Irish Colcannon Potatoes: The Ultimate Creamy & Comforting Side Dish

If you’re looking for a warm, creamy, and utterly comforting potato dish, Colcannon is the ultimate Irish classic. Made with fluffy mashed potatoes, sautéed cabbage (or kale), crispy bacon, and butter, Colcannon is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.

This traditional Irish side dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, cozy weeknight meals, or any time you want a delicious twist on mashed potatoes. The buttery richness and slight crunch of greens make every bite completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Colcannon Potatoes

✔ Ultra-Creamy & Buttery – These potatoes are smooth, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth.
✔ Packed with Flavor – The savory bacon, sautéed greens, and black pepper create a delicious depth of flavor.
✔ A Traditional Irish Favorite – A beloved dish, especially for St. Patrick’s Day!
✔ Easy & Versatile – Simple ingredients, easy steps, big flavor!
✔ Perfect for Any Meal – A great side dish for roasts, stews, or sausages.

The Best Irish Colcannon Potatoes Recipe

This authentic Colcannon recipe brings together fluffy potatoes, rich butter, and greens for the perfect Irish comfort food.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter (plus extra for serving)
½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but enhances flavor)

For the Sautéed Greens:

4 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 tablespoons butter for a vegetarian version)
1 ½ cups green cabbage or kale, finely shredded
½ cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

Extra butter, melted on top
Fresh parsley or chives
More black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes

In a large pot, add cubed potatoes and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil and cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and return potatoes to the warm pot.

2. Sauté the Greens & Bacon

In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon drippings in the pan.
Add cabbage (or kale) and green onions to the skillet.
Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.

3. Mash the Potatoes

Add butter, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the warm potatoes.
Mash until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Fold in the sautéed greens and crispy bacon.
Stir until everything is well incorporated.

5. Serve & Garnish

Spoon into a serving bowl and make a small well in the center.
Add extra melted butter on top (because why not?!).
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or extra black pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy this Irish classic!

Tips for the Best Colcannon

✅ Use Yukon Gold potatoes – They are naturally buttery and creamy.
✅ Don’t over-mash – Overworking the potatoes can make them gluey.
✅ Sauté the greens well – This removes bitterness and adds flavor.
✅ Keep it warm – Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat.
✅ Customize it! – Swap cabbage for kale or add more crispy bacon!

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these fun variations!

1. Cheesy Colcannon

🧀 Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.

2. Garlic Butter Colcannon

🧄 Mash in 2 roasted garlic cloves for extra depth and flavor.

3. Colcannon with Caramelized Onions

🧅 Replace green onions with slow-cooked caramelized onions for a sweeter, deeper taste.

4. Vegetarian Colcannon

🌱 Use butter instead of bacon and add mushrooms for a rich umami flavor.

What to Serve with Colcannon

Colcannon is incredibly versatile! Pair it with hearty, comforting dishes:

🥩 Irish Beef Stew – A perfect pairing with tender beef and gravy.
🍀 Corned Beef & Cabbage – A St. Patrick’s Day classic.
🍗 Roast Chicken or Pork – A delicious side for any roasted meat.
🥓 Bangers (Sausages) & Gravy – Serve with Irish sausages and brown gravy.
🥖 Irish Soda Bread – A warm, crusty bread completes the meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Colcannon stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Storing:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat in a skillet with butter over medium heat.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Freezing:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Irish Comfort Food

Colcannon is the perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes, savory greens, and crispy bacon—a true Irish comfort classic. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy family dinner, this dish is easy, delicious, and satisfying.

🔥 Try it today and experience a taste of Ireland in every bite! 🔥