Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (2024)

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By Sarah Rossi

on Mar 11, 2018, Updated Jun 04, 2024

4.83 from 17 votes

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Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato side dish, made with spring onions, cabbage, cream, plenty of butter and seasoning, then topped with chives.

This is the ULTIMATE comfort food, and a way to turn your usual mash into something extra (not to mention the benefit of hidden veggies!)

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (2)

What is Colcannon?

Is there anything more satisfying than a heap of buttery, creamy, comforting mashed potato?

This recipe is my take on the classic Irish mashed potato side dish, which has been a staple in the country’s ancestral diet for a few centuries.

Colcannon is traditionally made with fluffy, light mash mixed with either curly kale or Savoy cabbage and spring onions (scallions).

Often recipes also feature milk, cream and butter, which is added to really elevate that consistency and flavour into something special.

Colcannon has links to Halloween as an Irish traditional dish, but it’s perfect as an addition to a comfort food meal any time of the year.

This article in the Smithsonian magazine has an interesting delve into the origins of the dish.

Why you’ll love this Colcannon recipe

⭐️ Budget-friendly ingredients

⭐️ Simple but special

⭐️ So easy to make!

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (3)

What to serve with Colcannon potatoes

There are so many dishes that this side dish complements:

Beef Bourguignon

Braised Steak

Toad in the Hole

Marry Me Chicken

Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Steak Pie

Slow Cooker Lamb

Easy Meatloaf

Sausage Casserole

Slow Cooker Roast Chicken

Beef Guinness Stew

Slow Cooker Gammon

Colcannon accompanies these side dishes well too:

Cauliflower Cheese

Simple Onion Gravy

Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients Notes

  • Potatoes – See below for guidance on which type
  • Garlic – Fresh or frozen pre-prepared is fine
  • Cabbage – I like Savoy but choose your favourite

How to make Colcannon

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (4)

1. Peel your potatoes and boil them up with some garlic.

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (5)

2. When cooked, drain and mash.

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (6)

3. In a pan, soften your cabbage and spring onions in butter. Add your potatoes, cream and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (7)

4. Sprinkle with extra chives and butter to serve.

Hint: If you’re not serving this straight away, you can keep it warm in the oven in an ovenproof dish, and it will get a nice crispy topping.

How to store Colcannon

In the fridge You can keep this recipe in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat fully in the microwave or oven before serving.

Does Colcannon freeze well? Yes! Just wait until it’s totally cold and then put into a freezer proof container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Top tips

Mashing your potatoes

I like to use a potato ricer for mashing my potatoes. I find that this simple piece of kit gives the PERFECT mash every time, as it eliminates the chance of any pesky lumps getting through. Using a ricer also avoids the risk of that DREADED gluey mash potato which comes from too much beating or mashing.

I’ve had my potato ricer for years and use it every single time I make mashed potato. This one – Commercial Grade Potato Ricer – looks slightly different to mine (more sturdy in fact!) and is currently rated as the top choice on Amazon.

Cooking

Always start your potatoes off in cold water and bring them to the boil, so that the water starts to make its way through them as it warms up. This stops the potatoes getting soggy and overcooked on the outside before they’ve had a chance to cook on the inside.

Colcannon leftovers

Colcannon cakes are made with leftover Colcannon, shaped into patties or even one large cake to fill a frying pan.

How to make them: Shape the leftover Colcannon, coat in flour and fry until crispy all over. They are absolutely delicious – please try them if you have any leftovers! They are a bit like Bubble and Squeak and are perfect served with crispy bacon and a poached egg.

You could always use any leftovers to top a Cottage Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Cowboy Pie or Fish Pie!

More potato recipes…

Side Dishes

Boulangère Potatoes

Side Dishes

Easiest Ever Homemade Oven Chips

Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes {Easiest Ever Recipe!}

FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use for Colcannon?

I like to use King Edwards or Maris Piper as they seem to give the best and fluffiest mashed potato. Find out more about which kind of potato is good for what on the Love Potatoes website.

What is the difference between Colcannon and Champ?

Both Irish dishes, Champ is mashed potatoes with chopped spring onions (scallions) and milk. Colcannon is Champ with the addition of cabbage and sometimes some herbs.

Is Colcannon gluten free?

Yes! Potatoes, milk, butter, cream and veggies are naturally gluten-free, so go ahead without concern if you need to eat this way.

Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.

Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (12)

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4.83 from 17 votes

Colcannon Recipe

By Sarah Rossi

Colcannon is delicious, light and fluffy mashed potatoes with spring onions (scallions), cabbage, cream, plenty of butter and seasoning. Topped with chives, this Irish potato recipe is the ultimate comfort food side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 People

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Potatoes, Peeled and cut into large chunks.
  • 4 Cloves garlic, See notes.
  • 200 g Butter
  • 300 g Cabbage, Finely sliced.
  • 100 g Spring onions, Finely chopped (including the green parts).
  • 100 ml Single cream
  • 20 g Fresh chives, Chopped finely.
  • Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, Use plenty.

To garnish:

  • A pat of butter and a sprinkling of fresh chives

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes with the garlic for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

  • While the potatoes are cooking, melt 100g of the butter in a small frying pan and saute the cabbage and spring onions for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  • Drain the potatoes and mash (leave the garlic in).

  • Add the cabbage and spring onions (including the butter they were cooked in) to the potatoes.

  • Meanwhile warm the remaining butter and cream until the butter is melted (I do this in the pan I fried the cabbage in). Add to the potato and cabbage mixture.

  • Add the chives and plenty of salt and pepper and stir until throughly combined. Serve immediately with extra butter and chives to garnish.

Notes

Garlic: If you’re using fresh, peel and chop. Or use 4 tsp of your pre-prepared equivalent.

TIP: If you’re not serving this straight away, you can keep it warm in the oven in an ovenproof dish, and it will get a nice crispy topping.

Use a ricer: This avoids lumpy mash and stops it from getting too overworked and gloopy.

Start with cold water: Boil up your potatoes in a pan with cold water to start with. This makes sure they get evenly cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 6gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 272mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1360IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Savoury, Side Dish

Cuisine: Family Food

Like this? Leave a comment and rating below!Mention @myusername or tag #myhashtag!

Categorized as:
Cheap Eats, Collections, Comfort Food, Freezer Friendly, Light Bites, Recipes, Side Dishes, Winter Warmers

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (13)

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4 Comments

  1. In Dublin this is made with curly kale! My Mother used to top it with a fried egg. Traditionally eaten on Hallowe’en,small gifts of coins were hidden in it too!

    Reply

  2. Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (19)
    Hello! These potatoes are so incredibly delicious! I’d never had colcannon before, but thought it would make a great topping for our annual St. Patrick’s Day shepherds pie rather than regular mashed potatoes. We were not disappointed. The colcannon worked perfectly and really took the dish to the next level. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

  3. I am thinking of dating an Irishman who said he had “colcannon and champ” for lunch. It seems to be two separate dishes. Do you think he just put all the ingredients together for both and made it one dish? If you can enlighten me, I would appreciate it.

    Reply

  4. Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (20)
    I’m Italian, and I’m used to preparing and eating very good food. I liked your receipe of Colcannon, and not only that. I made it and it was delicious indeed! Thank you!

    Reply

Colcannon Recipe {The PERFECT Irish Mashed Potatoes} (2024)

FAQs

What is the Irish 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's the difference between Champ and colcannon? ›

What is the difference between Colcannon and Champ? Both Irish dishes, Champ is mashed potatoes with chopped spring onions (scallions) and milk. Colcannon is Champ with the addition of cabbage and sometimes some herbs.

Why do you soak potatoes in water for mashed potatoes? ›

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch.

Why do restaurant mashed potatoes taste better? ›

Garlic and herbs are added to boost flavor

Instead of boiling a few potatoes and mashing them plain, a lot of restaurant chefs like to apply a little more finesse. Garlic and herbs infused in butter and cream add a flavor boost without overpowering.

What did the Irish eat instead of potatoes? ›

Grains, either as bread or porridge, were the other mainstay of the pre-potato Irish diet, and the most common was the humble oat, usually made into oatcakes and griddled (ovens hadn't really taken off yet).

What is the Irish word for colcannon? ›

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

What is the national dish in Ireland? ›

Irish Stew is a thick, hearty dish of mutton, potatoes, and onions and undisputedly the national dish of Ireland. Within the dish are many of the ingredients synonymous with the island, potatoes being one of the most recognized.

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 ...

Why is colcannon eaten at Halloween? ›

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?

What is the 1 ingredient upgrade for the fluffiest mashed potatoes? ›

The secret ingredient is just ice-cold water.

You soak the potatoes in iced water before they are cooked. This eliminates much of the starches in the potatoes, resulting in a super light and fluffy mash. It's also like when you make rice.

Is it better to cut potatoes before boiling for mashed potatoes? ›

Drop a whole russet into the pot and by the time the outside has cooked through, the inside will still be raw. Larger potatoes should be cubed to ensure they cook evenly (peeled first if desired). Smaller potatoes tend to have thin skins and can be boiled whole, no peeling required.

Do you rinse potatoes after boiling for mashed potatoes? ›

Set potatoes over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes are completely tender, about 15 minutes after reaching a simmer. Drain potatoes in a colander and rinse under hot running water for 30 seconds to wash away excess starch.

Why are Bob Evans mashed potatoes so good? ›

Made with fresh red skin potatoes, butter, and real buttermilk, Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes tastes like homemade. We put extra care into making our mashed potatoes rich and creamy to deliver that homemade flavor your family expects.

Why do people add sour cream to mashed potatoes? ›

Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed potatoes. It's a fun change from the standard milk or cream and butter combo usually flavoring mashed taters. You can even try your hand at making homemade sour cream from heavy cream!

Why do the Irish eat corned beef and cabbage? ›

The Irish immigrants also realized that cabbage was a more readily available vegetable in America than in Ireland, where it was traditionally a fall and winter vegetable. So they combined the corned beef with cabbage to create a hearty, filling meal that was reminiscent of their homeland.

Is Colcannon the same as bubble and squeak? ›

Colcannon is mashed potatoes and chopped cabbage and usually chopped ham or bacon. Bubble and squeak is mashed leftover potatoes and chopped cabbage mixed up and fried as single round cake, and then sliced and served usually at breakfast.

Why is Colcannon important in Ireland? ›

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?

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