Colcannon Recipe

This colcannon recipe blends smooth mashed potatoes with tender cabbage for a comforting side dish that will warm your heart. Discover our pro tips and techniques to master this traditional Irish favorite and impress your guests.

• Level: Intermediate
• Yield: 6 servings
• Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 6 servings):
  • Calories: 647
  • Total Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10 g
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 129 mg
  • Sodium: 685 mg
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 45 minutes

Colcannon

Recipe courtesy of Christabel Rossiter

Though often tied to St. Patrick's Day, colcannon is a hearty Irish side of mashed potatoes and cabbage perfect for cozy winter meals. Chef Tyler Florence calls it "the comfort of mashed potatoes, buttery cabbage, and fresh bacon in magical harmony." Learned from Irish potato farmer Christabel Rossiter, this perfected classic will transport you straight to the Emerald Isleget ready to savor every creamy, flavorful bite!

What Is Colcannon?

Colcannon is an Irish dish combining steamed cabbage with velvety mashed potatoes, often enriched with ham or bacon for extra savoriness. Irish immigrants brought it to America, making it a St. Patrick's Day staple that captures rustic comfort in every forkful.

How to Prepare Colcannon Like a Professional

• Peel potatoes after cooking: Skins on during cooking shield the flesh from water, ensuring fluffy, flavorful results that mash like a dream.
• Warm the milk before mixing: Hot milk melts seamlessly into potatoes for ultimate creaminessno lumps or extra effort needed.
• Use alternate leafy greens: Swap traditional cabbage for kale or collards to mix it up while keeping that authentic texture and taste you crave.

Serving Suggestions for Colcannon

Pair this irresistible dish with corned beef or Irish stew for St. Patrick's Day magic, or elevate winter roasts like pot roast, prime rib, or roast chicken. Its hearty warmth turns any meal into a feast!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds potatoes, cleaned
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup hot milk
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 1 (1-pound) piece of ham or bacon, cooked the day before
• 4 scallions, finely chopped
• Chopped parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Steam the potatoes in their skins for 30 minutes. Peel them carefully using a knife and fork. Chop roughly before mashing thoroughly until smooth. Add 1 stick of butter in pieces. Slowly add hot milk while stirring continuously. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
2. Boil the cabbage in unsalted water until it darkens in color. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter to soften it. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes. Drain completely and return to the pan to chop into small pieces.
3. Place the ham in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until tender. Drain and cut into small pieces, trimming any fat.
4. Gently fold the cabbage, scallions, and ham into the mashed potatoes.
5. Serve the colcannon in individual bowls or soup plates. Create a small well in the center with a wooden spoon, placing 1 tablespoon of butter inside. Garnish with chopped parsley.