As the weather cools down, our thoughts turn to hearty comfort food that warms the soul. And what better way to do so than with a traditional Irish dish like colcannon? A mashed potato and kale concoction, colcannon is often served alongside corned beef or shepherd’s pie. But why stop at just one recipe when you can have 20 deliciously comforting variations? From classic recipes to creative twists, we’ve got you covered with this collection of the best colcannon recipes out there.
Whether you’re a fan of creamy sauces, crispy bacon, or roasted garlic, there’s something for everyone in this lineup. So go ahead and indulge in a culinary trip around Ireland (or just stay cozy at home) with these 20 hearty colcannon recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Traditional Irish Colcannon with Cabbage
Colcannon is a classic Irish dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe adds the perfect amount of cabbage to give it an extra boost of nutrition and taste.
Ingredients:
– 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks
– 1 head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped cabbage and onion in butter until the cabbage is wilted.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Mash the cooked potatoes with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the cabbage mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Colcannon with Leeks and Kale
This creamy side dish combines the comforting flavors of colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale) with the added sweetness of caramelized leeks. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
– 2 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese (for an extra burst of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chopped potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon butter, and roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sliced leeks over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the leeks, stir to combine, and cook until wilted (about 5 minutes).
5. Mash the roasted potatoes in a bowl, then stir in the heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the mashed potatoes with the caramelized leek and kale mixture. Stir well to combine.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cheesy Colcannon with Cheddar and Bacon
A creamy, cheesy twist on the classic Irish dish, colcannon. This recipe combines mashed potatoes with kale, onions, and a rich cheddar sauce, topped with crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 head of kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter and salt.
2. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and kale in butter until wilted.
3. Add the grated cheddar cheese to the pan and stir until melted.
4. Combine the mashed potatoes and cheese-kale mixture.
5. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
6. Top with crumbled bacon.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegan Colcannon with Coconut Milk
This recipe puts a creative twist on the classic Irish dish, substituting coconut milk for dairy to make it vegan-friendly. The result is a rich and creamy colcannon that’s perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes
– 1/2 cup chopped kale or cabbage
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped kale or cabbage, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a separate saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vegan butter to the coconut milk and stir until melted.
4. Pour the coconut milk mixture into the potato mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Colcannon Soup with a Twist
Get ready to warm up with this creamy, comforting soup that adds a surprising twist to the classic colcannon recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 3 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes (colcannon)
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup of crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth, milk, colcannon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. If using bacon, stir in just before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Colcannon with Jalapeños
Get ready to spice up your mashed potatoes game with this bold and flavorful twist on the classic colcannon recipe! This Spicy Colcannon with Jalapeños adds a punch of heat from the jalapeños, perfect for those who like a little kick.
Ingredients:
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1/2 cup cooked kale, chopped (or other leafy greens)
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain.
2. Mash with butter and heavy cream/half-and-half until smooth.
3. Add chopped kale, jalapeño, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with garlic powder or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes boiling potatoes)
Colcannon Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe combines the creamy goodness of colcannon with the vibrant color and sweetness of bell peppers. The result is a deliciously flavorful and nutritious main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 head of cabbage, cooked and mashed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion in butter until softened. Add cooked cabbage, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the colcannon mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Colcannon Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty, comforting twist on traditional shepherd’s pie, this recipe combines tender lamb or beef with creamy colcannon (mashed potatoes and kale) and a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup colcannon (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Colcannon Recipe:
– 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped kale
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the lamb or beef in a pan with onion and garlic. Add tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. In a separate pot, cook the peas and carrots until tender. Add the cooked lamb or beef mixture and stir well.
4. Spread the colcannon over the top of the meat mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll out the pie crust and place on top of the colcannon. Crimp the edges to seal.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Colcannon Pancakes with Sour Cream
Get ready to start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful Colcannon Pancakes, infused with the creamy goodness of sour cream. This unique recipe combines the traditional Irish colcannon dish (mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, onions, and garlic) with pancake batter for a breakfast treat like no other.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped kale or cabbage
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, sour cream, melted butter, chopped kale or cabbage, and garlic. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Colcannon Fritters with Garlic Aioli
Colcannon fritters are a delicious spin on the traditional Irish dish, pairing crispy fried patties with creamy garlic aioli. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes, kale, and onions with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Garlic aioli ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, combine potatoes, flour, panko, cheese, scallions, and egg.
3. Form into patties and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels.
5. For the garlic aioli, mix mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl.
6. Serve fritters hot with garlic aioli.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Colcannon with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
This creamy, flavorful side dish is a twist on the classic colcannon recipe. By adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese, you’ll experience a depth of flavor that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mashed potatoes
– 1 head of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mix well to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Colcannon and Sausage Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the creamy goodness of colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale and onions) with spicy sausage. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil potatoes until tender; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and kale to the skillet and cook until wilted.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, sausage mixture, flour, butter, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Colcannon with Smoked Salmon
This twist on traditional Irish colcannon adds a burst of flavor from smoked salmon, making it a perfect dish for a special occasion or as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 head of cabbage, cored and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and salt.
2. In a separate pot, boil the cabbage until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
3. Add the chopped cabbage to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with pepper.
5. Divide the colcannon onto individual plates or a serving dish.
6. Top with flaked smoked salmon and garnish with chives or parsley.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Colcannon Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
This recipe combines the creamy, mashed potato goodness of colcannon with the tender, pillowy texture of homemade gnocchi, all wrapped up in a rich brown butter sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt, to taste
– Brown butter sauce (recipe below)
– Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with a fork.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flours and egg. Gradually add mashed potatoes to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into small squares or use a gnocchi board to shape.
6. Cook in boiling, salted water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float.
7. Brown butter sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter turns golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Colcannon and Cornbread Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the comforting flavors of Ireland (colcannon) with the warm, crumbly goodness of American cornbread. Perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale and onions)
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine colcannon, cornbread mix, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped scallions.
3. Add heavy cream and mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Colcannon with Caramelized Onions
Take your traditional Irish dish to the next level by adding sweet and savory caramelized onions to creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting side dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, broth, and heavy cream.
3. In a separate pan, caramelize onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Combine mashed potatoes and caramelized onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Colcannon with Crispy Fried Shallots
This recipe puts a crunchy spin on traditional colcannon, adding crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish or used as a topping for your favorite Irish-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shallots for frying (about 1-2 per serving)
Instructions:
1. Boil the diced potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate pan, sauté chopped cabbage and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add cooked cabbage mixture to mashed potatoes and stir well.
4. For crispy fried shallots, slice into thin rings and fry in hot oil (about 1-2 minutes per side) until golden brown.
5. Combine cooked colcannon with crispy fried shallots on top. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes for potatoes and cabbage preparation, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for frying shallots.
Colcannon with Spinach and Feta
This recipe adds a nutritious boost to the traditional Irish dish, colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage), by incorporating spinach and feta cheese. The result is a flavorful and healthy side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped spinach with 1 tablespoon of butter until wilted.
3. Mash the cooked potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the wilted spinach to the mashed potatoes and stir until combined.
5. Crumble the feta cheese into the potato mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Colcannon and Beef Stew Combo
This hearty combination of tender beef stew and creamy colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale) is a satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening. With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready to be devoured.
Ingredients:
For the Colcannon:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 bunch of curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Beef Stew:
– 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
4. Stir in the mashed potatoes and chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until kale is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Colcannon with Herb Butter and Chives
A classic Irish dish gets a flavorful twist with the addition of fresh herbs and chives. This creamy colcannon is perfect as a side or used as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the parsley, chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Fold the herb butter into the mashed potatoes until well combined.
5. Stir in the heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 mouthwatering colcannon recipes that will warm your heart and belly! From traditional Irish dishes to modern twists, this collection offers a wide range of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory variations. Try classic colcannon with cabbage, or get adventurous with coconut milk-based vegan options. You’ll also find unique creations like colcannon soup, stuffed bell peppers, and even pancake and fritter versions. Whatever your taste buds desire, there’s a comforting colcannon recipe to satisfy your cravings.
