Colcannon

This Colcannon is my take on the traditional Irish comfort food dish! Creamy mashed potatoes fused with fresh, crunchy cabbage, seasoned with salt and bold white pepper.

There’s nothing better than a big heaping bowl of mashed potatoes, unless you’re in Ireland, then there’s nothing better than a big heaping bowl of colcannon! This is my take on a traditional Irish comfort food classic. Simple yet so good!

Crunchy green cabbage amidst creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes seasoned to perfection. With only a handful of common ingredients and spices you probably already have at home, this dish is incredibly easy to make! It’s the perfect accompaniment for your next dinner.

What is colcannon?

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made up of mashed potatoes with bits of kale or cabbage incorporated. The word “colcannon” comes from the Gaelic term “cal ceannann” translated to: white-headed cabbage. It is also believed to be a derivative of the old Irish “cainnenin” translated as: garlic, onion, or leek.

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

• Potatoes – Such as russets or my favorite Yukon Gold.
• Butter – I used unsalted.
• Cabbage – Green cabbage – shredded, outer leaves removed.
• Water
• Milk – I used 2% for extra creamy potatoes.
• Parsley – Fresh is best!
• Salt and White Pepper – To taste. I used white pepper because I love the flavor of it, but black pepper can be used as well.

How to make colcannon

1. Cook and Mash Potatoes – Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until fork tender. Drain the water. Mash with half the butter while hot.
2. Cook Cabbage – In a saucepan melt the remaining butter, add the shredded cabbage and add the water. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the cabbage has softened and is cooked through.
3. Mix Together – Add the cabbage to the potatoes. Add the milk, parsley, salt and pepper and stir everything together. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Add more milk if necessary.
4. Finish and Serve – Top with a pat of butter and serve.

Tips on making the perfect mashed potatoes

1. Potatoes: Use the correct potato! Such as Yukon golds or Russets.
2. Salt the Water: Just like you would salt your pasta water, you need to salt the water that the potatoes cook in. The starch granules in the potatoes will swell and absorb water and salt! Therefore, when you add salt while cooking the potatoes, you won’t need to add as much later on!
3. Draining Potatoes: Make sure to drain your potatoes well after cooking to avoid mushy-ness.
4. Room Temperature Butter: Let the butter come to room temperature instead of straight out of the fridge! This will allow it to disperse and melt evenly into the hot potatoes.

How to serve

An awesome side dish! Colcannon adds a little health kick (alongside the butter, salt and pepper) in the form of cabbage. Other options to add into your mashed colcannon are

• Kale
• Scallions
• Leeks
• Chives

Traditionally, colcannon is served as a treat with boiled ham or Irish bacon. Served alongside a delicious protein such as short ribs or chicken breast is the way to go! I served mine with homemade sausages and it was to die for!

How to store leftover colcannon

Store leftover colcannon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

You can also freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 10 months.

Did you like this recipe? Try these!

• Shepherd’s Pie
• Irish Lamb Stew
• Skillet Irish Soda Bread
• Cabbage Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Vinaigrette
• Instant Pot Corned Beef
• Steak and Mushroom Pie
• Beef Stroganoff
• Guinness Braised Short Ribs
• Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Cabbage Rolls