The aroma of buttery potatoes mixed with fresh greens wafts through the air, inviting you to dive into a bowl of creamy Irish colcannon. Picture fluffy mashed potatoes blended with earthy cabbage or kale, all drizzled with a hint of creamβthis is pure comfort food magic that warms the soul.
As I whisk together this delightful dish in my kitchen, I canβt help but reminisce about family gatherings where colcannon was always the star. Whether itβs a cozy St. Patrickβs Day celebration or just a rainy Tuesday evening, this creamy delight brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy Irish colcannon is incredibly easy to whip up and bursts with flavor
- The vibrant green colors make it an eye-catching addition to any meal
- You can customize it with different greens based on your preference or whatβs in season
- Perfect for family dinners or as a comforting side dish during chilly nights
I remember the first time I served colcannon at a family gathering; everyone raved about it and went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy texture that blends beautifully.
- Cabbage or Kale: Fresh greens add depth; choose whatever looks best at your market.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to control seasoning; it adds richness thatβs hard to resist.
- Heavy Cream: This is key for that silky texture; feel free to substitute half-and-half if desired.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- Chives (optional): These add a fresh kick; theyβre like natureβs confettiβsprinkle generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prep Your Potatoes: Peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks for uniform cooking. Place them in a large pot filled with cold salted water.
Cook Until Tender: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready for mashing.
SautΓ© Your Greens: In another pan, melt some butter over medium heat and add chopped cabbage or kale. SautΓ© until wilted and fragrantβabout 5 minutes should do!
Mash It Up!: Drain your cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream while mashing until smooth and creamyβresist licking the spoon!
Add Seasoning and Greens: Mix in sautΓ©ed greens along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir until well combined.
Serve Warm**: Transfer your creamy colcannon into a serving bowl. Garnish with chives if youβre feeling fancy; serve immediately while still warm!
This creamy Irish colcannon recipe brings together comforting textures and flavors that warm both body and soul. Perfectly paired with meats or enjoyed solo on chilly evenings!
You Must Know
- Creamy Irish Colcannon is not just a side dish; itβs a hug in a bowl
- The rich flavors of buttery potatoes mixed with greens create a delightful comfort food experience
- Plus, itβs easy to adapt with seasonal veggies or leftover ingredients
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them while still warm. SautΓ© onions and greens separately to enhance their flavors before combining everything for a smooth, creamy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cabbage for kale or add crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor punch. Experimenting with different herbs can also elevate your colcannon to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect creamy consistency, always use warm ingredients when mixing
- Avoid over-mashing the potatoes; you want a fluffy texture, not gluey
- Season gradually and taste as you goβitβs easier to add than to fix!
Sometimes I make colcannon for potlucks, and everyone praises its comforting goodness. One friend even asked me to recreate it for her birthday dinnerβitβs that good!
FAQ
What is traditional colcannon made of?
Traditional colcannon consists of mashed potatoes combined with cabbage or kale and butter.
Can I make colcannon vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk for creaminess.
How can I spice up my colcannon?
Add spices like nutmeg or hot sauce for an unexpected kick that enhances the dishβs flavor profile.

Creamy Irish Colcannon
- Author: Sofia
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Irish Colcannon is a comforting dish that blends fluffy mashed potatoes with fresh greens, creating a delightful side perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes
- 1 cup chopped cabbage or kale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Place in a large pot with cold salted water.
- Boil over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and sautΓ© chopped cabbage or kale for about 5 minutes until wilted.
- Drain the cooked potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash with butter and heavy cream until smooth.
- Mix in sautΓ©ed greens, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Serve warm, garnished with chives if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/SautΓ©ing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Customize your colcannon by using seasonal greens or adding crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. For a vegan option, replace butter with plant-based margarine and use dairy-free milk alternatives. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.