This recipe combines chunky mashed potatoes with cabbage, onion and salty bacon! Colcannon Potatoes are a traditional Irish side dish and perfect served with corned beef or glazed ham. Perfect for anytime you're craving comfort food!
Speaking of comfort food... next time try this recipe for Guinness Beef Stew!
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Why you'll love this recipe
What is not to love? It's a mixture of chunky mashed potatoes and salty bacon. If you think the cabbage doesn't work, then you're wrong and you need to give this a try!
It's the perfect side dish! Colcannon potatoes are on our table often, it's one of may favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- potatoes - russet potatoes are a best choice for this recipe, but you'll want to peel them. I like their starchy texture, they make a great mash. Yukon gold potatoes would be good also.
- red or yellow onions
- cabbage - use green cabbage. Nothing fancy here!
- crisp bacon - I recommend thick cut smokey bacon. Oh my goodness, it's an amazing ingredient and makes the best bacon nibbles for this side dish.
- milk and butter - to add rich creaminess! Salt and pepper to season it just right!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Slice the bacon into thin strips, fry until crispy, remove and drain.
- Dice the cabbage and onion. Season with salt and pepper, fry until caramelized and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then dice. Cook the potatoes in a large pot of salt water. Drain well and return the potatoes back to the pan.
- Mash the potatoes. Add the fried cabbage and onion. Add half of the reserved bacon and mix again. Use just enough milk and melted butter to bring the mash together.
- Top with the remaining crispy bacon pieces and butter.
Equipment
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- Potato masher
- Large saucepan
- Large skillet
FAQ's
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from potatoes, cabbage or kale, leek or scallion and cream. Depending on the region in Ireland, it may also include ham or Irish bacon.
No, I have not been successful freezing the dish. It becomes watery when thawed.
It's very similar, except while these potatoes are a chunky mash, champ is smooth, creamy potatoes seasoned with yummy spring onions. Delicious huh?
Tips
- You're not looking for a smooth creamy mash, the potatoes in this dish are chunky and rustic.
- Be sure to warm the milk and butter mixture. Adding cold milk and butter to hot potatoes will make them gluey or sticky.
- Over mashing will also make the potatoes heavy and gluey.
Pro tip and bonus recipe! Let's just say you're tired of mashed potatoes... don't toss them! Add an egg and a little flour to stiffen it up a bit. Fashioned the potato mixture into patties and fried them with butter. Delish!!!
Storage
Refrigerate - This dish doesn't freeze well, but great news - it will last three to five days in the refrigerator!
Reheat - The best way to reheat the casserole is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the casserole dish covered with foil in the oven for about 20 minutes or until completely heated through.
Related recipes
Potato recipes are king, you're with me right? Check these out!
- Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes - fluffy tender meat every time!
- Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes - bacon + potatoes = delicious!
- Potato Soup - seriously?!! What's not to love!
- Or Smashed Potatoes - YUM and
- Simple roasted potatoes.
Serve with
This would be delicious with BBQ Tri Tip - super easy to make while your significant other is doing the grilling (hey... everyone contributes, right?!). Also delicious with slow cooker pork chops and gravy.
Mmmm.... what about Barbecue Pork Ribs - these absolutely melt in your mouth and the potatoes would be a lovely side dish. Serve that and some Steamed Brussels Sprouts and dinner would be done!
- Irish Stew, one of my favorite is Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup - savory and hearty meal packed with delicious vegetables and tender corned beef!
- Irish Lamb Stew - sweet succulent lamb in a rich, hearty broth.
- Dublin Coddle Recipe - think Irish beef stew with bacon, pork sausages, onions, and potatoes stewed in a thick brown gravy.
- Check out this for a TON of great recipes - for St. Patrick's Day. Drinks, appetizers, main dishes and more!
- Guinness Beef Stew Recipe - a rich, hearty stew the whole family will love!
Colcannon with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 6 cups cabbage chopped
- ½ red onion rough chop
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter divided
- salt and pepper to taste - I used about ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. The amount of salt you'll use will depend on how salty the bacon is.
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Instructions
- Slice the bacon into lardons and fry until crispy. Remove from the pan and place it on a paper towel, to drain set aside.
- Dice the cabbage and onion. Add the cabbage and chopped onion to the pan and fry with the bacon drippings. Season with a solid pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until caramelized and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Clean and peel the potatoes. Dice and place potatoes in pan, season with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender. Drain well and return the potatoes back to the pan.
- Warm the butter and milk in a small pan on the stove. Don't allow it to boil! Just warm it enough to melt the butter and warm the milk.
- Give the potatoes a good mash. Add the half of the bacon, all of the sautéed cabbage and onions, mix again. Use just enough warm milk and butter to bring the mash together.
- Top with the remaining crispy bacon and a tablespoon of butter. Thinly sliced green onions would be a lovely garnish - enjoy!
Kathleen
Debra, you did it again! I think there is more Irish in you than that DNA test lets on! Wow, I cannot wait to make these and I am pretty sure it will be our main dish!
Bowl Me Over
Oh my gosh Kathleen, you'll love this dish! So hearty and delicious and filled with so much flavor - enjoy, I know you will!