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Colcannon Mash

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Colcannon Potatoes are an Irish mashed potato recipe that are mixed with sauteed cabbage and green onions in addition to the butter and milk. Amazingly delicious, and easy to make!

Colcannon Potatoes are an Irish mashed potato recipe that are mixed with sauteed cabbage and green onions in addition to the butter and milk. Amazingly delicious, and easy to make!
Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes in bowl
colcannon potatoes in white bowl with serving spoon

Flavorful and delicious, Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage are one easy side dish you absolutely MUST add to your repertoire! Don’t serve these only on St. Patrick’s Day, these are great all year round!

These creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with butter and milk, but they also have shredded cabbage in them! The word colcannon is from the Gaelic term “cal ceannann” which means white-headed cabbage.  It is also believed to be a form of the old Irish “cainnenin” translated as garlic, onion, or leek.

In Ireland, this easy side dish recipe is usually served alongside ham. It is often served on Halloween, too, and the evening is referred to “Colcannon Night”. If you happen to find a hidden ring inside your serving of colcannon, you just might be getting married in the next year!

white bowl with irish mashed potatoes with cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the difference between Colcannon and Champ?

There is a difference! Champ are mashed potatoes with green onions. Colcannon takes that and adds cabbage into the mix, too.

What kind of potatoes should I use for Colcannon?

I like using Yukon Gold here, as they have a great starch and moisture content to have flavorful, fluffy, and creamy mashed potatoes. 

overhead of mashed potatoes with cabbage in serving bowl with spoon

How to make Colcannon Potatoes

These potatoes are very simple and easy to make, and don’t take much more time than regular mashed potatoes.

Start with yukon gold potatoes (they have a good amount of starch to help make mashed potatoes that are fluffy and flavorful).

  1. Wash the potatoes and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
  2. Dice the potatoes into large chunks. 
  3. Place the potato chunks into a large pot and fill it with water until the potatoes are covered.
  4. Bring the water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
  5. Turn the heat down to medium-high and allow the potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender. 
  6. While the potatoes are simmering, take this time to slice the cabbage into thin strips and small pieces. Also slice the green onions (but keep them separate from each other).
  7. When the potatoes are done, drain them into a large colander in the sink. 
  8. Return the empty pan to the stovetop and place the butter into the pan. Turn the stovetop back on to medium heat.
  9. When the butter is melted, add the shredded cabbage and stir to toss in the melted butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is starting to become wilted, about 5-6 minutes.
  10. Add in the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
  11. Turn the heat off the stovetop but leave the pan on the burner. 
  12. Add the potatoes back to the pan and add an additional pinch of salt, and the milk.
  13. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt to taste.
  14. Place the potatoes into a serving bowl, and serve with an additional pat of butter on top.

Recipe Variations: Sometimes kale is used instead of cabbage!

peeled potatoes on cutting board

How to serve Colcannon 

Serve these great mashed potatoes alongside some sausages, and with a side of Wheaten Bread (that’s Irish Soda Bread with whole wheat flour).

How to make these kid friendly 

These Irish mashed potatoes are a great kid friendly side dish, and a fun way to add cabbage to your meals! 

If you have a reluctant eater, invite your kids to help you cook the meal with you. The more they are involved, the more likely they are to want to try it. You could also help them sculpt their potatoes into a little well and place a pad of butter in it. That way they have their own little pool of melted butter to dunk their potatoes into.

Dinner conversations with kids

How we talk to our kids at the dinner table is really important! Inviting them into the dinner conversation in a way that brings their curiosity and interest to the meals helps them want to actually eat it! Try these conversation starters 

  • How do these potatoes look different than the mashed potatoes we have had before?
  • How do they smell different?
  • What tastes do you notice when you take a bite? Do they taste sweet, sour, or earthy? What other words can you use to describe these potatoes? 

Read more about how to explore the sense of taste with your kids.

Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes in bowl

Other Irish recipes:

Other side dish recipes:

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Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes in bowl

Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Colcannon Potatoes are an Irish mashed potato recipe that are mixed with sauteed cabbage and green onions in addition to the butter and milk. Amazingly delicious, and easy to make!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Kid Friendly Side Dishes
Cuisine: Irish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 309kcal
Author: Jenni

Ingredients

  • 4-6 Yukon Gold potatoes
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (affiliate link)
  • 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups sliced cabbage
  • 3 green onions
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  • Wash the potatoes and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
  • Dice the potatoes into large chunks.
  • Place the potato chunks into a large pot and fill it with water until the potatoes are covered.
  • Bring the water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
  • Turn the heat down to medium-high and allow the potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender.
  • While the potatoes are simmering, take this time to slice the cabbage into thin strips and small pieces. Also slice the green onions (but keep them separate from each other).
  • When the potatoes are done, drain them into a large colander in the sink.
  • Return the empty pan to the stovetop and place the butter into the pan. Turn the stovetop back on to medium heat.
  • When the butter is melted, add the shredded cabbage and stir to toss in the melted butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is starting to become wilted, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add in the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
  • Turn the heat off the stovetop but leave the pan on the burner.
  • Add the potatoes back to the pan and add an additional pinch of salt, and the milk.
  • Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt to taste.
  • Place the potatoes into a serving bowl, and serve with an additional pat of butter on top.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 926mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 2mg

One Comment

  1. Oh wow, this mash is quite something. I think I never tried anything like this before. Looks so tempting, and so delicious. I’m saving this recipe to try. Thanks for the lovely idea.

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