Ever had a comforting dish that warms your heart and soul?
Traditional Irish Colcannon is one of those delightful recipes that embodies coziness in every bite! This creamy mash, infused with flavorful greens, brings a taste of Ireland right to your kitchen. Honestly, there’s something magical about the way potatoes can transform into a rich, buttery dish that makes you feel right at home. Plus, it’s all made in one pot — who doesn’t love a no-fuss cleanup?
Why make this recipe
Need a reason to whip up this dish tonight? Here are a couple:
- Easy Cleanup: Seriously, you’ll only use one pot for your potatoes and a skillet for your greens. Less scrubbing, more munching!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love mashed potatoes, and adding in greens makes this dish just a bit healthier. Plus, it’s an easy way to get them to actually eat their veggies. Win-win!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped kale or cabbage
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Directions
Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add milk and 2 tablespoons of butter to the potatoes; mash until smooth.
- Sauté the chopped kale or cabbage in the remaining butter in a skillet until wilted.
- Stir the sautéed greens into the mashed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

How to make Traditional Irish Colcannon (Overview)
Alright, picture this: You start by boiling those tender potatoes until they’re just right, incredibly buttery in flavor. Mashed? Oh yes! Then, you sauté some kale or cabbage until it’s just wilted — let the aroma take over your kitchen. Mix it all together, season it up, and then you have a bowl of pure comfort. Pro tip: Don’t skip the green onions; they add that fresh crunch that takes this dish to the next level! 🍃
How to serve Traditional Irish Colcannon
When it comes to serving, get creative! You can serve it alongside crispy sausages for a flavor explosion or maybe a cozy stew. Picture the deep green of the kale against the creamy potatoes — it’s like eye candy on your plate! The aroma wafting through your kitchen will surely draw everyone to the table.
How to store Traditional Irish Colcannon
Got leftovers? Good news! Colcannon keeps well in the fridge for about three days— just pop it in an airtight container. If you want to stash it longer, it’ll also do fine in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it needs some moisture. Easy peasy!
Tips to make Traditional Irish Colcannon
Want to elevate your colcannon game? Here are some nifty tricks:
- Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what makes those mashed potatoes creamy and decadent.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for an extra buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Mix in some cooked bacon or ham for a savory twist. Who can resist bacon? 😋
- Adjust the greens: Kale is fantastic, but cabbage works just as well. Go with what you have!
- Reheat slowly: Warming it up too quickly might make it gummy. Treat it gently!
Variation
Want to switch it up? Consider making it vegan! Just swap the butter for olive oil and the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative. You can also spice it a bit with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic lift.
FAQs
- Can I make Colcannon ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving.
- What other greens can I use? You can substitute Swiss chard or even spinach if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Can I freeze Colcannon? Absolutely! Just make sure it cools completely before transfering to an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
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