumbs and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Salt while hot, serve, and enjoy!
  • Make leftover potato gnocchi! All you need is flour, eggs, and leftover mashed potatoes. Serve as is or use to makeItalian Gnocchi Soup.

How to Store Colcannon Potatoes

  • Store leftover colcannon mashed potatoes in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl or plate for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through.
  • Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating. Be prepared to add more milk or chicken stock to get a smooth texture. Will not be as fluffy or smooth as when first served.
    colcannon potatoes in white bowl with silver fork

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      how to make calconnon potatoes recipe
      Recipe

      Colcannon Potatoes

      5 from 1 vote
      Ever heard of Colcannon Potatoes? Aka Irish Mashed Potatoes, this classic Celtic side dish is perfect for St. Patty's Day!
      Author: Kelley Simmons
      Prep Time: 10 minutes
      Cook Time: 20 minutes
      Total Time: 30 minutes
      Serves 6
      Rate Print

      Ingredients 

      • 3 pounds red potatoes, , scrubbed with skin left on and cut into 1 inch cubes
      • 5 slices bacon
      • 5 cups cabbage, , about half of a medium size cabbage
      • 1 small onion, diced
      • 3 cloves garlic, minced
      • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
      • 1 cup milk
      • 4 scallions, sliced thin
      • salt and pepper, to taste

      Instructions

      • Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
      • Meanwhile heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in bacon. Cook until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the pan to a paper towel lined plate. (Do not drain bacon grease!) Chop up bacon into bite size pieces.
      • Add cabbage and onion to the same pan the bacon was cooked in. Increase the heat to medium high to get the cabbage and the onions caramelized and tender, 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Take off the heat and set aside.
      • Mash the potatoes and add in butter and milk and continue to mash until smooth, creamy and lump free.
      • Stir in the chopped bacon, sautéed cabbage and onion, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      • Serve immediately and enjoy!

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 9gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 194mgPotassium: 1271mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 699IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 2mg
      how to make calconnon potatoes recipe

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