Name: Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds; 6 slices bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces; 1/2 head green cabbage; 3 tablespoons water; 4 green onions, top greens and bottom stems separated, chopped*; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup half and half (or milk +1 tbs butter); 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1/3 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking water; 1/4 tsp each pepper, ground mustard, dried dill; 1/8 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)

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Colcannon, an Irish comfort food classic, beautifully marries creamy potatoes with tender cabbage and the delightful crunch of crispy bacon. The lush, buttery texture of the mashed potatoes complements the vibrant cabbage, creating a dish that feels both hearty and light. Picture it on a chilly evening when the warmth of home-cooked food beckons, serving as a perfect side or a comforting main course. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving something cozy, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon

Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon

When I first encountered colcannon at an Irish pub, I was taken aback by its wholesome flavors and the undeniable satisfaction it provided. There’s something inherently special about a dish that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a plate of pure comfort. Many restaurant versions tend to skimp on the richness of flavors, but with this homemade version, you can elevate your meal to new heights. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and most importantly, heaped with love, just like any favorite family recipe should be. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time, you can have this classic comfort food ready to enjoy in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory bacon, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green cabbage and crispy bacon bring vibrant color to your table, making it a feast for the eyes as well.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish for a family dinner or a stand-alone meal, it’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to be vegetarian by omitting bacon and using vegetable stock instead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds russet potatoes: The starchy texture of russets makes them perfect for mashing, giving a creamy consistency.
6 slices bacon: Adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor; turkey bacon can be a lighter substitute, though the flavor will differ.
1/2 head green cabbage: A staple in many traditional Irish dishes, it offers both flavor and nutrition; savoy cabbage works great if preferred.
3 tablespoons water: Helps steam the cabbage to perfect tenderness without losing flavor.
4 green onions: Chopped green onion bottoms add a mild onion flavor while the tops are used for garnishing.
4 cloves garlic: This aromatic ingredient enhances the overall taste, complementing the earthy flavors of potatoes and cabbage.
1/2 cup half and half: Adds creaminess; for a lighter option, use whole milk instead.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich taste; feel free to adjust this based on your dietary needs.
1/3 cup sour cream: Introduces a tanginess that elevates the dish; Greek yogurt can be an excellent alternative.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors; add more to taste based on your preference.
1/4 tsp each pepper, ground mustard, dried dill: These spices create depth and complexity; fresh ingredients are also delightful if available.
1/8 teaspoon paprika: For a subtle hint of warmth.
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional): Adds a zesty kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon

Cut Cabbage: Begin by removing any flimsy outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half through the stem, saving one half for another recipe. Carefully slice around the stem and remove it, then slice the cabbage into 1-inch strips. Rotate the strips and cut them again to create bite-sized pieces. To ensure your cabbage is fresh and clean, wash it thoroughly in a salad spinner.

Cook Bacon: In a large sauté pan over medium heat (I love using my braiser for this), cook the chopped bacon pieces until they are crispy and the fat has rendered. They will start to overlap but will shrink as they cook. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon onto paper towels to drain, reserving the delicious bacon drippings in the pan for extra flavor.

Boil Potatoes: Place the sliced russet potatoes into a 5-quart or larger Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch and season it with ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, letting the potatoes cook uncovered until they’re very tender when pierced with a fork — about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to their warm pot.

Sauté Cabbage: While the potatoes are boiling, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Add the bottoms of the green onions and sauté for about 1 minute. Toss in the chopped cabbage, cooking for another minute. Add 3 tablespoons of water and cover the pot, allowing the cabbage to wilt and become tender over 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking before removing the pot from the heat.

Warm Half and Half: In a glass measuring cup or microwave-safe dish, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and half-and-half and heat for about 1½ minutes or until the butter is melted. Stir in the pepper, ground mustard, dried dill, and paprika until well combined.

Mash Potatoes: Pour the warmed half-and-half and melted butter mixture over the cooked potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until completely blended. Fold in the sour cream and horseradish (if using), and continue mashing until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, it’s entirely up to you!

Combine: Add the sautéed cabbage mixture and remaining bacon to the mashed potatoes, gently folding everything together. Remember to reserve some bacon and green onion tops for garnish! Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, since it’s great to have the flavors pop.

Add Butter: Transfer your luscious colcannon to a serving dish if desired, and generously top with extra butter, crumbled bacon, and the reserved green onions. A dash of freshly cracked pepper on top adds even more flavor. If you’re feeling traditional, make a well in the center of the potatoes and pour in some melted butter for that authentic Irish touch. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, colcannon can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave at medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream can bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the potatoes in the boiling phase; you want them tender but not waterlogged.
Use room temperature ingredients for mashing; this prevents the mixture from becoming too heavy or sticky.
Adjust the quantity of butter and cream for desired richness; you can always add more but can’t take it out.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices; fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can beautifully complement the dish.
Make colcannon ahead of time; simply prep everything and store until you’re ready to bake for easy hosting!

There’s something magical about colcannon that brings a sense of nostalgia while also feeling warm and inviting. This delicious, Irish mashed potato dish turns ordinary ingredients into a plate of comfort, perfect for any occasion. Experiment with the ingredients to find what you love the most, and make it a family tradition in your home. Enjoy the warmth and togetherness that comes with every delicious bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make colcannon ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mash and sauté the cabbage and bacon a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, combine and reheat everything gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I adjust the dish for dietary needs?

To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of half-and-half. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. For a dairy-free dish, substitute coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk for cream and dairy-free sour cream.

Can I add other ingredients to colcannon?

Certainly! Feel free to add ingredients like kale or leeks for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also mix in cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, or even throw in some sautéed mushrooms for added depth.

What do I serve with colcannon?

Colcannon is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, sausages, or fish. You could also serve it alongside hearty stews for a complete comforting meal.