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Irish Colcannon

Creamy Irish Colcannon: A Comfort Food You'll Love

This Irish Colcannon features braised cabbage, crispy bacon, and sweet leeks for a comforting side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Base
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Half-and-half or dairy-free milk can lighten the dish.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Consider half-and-half to simplify.
For the Veggies
  • 6 slices Sliced Bacon Turkey bacon can be a substitute or omit for vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Leek Green onions can work as a substitute.
  • 4 cups Savoy Cabbage Regular green cabbage can be used but is less tender.
For the Potatoes
  • 2 pounds Russet and Yukon Gold Potatoes Any starchy potatoes are a good substitute.
  • 1 bunch Green Onions Other mild onions are acceptable substitutes.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Ground White Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • small pot
  • Potato Masher
  • food mill

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat in a small pot. Add 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously until warmed through—about 5 minutes.
    Irish Colcannon
  2. Cook 6 slices of sliced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
    Irish Colcannon
  3. Add 1 sliced leek to the skillet using the bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.
    Irish Colcannon
  4. Add 4 cups of chopped savoy cabbage and a pinch of salt to the skillet with leeks. Cook, stirring frequently for about 6-7 minutes until wilted and soft.
    Irish Colcannon
  5. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Slice 2 pounds of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes and add them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until fork-tender, then drain well.
    Irish Colcannon
  6. Quickly add chopped green onions to the warm milk mixture in the pot and let it infuse for 1-2 minutes. Pour this mixture over the drained potatoes for mashing.
    Irish Colcannon
  7. Mash the drained potatoes until smooth with no lumps. The warmth will help combine all ingredients seamlessly.
    Irish Colcannon
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and leeks, crispy bacon, and season with salt and white pepper. Fold in the warm milk mixture until incorporated.
    Irish Colcannon

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Ensure the milk mixture stays warm to maintain a creamy texture. A food mill is ideal for smooth potatoes, or use a hand masher. Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions based on dietary needs.

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