Colcannon Potatoes Recipe – the perfect side dish for St. Patrick’s Day. It combines creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage, onion and bacon! This traditional Irish dish savory delicious side dish and perfect served with corned beef or glazed ham.
What is Colcannon?
Ok I bet that’s the first question, right? 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.
What’s not to love… right? Mmmm!!!
And since my Irish heritage goes waaaayyyyy back, with names like Cochrane, Dougherty, McLagan and Corliss – there’s a serious amount of Irish in our family! Or so I thought…
Until my brother had his DNA done – oops! We are pretty much Heinz 57 – a little bit of everything. Or All American as I like to say! 🤣
Oh well, that’s ok – I’ve always thought I was Irish and I’m going with it!
Step by step photos to make Colcannon
Ingredients for Irish Potatoes
- potatoes – russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe. Yes you’ll have to peel them but their super starchy texture makes a great mash.
- cabbage – use green cabbage. Nothing fancy here!
- bacon – I recommend thick cut smokey bacon. Oh my goodness, it makes the best bacon nibbles for this side.
- milk and butter – to add richness and creaminess! Salt and pepper to season it just right!
What is the difference between colcannon and champ?
Let’s say I’ve got your attention and so you google to find out a little bit more about this dish, you’ll probably also come across a dish called Champ.
It’s very similar, except while the potatoes are a chunky mash with colcannon, it’s a smooth creamy potatoes seasoned with yummy spring onions. Delicious huh?
Can you freeze Colcannon?
I have read if you load it up with butter, then this dish freezes successfully. Having said that, I have no idea how much butter those folks used because I found after freezing the dish becomes watery when thawed.
Great news is this last three to five days in the refrigerator. On the last day I added an egg and a little flour to stiffen it up a bit. I fashioned the potato mixture into patties and fried them. Delish!!!
Steps to make this dish
- Slice the 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. Boil the potatoes until tender, drain well and return the potatoes back to the pan.
- Mash the potatoes. Add the fried cabbage and onion. Add half of the bacon and mix again. Use just enough milk and butter to bring the mash together.
- Top with the remaining crispy bacon and butter.
More traditional Irish Dishes
If you’re planning a party here are some traditional Irish Stews!
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup – savory and hearty meal packed with delicious vegetables and tender corned beef!
- Dublin Coddle Recipe – think Irish beef stew with bacon, pork sausages, onions, and potatoes stewed in a thick brown gravy.
- Irish Lamb Stew – sweet succulent lamb in a rich, hearty broth.
You know I love my potatoes here on the blog!
You do too, right? Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Breakfast Potatoes, Potato Soup – seriously?!! What’s not to love! Or Smashed Potatoes – YUM and simple roasted potatoes.
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Colcannon Potatoes Recipe
Colcannon Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 6 cups cabbage chopped
- 1/2 red onion rough chop
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup butter divided
- salt and pepper to taste – I used about 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. The amount of salt you'll use will depend on how salty the bacon is.
Instructions
- Slice the 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 it to the pan and fry. Season with a solid pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until carmalized and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Clean and peel the potatoes. Dice and add to the 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 fried 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 – 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!