Colcannon Soup: The Best Irish Classic Recipe for Cozy Nights

Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail

If you love traditional Irish comfort food, then you will adore this Colcannon Soup recipe. Inspired by the classic Irish dish, colcannon, this creamy and hearty soup combines potatoes, cabbage, and leeks into a rich and flavorful bowl of warmth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a festive dish for St. Patrick’s Day, this soup is a perfect choice.

Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, or kale, often served with butter. Turning this classic into a soup creates a velvety, nourishing meal that highlights simple, wholesome ingredients. The combination of creamy potatoes, tender cabbage, and aromatic leeks makes this soup incredibly satisfying.

This Colcannon Soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a flavorful and filling soup that brings a taste of Ireland to your table.

Why This Recipe Works

Authentic Irish Flavors: This soup captures the essence of traditional colcannon while transforming it into a creamy, spoonable delight. The combination of potatoes, cabbage, and leeks provides a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

Simple and Affordable Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients like potatoes, butter, cabbage, and onions, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to make with items you likely already have at home.

Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the potatoes and a touch of cream, this soup has a silky, luxurious consistency without being too heavy. You can easily adjust the texture by blending it completely for a smooth soup or leaving it slightly chunky.

Customizable to Your Preferences: While traditional colcannon is made with cabbage or kale, you can personalize this soup by adding bacon, ham, or even swapping dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a quick meal for the family or serving guests on St. Patrick’s Day, this soup is both easy and impressive.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this delicious Colcannon Soup, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced: These starchy potatoes give the soup its signature creamy texture.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for a deeper flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness to balance the soup.
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced: Leeks add a delicate, onion-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the depth of flavor with a mild garlicky taste.
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded: The star ingredient that makes this soup true to colcannon’s roots.
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Provides the liquid base; use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the soup. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Gives a warm, subtle spice that enhances the potatoes’ flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky, savory twist.
• 1 cup ham, diced: A great way to use up leftover ham and boost the protein.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: For an extra creamy, cheesy version.
• 2 green onions, chopped: A garnish that adds color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Colcannon Soup from scratch:

1. Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sliced leeks, cooking for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Cook the Cabbage (5 minutes)

Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly wilted. This helps enhance its natural sweetness and softens it for blending.

3. Simmer the Soup Base (20 minutes)

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Blend the Soup (Optional, 5 minutes)

For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, blend only half the soup and leave the rest as is.

5. Add Creaminess (5 minutes)

Stir in the milk or heavy cream and let the soup warm through for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using bacon or ham, stir it in at this stage.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, crispy bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, while red potatoes will keep the soup chunkier.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Sautéing it before adding the broth brings out a subtle sweetness while keeping it tender.
• Blend to Your Preference: If you love a chunky soup, only blend a portion of it, leaving bits of potato and cabbage for texture.
• Make It Extra Flavorful: Adding cooked bacon or ham will enhance the overall depth of the soup. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can also elevate the taste.
• For a Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Recipe Card

Colcannon Soup

Recipe by SimonCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

A rich, comforting Irish-inspired soup made with potatoes, cabbage, leeks, and a touch of cream. Perfect for cozy nights!

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 leeks, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups cabbage, shredded

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• Optional: ½ cup cooked bacon, ½ cup shredded cheddar

Directions

• Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and leeks for 3 minutes, then add garlic and stir for another minute.
• Cook Cabbage: Add shredded cabbage and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
• Simmer: Pour in broth, add potatoes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
• Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smooth consistency or leave it chunky.
• Add Creaminess: Stir in milk or cream, then warm through for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve & Garnish: Top with green onions, bacon, or cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Blend fully for a smooth soup or leave it chunky for texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Colcannon Soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, hearty, and comforting dishes. Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, with bacon or vegetarian-friendly, this soup is an easy yet flavorful way to bring a taste of Ireland to your table. It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

If you love soups, you might also enjoy The Best Soup to Eat Every Day for more nourishing ideas. Looking to elevate your soup’s flavor? Check out How to Add Richness to Soup or The Secret of Good Soup for expert tips.

For a perfect side, pair this soup with warm bread! You might love learning about Oil or Butter for Bread to get the best flavor and texture. If you enjoy hearty meals, don’t miss Chicken and Pastry Recipe for another comforting classic.

If you try this Colcannon Soup, let us know in the comments! Share your experience, modifications, or serving ideas. Happy cooking!