Colcannon Recipe - Dinner at the Zoo

This colcannon recipe is a mix of mashed potatoes, sauteed cabbage and bacon, all combined to form a hearty and savory side dish. Colcannon pairs perfectly with chicken, beef and pork, and also happens to be super easy to make.

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish, whether they’re cooked as a loaded mashed potato casserole, as crock pot mashed potatoes or with cabbage in this traditional Irish dish.

A pot of colcannon garnished with butter, bacon and herbs.

Have you ever tried colcannon? If not, you’re missing out. This recipe is delectable blend of cabbage, potatoes and bacon, all mashed together for a creamy and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any other time of the year!

Colcannon Ingredients

Bowls of bacon, cabbage, potatoes, and seasonings.

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a classic choice for this recipe.
Cabbage: Any variety of green cabbage will work fine, and you can either thinly slice or coarsely chop it.
Bacon: Feel free you use your favorite brand of bacon in this dish.
Dairy: Cream and butter add richness and flavor to the potato mixture.
Seasonings: I make my potatoes extra delicious with the addition of garlic, salt, black pepper and green onions.

How do you make colcannon?

You can make colcannon by boiling peeled potatoes until they are tender. While the potatoes are boiling, it’s time to cook up the rest of the dish. Bacon goes into a large saucepan and cooks until crispy and browned. The bacon is removed from the pan, and cabbage is sauteed in the remaining bacon fat. The potatoes are mashed with some butter and cream until smooth, then the bacon and cabbage mixture are stirred into the potatoes. Add some fresh herbs for garnish, then serve and enjoy.

Process shots of potatoes being peeled and boiled, and bacon in a pan.

Tips for the perfect side dish

Cut your potatoes into similar sized pieces. This helps to make sure that all the potatoes finish cooking at the same time.
You can use a potato masher, a hand mixer, or potato ricer to mash your potatoes. Don’t use a food processor, it will make the colcannon gummy.
This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance. Reheat your colcannon on the stovetop or in the oven.
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Use a mandoline to finely shred the cabbage. You can also buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage to save on time.

Process shots of cabbage being cooked and added to potatoes with bacon.

Recipe FAQs

What are colcannon potatoes?

Colcannon is an Irish recipe made with just a few simple ingredients. This side dish always contains potatoes, butter, some type of greens and herbs. Russet potatoes are most commonly used, but Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option. The greens typically consist of either shredded cabbage or kale. There are often other ingredients added into the mix such as leeks, green onions, parsley or bacon.

What is the history of colcannon?

The basic recipe for colcannon was developed sometime during the 1600’s and 1700’s. During that period, potatoes and green vegetables such as cabbage were very common foods enjoyed in Ireland and other parts of Europe. These veggies ended up being put together to create this dish.

Why is colcannon called colcannon?

The word “colcannon” comes from the Gaelic words cál ceannann. Cál means cabbage and ceannann means white-headed or white-faced. Put them together and you have the term cál ceannann meaning white-headed cabbage.

What to serve with colcannon

This dish is often served as an accompaniment to meat. Some great options include sausages such as Irish Bangers, or ham. You can also spoon Irish stew over the top of your potatoes for an extra special treat.

A serving bowl of colcannon topped with butter and herbs.

Recipe variations

This recipe is fabulous as written, but you can switch up the ingredients to customize this dish to your tastes.

Meat: Instead of bacon, try using pancetta or even ham for a totally different flavor profile.
Greens: Skip the cabbage and substitute in sauteed kale, spinach or Swiss chard. You can also add in some thinly sliced leeks.
Garlic Lover’s: Increase the amount of garlic to 1 tablespoon, or use 1/4 cup of whole roasted garlic cloves instead.
Dairy: Try this recipe with sour cream or cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
Cakes: You can make colcannon cakes by mixing an egg and a cup of flour into 3 cups of chilled colcannon. Form the colcannon into patties and pan fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.

Whether you’re looking for an easy and unexpected side dish, or searching for a recipe to accompany your St. Patrick’s Day corned beef, this colcannon is sure to hit the spot!

More cabbage and potato recipes you’ll enjoy

Colcannon Video

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 15-18 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes.
While the potatoes are cooking, place the bacon in a pan over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
Remove the bacon from the pan.
Add the cabbage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until cabbage is wilted. Stir in the green onions and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
Place the potatoes back in the pot. Add the heavy cream, butter and salt and pepper to taste. Mash until smooth.
Pour the cabbage mixture and bacon into the mashed potatoes. Stir to combine.
Serve immediately, topped with butter, bacon and herbs if desired.

You can use a potato masher, a hand mixer, or potato ricer to mash your potatoes. Do not use a food processor, as it will make the colcannon gummy.
This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

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