If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, this Colcannon Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with vibrant kale and sweet green onions, finished with crispy bacon and a touch of butter, it’s a simple yet soulful Irish classic that brings incredible flavors and textures together. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a festive occasion, this dish always steals the spotlight with its rich taste and satisfying creaminess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Colcannon Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine.
- 4 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed): These starchy potatoes are perfect for creating that fluffy, buttery mash every good colcannon needs.
- 1/2 cup butter (divided): Butter adds richness and smoothness while enhancing the creamy texture of the potatoes.
- 6 cups lightly packed kale (chopped): Kale brings a fresh, slightly earthy twist and a lovely green vibrance to the dish.
- 1 cup green onions (chopped): These add a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch that brightens up the mix.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the mash luxuriously creamy and luscious without overpowering the taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the potatoes and greens perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A touch of pepper provides gentle warmth and a hint of earthiness.
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (cooked): Crispy bacon brings a smoky, savory crunch that elevates this classic side to something truly unforgettable.
How to Make Colcannon Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this step seasons the potatoes as they cook. Add your peeled and cubed russet potatoes and let them cook for about 20 minutes or until they are fork tender. This is the foundation for the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Sauté the Kale and Green Onions
Drain the potatoes and set them aside for a moment. In the same pot, melt half the butter on medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped kale and season it with salt and pepper, cooking for about 3 minutes until it softens slightly. Then, add the green onions and cook for an additional minute to bring out their delicate flavor. This combination adds color, freshness, and a healthy bite to your colcannon.
Step 3: Combine with Cream and Mash
Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together so the kale and onions mingle with the cream’s richness. Add the drained potatoes back into the pot and use a potato masher to blend everything into a fluffy, creamy mash. This is the heart of your Colcannon Potatoes Recipe — where all your ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Adjust Seasonings
Give the mash a taste and season it with more salt and pepper if needed. Proper seasoning brings the flavors alive and makes every bite delightful.
Step 5: Add the Bacon Crumbles
Fold in the crispy cooked bacon crumbles, distributing them evenly. The bacon adds a salty crunch and smoky undertone that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes and greens.
Step 6: Finish with Melted Butter
To finish, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter over the top just before serving. This adds a glossy, luscious finish and a rich buttery flavor that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Colcannon!
Serve immediately and savor each comforting, flavorful bite of your Colcannon Potatoes Recipe. It’s a wonderful dish to share and enjoy with loved ones.
How to Serve Colcannon Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra green onion slices on top adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that brightens the dish. You can also add an extra dash of crispy bacon crumbles for garnish to make it look as tempting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Colcannon potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats like glazed ham, roast chicken, or corned beef. The creamy and savory mash balances richer mains wonderfully, making it a natural companion for a full traditional Irish dinner or any cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the colcannon in individual ramekins topped with a fried egg for brunch or as a hearty side. Another idea is to spoon the mash into pastry shells to create little colcannon pies — visually stunning and perfect for entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover colcannon potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and textures intact.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the kale and cream may change slightly. If you choose to freeze, place the colcannon in a freezer-safe container and use it within one month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and top with a little extra butter to revive that fresh-from-the-kitchen richness.
FAQs
What makes this Colcannon Potatoes Recipe different from regular mashed potatoes?
Colcannon includes kale and green onions mixed into creamy mashed potatoes, giving it an added layer of texture, color, and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that regular mashed potatoes don’t have.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Absolutely! You can use cabbage, spinach, or Swiss chard depending on what you like or have on hand, though kale gives the most authentic taste and texture for this recipe.
Is bacon necessary in the recipe?
Bacon adds a wonderful smoky crunch that lifts the dish, but if you prefer vegetarian options, you can omit it or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
How creamy is this dish supposed to be?
This Colcannon Potatoes Recipe should be luxuriously creamy but still have some body from the kale and mashed potatoes. The heavy cream and butter help achieve that rich consistency that melts in your mouth.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut or oat cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the bacon or replace with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Colcannon Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh all in one dish that invites warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Don’t hesitate to make it soon and share the delicious joy with your family and friends!
