Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Souhail
Living in New York City, I am always chasing the perfect comfort food. There is something about the cold wind off the Hudson that makes me crave warmth in a bowl. That is exactly where this dish comes in. Making authentic irish mashed potatoes colcannon reminds me of cozy nights in my Brooklyn kitchen when the rain is tapping against the window. It fits perfectly into everyday life as a hearty side dish that turns a simple protein into a feast.
The flavor profile is buttery, earthy, and slightly sweet from the cabbage or kale. This recipe is special because it honors tradition while keeping things simple enough for a Tuesday night. You get creamy potatoes mixed with greens and scallions, all swimming in a little pool of melted butter. It is the kind of food that makes you feel hugged from the inside out.
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Why You Will Love This Comforting Dish
There are so many reasons to add this to your regular rotation. It is not just about taste, but also about how easy it is to bring together.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now.
- Texture Perfection: The combination of fluffy potatoes and wilted greens is unmatched.
- Customizable: You can easily make this vegan by swapping butter for olive oil.
- Budget Friendly: Potatoes and kale are affordable staples that feed a crowd.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making it safe for many dietary needs.
If you love comfort food that feels like home, this recipe sits right alongside favorites like Cottage Cheese Pancakes in my personal hall of fame for cozy meals.
My Top Secrets for Perfect Potatoes
Getting the texture right is everything. You want smooth mash without any gluey bits.
- Choose Starchy Potatoes: Russets are best for a fluffy texture that absorbs butter well.
- Warm Your Dairy: Always heat your milk and cream before mixing to keep the potatoes hot.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to avoid releasing too much starch which makes them gummy.
- Salt the Water: Boil your potatoes in well-salted water for flavor from the inside out.
- Dry the Potatoes: Let them steam off excess moisture after draining for fluffier results.
Variants of the Recipe
While the traditional version is classic, you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or what you have in the fridge.
Bacon Lovers Delight Adding crispy bacon bits takes this dish to a smoky new level. Cook thick-cut bacon until crisp, crumble it, and fold it through the mash just before serving. The saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cabbage.
Vegan Green Colcannon For a plant-based version, use vegan butter and oat milk. You can also add extra greens like spinach or chard. This keeps the spirit of the dish alive while catering to dietary preferences without losing creaminess.
Loaded Potato Style If you are a potato enthusiast, you might enjoy turning this into a main event. Mix in cheddar cheese and sour cream. For more potato inspiration, check out this Twice Baked Potatoes recipe which uses similar flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and works as a side for many mains. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or sausages. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with a hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup to create a filling dinner. To finish your meal on a sweet note, especially during March, try serving St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies for dessert. Garnish the colcannon with extra chives and a knob of butter melting on top for visual appeal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The potatoes may thicken as they cool. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat which can make the potatoes rubbery. Freezing is not recommended as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.
Creative Uses for the Recipe
Leftovers are a gift. You can form cold colcannon into patties and fry them for breakfast cakes. They make a great base for a shepherd’s pie topping instead of plain mash. You can also stuff them into dumplings or use them as a side for a brunch spread. It is incredibly versatile beyond the initial dinner service.
How Do You Make it
Irish Mashed Potatoes Colcannon
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes320
kcalThis creamy irish mashed potatoes colcannon recipe brings traditional flavors to your table with ease. It is buttery, green, and absolutely delicious.
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Ingredients
2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
0.5 cup whole milk, warmed
0.25 cup heavy cream, warmed
0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
3 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
0.5 cup scallions, sliced
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender.
- Sauté kale in butter until wilted and soft.
- Drain potatoes well and let steam dry for a minute.
- Mash potatoes until smooth.
- Stir in warm milk and cream.
- Fold in cooked kale and scallions gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with extra butter on top.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes work well if you prefer a waxier texture.
- Cabbage can be substituted for kale for a sweeter flavor.
- Ensure dairy is warm to prevent cooling the dish down.
- Add garlic powder for an extra savory kick.
- Use chicken broth instead of milk for a dairy-free option.
- Keep scallions raw for a sharper onion bite.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 0.600mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
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FAQS
It is traditionally made of mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, butter, and milk or cream.
Champ uses scallions mixed directly into the mash, while colcannon features kale or cabbage.
It is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes and greens may suffer upon thawing.
It pairs well with roasted meats, sausages, or hearty soups as a substantial side dish.
This happens if you overmix them. Use a ricer or mash gently to avoid releasing too much starch.
Story or Cultural Context
Colcannon has deep roots in Irish history, often associated with Halloween traditions where charms were hidden inside the mash. Finding a ring meant marriage was coming soon. It was a dish for celebrations and hard working families alike. Making it in my NYC apartment feels like connecting with that history of resilience and comfort. It is a dish that says you are home, no matter where you are.
Health Benefits of the Recipe
Potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C. Kale adds fiber and antioxidants. This dish offers energy and nutrients while satisfying comfort food cravings. It is a balanced way to enjoy carbs with greens.
Conclusion
I hope you give this recipe a try soon. It is a wonderful way to bring warmth to your table any night of the week. Whether you are celebrating heritage or just love potatoes, this dish delivers. If you enjoyed this, you might like exploring more comfort classics on the blog. Happy cooking and enjoy every buttery bite.