Name: Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 50 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1/2 head cabbage (rough chopped); 4 chicken bouillon cubes; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; water to cover; 1/2 cup half and half, plus more if needed; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted; 3/4 tsp. salt; ¼ tsp. pepper; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup sliced green onion

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Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner is a comforting dish that brings together earthy potatoes and sautéed cabbage, all cooked slowly to perfection. It’s rich, creamy, and infused with the flavors of savory bacon and green onions. With this dish, you awaken your kitchen to an inviting aroma that makes it perfect for dinner gatherings or cozy nights at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, combining wholesome ingredients into a delightful meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

There was a time when I first stumbled upon colcannon at a charming Irish pub, and it instantly stole my heart. I’ve always loved mashed potatoes, but the addition of cabbage alongside the crispy bacon really took it to another level. Now, making Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes at home has become a cherished tradition, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. It’s a delightful combination that’s straightforward to prepare. Trust me, this dish is going to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep for a satisfying meal that cooks on its own in the slow cooker.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of buttery potatoes, tender cabbage, and crispy bacon creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This classic Irish dish looks gorgeous on any dinner table, making it a showstopper at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a side dish for a special occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this for vegetarian diets by omitting bacon and using vegetable broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes: The backbone of the dish, these starchy potatoes become incredibly creamy when mashed. You can substitute them with Yukon gold if you prefer a buttery flavor.
1/2 head cabbage: Adds a subtle crunch and sweetness. Savoy cabbage also works well for a different texture.
4 chicken bouillon cubes: Enhance the flavor of the potatoes; you can use vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: Brings depth to the dish without overpowering other flavors. Fresh garlic can be substituted or added for more punch.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: Complements the garlic, adding an aromatic sweetness without the texture of chopped onions.
Water to cover: Ensures the potatoes and cabbage are submerged for even cooking.
1/2 cup half and half (or milk): Adds creaminess; feel free to use whole milk or a dairy alternative for a lighter version.
1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Transforms simple potatoes into a rich, indulgent side. For a healthier touch, replace half with olive oil.
3/4 tsp. salt: Elevates all flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
¼ tsp. pepper: Adds warmth and complements the other seasonings.
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes. Vegan bacon or mushrooms are great substitutes for a meat-free dish.
1/2 cup sliced green onion: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.

How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes along with the roughly chopped cabbage into the slow cooker. Toss in the 4 chicken bouillon cubes, ½ tsp. garlic powder, and ½ tsp. onion powder, distributing them evenly.
Add Water: Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes and cabbage. It’s perfectly fine if some cabbage sticks out above the water level; be cautious not to overfill the slow cooker to prevent spills during cooking.
Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for approximately 4.5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain: Once the cooking time is complete, drain off the water from the potatoes and cabbage carefully.
Mix in Creaminess: Pour the melted butter, ½ cup half and half, ¾ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper over the drained vegetables.
Mash: With a potato masher, vigorously mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. If they look dry, a splash more of half and half will make them even creamier—just don’t go overboard!
Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions until everything is well incorporated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating; they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. Just a dash of extra half and half can help maintain the creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes; start checking for doneness a bit earlier to prevent them from becoming too soft.
If the mixture turns out too dry, gradually add more half and half until you reach the desired creaminess.
Consider using a mix of potatoes for a unique flavor profile—like adding in some red potatoes along with russets.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth only and swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or leave it out altogether.
Don’t be afraid to add in some melted cheese on top before serving for an extra indulgent twist!

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than these Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes. Their creamy texture, bold flavors with a hint of crunch from the cabbage, and crispy bits of bacon create a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that allows you to set it up and tend to other things while it cooks away. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in your fridge, then pop it in the slow cooker the next day. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly for chilled ingredients, so adjust accordingly.

What can I use instead of chicken bouillon?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply replace chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon. Alternately, homemade stock can add a rich layer of flavor to your colcannon.

How can I make colcannon potatoes vegan?

To make this dish vegan, use plant-based milk instead of half and half and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative. Skip the bacon or use a plant-based version, and you’ll have a delicious vegan meal.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Colcannon potatoes can be personalized by adding in veggies like carrots or kale for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and toss them in before cooking!