The aroma of buttery mashed potatoes mixed with tender greens wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm culinary hug. Traditional Irish Colcannon isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Ireland with every comforting bite.
Picture this: a cozy family gathering where laughter fills the room and plates are piled high with creamy goodness. This dish has graced our family table for generations, bringing us together to share stories and hearty laughs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Traditional Irish Colcannon is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings
- The creamy texture and rich flavors will delight your taste buds and impress your guests
- Vibrant green ingredients add visual appeal, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious
- Versatile enough to pair wonderfully with any protein or stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian meal
I remember the first time I served this to my friends; their faces lit up with joy at the first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy texture.
- Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage adds flavor and nutrition; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Butter: Use good-quality butter for richness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Milk or Cream: For extra creaminess, use whole milk or heavy cream.
- Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and freshness; chop them finely for best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by peeling about two pounds of potatoes. Cut them into quarters so they cook evenly in boiling water.
Cook the Cabbage: Shred half a head of cabbage and add it to boiling water alongside the potatoes during the last five minutes of cooking.
Mash It All Together: Drain the cooked potatoes and cabbage before returning them to the pot. Add butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth!
Add Aromatic Greens: Fold in finely chopped green onions into your mashed mixture for an extra punch of flavor and color.
Serve It Up!: Spoon generous portions onto plates and drizzle with additional melted butter if desired. Garnish with more green onions for a pop of freshness.
Enjoy every mouthful of this delightful dish that’s bursting with love and tradition!
You Must Know
- Traditional Irish Colcannon is more than just a dish; it embodies warmth and comfort
- The creamy potatoes mixed with vibrant greens create a visually appealing treat, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home
- The aroma of butter and cabbage wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until tender, then sauté the cabbage while mashing. Combine everything with butter and seasoning for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in scallions for the cabbage or add crispy bacon bits to enhance flavor. Personalize it based on your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover colcannon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve creamy colcannon, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds
- Avoid over-mixing to keep a nice texture
- Always taste before serving; seasoning can make all the difference!
Sometimes, I forget how satisfying homemade colcannon can be until my kids rave about it during dinner—a true comfort food moment!
FAQ
What makes traditional Irish colcannon unique?
Traditional Irish colcannon features creamy mashed potatoes combined with leafy greens like cabbage or kale.
Can I make colcannon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare colcannon a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
What are some variations of colcannon?
Variations include adding leeks, bacon, or even cheese for extra flavor and richness.

Traditional Irish Colcannon
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- Author: Jessica Harper
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Traditional Irish Colcannon is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines buttery mashed potatoes with vibrant greens, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds starchy potatoes (e.g., Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1/2 head of fresh cabbage
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and quarter the potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the cabbage and add it to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the potatoes and cabbage. Return them to the pot; add butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
- Fold in chopped green onions for added flavor.
- Serve hot, drizzled with melted butter and garnished with extra green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg