This may just appear to look like mashed potatoes with bacon, but au contraire, these are Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes and they are loaded up! An alternative to traditional boiled potatoes to serve alongside corned beef, I like to serve up my grandmother’s Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes. Made with red potatoes, cream and garlic that get mashed together with green cabbage and kale and then get topped with crisp bacon & butter! Drooling yet?
I love the red potato and use it quite often as a baked and mashed alternative to the usual russet. I cut the cream down and added milk, though my Grandmother’s recipe would not dream of it, and definitely kept with tradition and topped it off with a beautiful pat of butter on top before serving with chopped chives.
I like to serve Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day in honor of my Irish heritage, but they are a fantastic way to shake up any dinner table other than serving just plain mashed potatoes. Colcannon to me is a very underrated and often times unknown Irish side dish and a must try. I’m here to make sure you know about it!
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First off, let’s wash and quarter the red potatoes. Smack the garlic cloves with the side of a kitchen knife to open and place in a large saucepan with the potatoes and cover with water. Add kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat, cook until fork tender. Drain and set aside.
Return pan to medium-high heat, cook and render the bacon until crisp. Set aside to cool slightly and chop. Keep bacon fat in pan, add the cabbage and kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
Add the potatoes back to the pan. Add the milk, cream, and black pepper and bring to a boil. Using a potato masher, mash and stir potatoes until smooth and thoroughly incorporated with cabbage and kale.
Add the bacon crumbles and season with kosher salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl, top with chopped chives and serve hot with butter on top.
This is one side dish that could easily go with any main course. I’ve even served it alongside some wonderfully slow simmered Beef Bourguignon. So give these Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes a try this coming St. Patrick’s Day and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
This recipe previously appeared on Kevin Is Cooking in March 2015 and has been updated with a video.
My grandmother's Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes are made with red potatoes, cream and garlic that get mashed together with green cabbage and kale and then get topped with crisp bacon & butter! Recipe video included.
- 1 lb . red potatoes peeled
- 3 garlic cloves smashed
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 4 pieces bacon rendered crisp
- 4 tbsp rendered bacon fat
- ¼ medium head green cabbage cored and thinly shredded
- 1 cup kale chopped
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- kosher salt to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chives chopped fine
- Wash and quarter the red potatoes. Smack the garlic cloves with the side of a kitchen knife to open and place in a large stockpot or Dutch oven with the potatoes and cover with water. Add kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat, cook until fork tender. Drain and set aside.
- Return pan to medium-high heat, cook and render the bacon until crisp. Set aside to cool slightly and chop. Keep bacon fat in pan, add the cabbage and kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes back to the pan. Add the milk, cream, and black pepper, and bring to a boil. Using a potato masher, mash and stir potatoes until smooth and thoroughly incorporated with cabbage and kale. Add the bacon crumbles and season with kosher salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl, top with chopped chives and serve hot with butter on top.
I made this tonight for St. Patrick’s day and my family loved it. It turned out great! The only difference I did was to replace fresh spinach for the kale. It is a definite keeper!
So glad you and the family enjoyed this Kristi. Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know! 🙂
I, like, NEED to have these in my life. I’m about to microwave my halfheartedly assembled lunch here at work, and it makes me sad it’s not these potatoes instead. These sound awesome, and I’m going to have to try them sometime! I’ve never made these kind of potatoes before 🙂
I could make a meal out of this alone myself! 🙂
I remember these Kevin! And yes, I’m drooling! Perfect side for St. Patrick’s Day! Yay Grandma!
Thanks Mary Ann, cheers to a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day to you guys! 🙂
So is colcannon the name of the potatoes (I remember at least 50 different varieties at a market in Cork) or is it the name of this dish? I love the idea of the potatoes and cabbage. Can’t wait to make it!
Actually Mimi it translates to “white-headed cabbage” and I’m sure each family has it’s own version. Hope you give this one a try. Cheers!
I’m STILL drooling over these from the first time you published them, Kevin! The video just knocks it out of the park! Pinning again.. because these ‘taters deserve ALL the pins!
Thanks so much Cheyanne. Truth be told I make this even when it’s not the holiday. 🙂
Absolutely delicious! I can already see myself making this and not sharing with anyone. 🙂 Love it!
We think alike Tessa. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
What a flavor bomb! Might be my new favorite way to have potatoes. 😀
Thanks Giselle, it definitely works for me. It could be a meal all on it’s own! 😉
So many great recipes for St. Patrick’s Day – my husband has Irish roots and he just loves potatoes 🙂 This Colcannon looks absolutely delicious – I am sure he’d love it. Have a great week!
Thanks Miriam, I am certain this would put a BIG smile on his face when served this! 🙂
I have to admit that other than an annual pot of beloved Irish Stew, I’ve considered Irish food to be a bit bland… Colcannon especially. You have dispelled those preconceived notions with this gorgeous dish! Kale is one of my favorite vegetables, and bacon and butter too? Yes please! Happy St. Patrick’s Day Kevin!
Thanks so much Tamera, it definitely is a step above the usual mashed potato dish. Cheers and have a wonderful St. Patrick’s holiday.
I usually prefer to use red potatoes for mashing, so your Colcannon is perfect for me! I’m digging the bacon in here!
This is almost a meal! 😉 Thanks Rachelle!
How have I never had Colcannon, Kevin! It’s everything I love… I could imagine frying up any leftovers as patties (after Paddy’s day, har har) and topping them with a fried egg!
Great line up for the St. Patrick’s Day feast!
Love the leftover patty idea with and egg on top! YES. 🙂
Am I drooling? Well that’s a silly question. OF COURSE I AM DROOLING! Like, I am drooling so much that my dog is looking at me funny. And I’m having a hard time typing on my keyboard, because my fingers keep sliding all over the place. SO MUCH DROOL! 😉 I am a ‘tater LOVER, and these here mashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish. These potatoes should be a WAY OF LIFE, Kevin! You really jam packed these spuds with ALL the yum! What I wouldn’t give to face plant into a vat of these loaded up bad boys right now! Pinned of course! Cheers, buddy! <3
May I just add that Cheyanne’s comments ALWAYS make me smile.
Right? She’s a keeper as are you my friend. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Chey! These are amazing just on their own. 🙂
So sorry you were having a tough Friday Chey, hope things have changed around… at least it’s the weekend!
I’m one of those people that have underrated colcannon but not anymore! There is so much yummy flavor in this, there’s no way I can underrate it now!
Thank you Meg, this will change how you have mashed potatoes! 🙂
Oh my goodness, Kevin, these look amazing!! Seriously. All that butter and helloooo bacon! It’s sometimes hard to capture mashed potatoes in all their glory, but you’ve done it.
Appreciate the kind words Natasha, this is a winner for sure! 🙂
This is bringing a comfort level to a new high!! I could eat this every day!! Very nice!!
Thanks Stephanie!
Hello Kevin! Colcannon? These are amazing. I think I have been potato-challenged not knowing about these decadent papas! I love the crispy bacon and cabbage-kale combo. My kids won’t know what hit them as I sneak those green goddesses into this lovely entree. Thanks for sharing!
Potato challenged no more Cindy! This will make the kids eating their veggies in no time! 😉
The first time I was introduced to Colcannon was through Tyler Florence on one of his shows…I’ve been in love with the dish ever since! Your recipe takes the cake, my friend!! Gorgeous photos, as usual! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Thanks Annie. I think this would put Tyler’s to shame. BUT that’s just me 🙂
seriously? this looks other-worldly!! side dish smide dish. give me a fork and this is all i need! so fun celebrating the holiday with you. here’s to many more fun blogger parties. CHEERS!
Thanks so much Cathy, this was so fun participating with the group. So many delicious offerings. 🙂
Oh my goodness Kevin! I’m literally drooling over these! That bacon, cabbage, garlic, that pat of butter on top! I may just skip the main course and just enjoy these! It’s a meal in itself!
This could be a meal onto itself huh? I like your thinking! 😉
Bacon and kale in mashed potatoes? Yes, please! It sounds so creamy and rich. My Irish hubby would love it if I made this for him!
He will love you even more Karen. 🙂
I didn’t know you had Irish heritage, Kevin. You know you need to visit Newfoundland!! Though, it is quite aways from you. To me, this would be perfect on its own! With all that creamy mash, cream and butter….let’s not forget the bacon! On my!! Pinned!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day, my friend! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Kevin Joseph Thomas O’Leary – Irish baby! I would love to visit Newfoundland one day. I know a great tour guide, too. 😉 I’m with you and could just eat this and leave the remaining dinner items alone!
You definitely took Colcannon to the next level here! I love the use of both cabbage AND kale (typically I only use one or the other – so this is great!) and the addition of garlic! Because garlic is sooooooooo good in buttery mashed taters! Gorgeous photos too, my friend!
Who needs the rest of the meal with this bowl right? LOL, thanks Faith!
I used bok choy since it was handy. Removed the stalks and chopped fine. Sauteed in the fat from corned beef. The chopped leaves were added at the end. Also added green onion, white and green parts. This was served with corned beef. Very tasty!
Using the fat trimmed from the corned beef is akin to using bacon fat. Some of it crisps up like bacon plus it has the corned beef brine flavor!
Bok choy is good to use for colcannon. The stalks have a cabbage-like texture when sauteed and the leafy part maintains its nice green color like kale.
Sorry for the late reply Ann as I’ve been gone the last 2 weeks in India, but am back sifting emails, checking out everyones posts I missed and replying here. Thanks for trying this and commenting, the bok choy substitution sounds wonderful!
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Whole family loved this! I used golden/butter potatoes instead of red because its what I had. Making again for the 2nd time this week!
Thanks Dana, any potato works with all those other goodies in there! Happy St. Patricks Day to you and your family.
This looks amazing! I love the idea of colcannon and recently made a riff on it that cooked all in one pan – along with Irish Bangers. Yum! Love that you’ve got bacon in yours!
Thanks Lisa! The idea of Irish bangers right now with an onion gravy has me hungry!
Hey Kevin! I made alot of corned beef, with onions, carrots and potatoes today. But, your colcannon OMG!! I could just eat that! I did not have kale so just used cabbage and I did not peel my red potatoes. It came out looking so beautiful and the flavor – YES! I will from here on out cook cabbage in bacon drippings. Thank you so much! Do you have more of your Grandmother’s recipes? She was a GOOD woman!
So glad to hear that, it is such a beautiful dish and I agree – the bacon drippings make it!
Hey Kevin! Just thought I would let you know that my briskets are brined and we are having St. Patty’s day feast tomorrow with your colcannon and carrots and onions and freshly baked rolls (made by me). I’m a little bit late, but better late than never! And, since I brined two briskets there will be reuben sandwiches – yum!
Wow, wish I was your neighbor! Let me know what you think of my colcannon recipe.
Hey Kevin! I love mashed potatoes and cabbage and bacon! To combine them makes my mouth water. I have two briskets brining in my frig (a little late for St. Patty’s day, but oh well!). I WILL be making this to go with the corned beef next week! I’m new to your blog – “picked you up” off Nagi’s blog and glad I did!
How wonderful, perfect timing then! Isn’t Nagi’s food and photography delicious? She is such a gracious and kind lady.
I usually post Mon/Wed/Fridays and it’s always International in flavor and different dishes so please do come back! Have a great weekend and post-St. Patty’s Day dinner. 🙂
Hi Kevin! I absolutely love Nagi! She is so creative and her photography is amazing! I recently e-mailed her a couple of chocolate/peanut butter recipes because from talking to her I know she is in love with the combo! Another blog I really like is The Cooking Jar. I will definitely be following your blog!!! You are very creative and down with good food! Thanks!
You are too kind, thank you Dorothy.
there is a version of this that substitutes chives for the cabbage also. It is also quite good and give you fun green potatoes to eat.
Green potatoes, fantastic for the day, right? I’m sure there are quite a few versions out there Bob, I love chives and sprinkled them on top here. Cabbage and kale are my favorites for this one for sure. Thanks for stopping by and have a fun, safe St. Patrick’s Day!
I love a good colcannon recipe! The Godfather is determined to try making our own corned beef from scratch this year, and this would be the perfect side!
Sounds great Mary, would love to hear how the corned beef turns out as well as this dish. Have a great St. Patrick’s Day dinner and thanks for stopping by!
This may be the best version of mashed potatoes I’ve ever seen. It’s a meal! I want to put a fried egg on top and call it dinner.
LOL, now that’s how you do it Marissa!
Ah, the Irish do love their potatoes…and this colcannon looks amazing! I’ve never heard of colcannon before, but the recipe sounds incredible. I have some leftover red potatoes in the kitchen, and Laura is about to go out of town for the week…I think this calls for some fun. And by fun, I mean making this dish and chasing leprechauns around my house. Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Kevin!
LOL “Chasing leprechauns around the house” made me spit my coffee out. Good thing not on my keyboard! Isn’t that what happens if you drink too many Irish coffees?
Isn’t it funny the things we do when the better half is out of the house? Ha!
This Colcannon dish looks very similar to something I had in The Netherlands last summer. Over there they call it Stammpot, and it’s delish.
I mean: mashed potatoes with bacon, cabbage, kale, and cream….hello?
#WolfpackEats
Right? It’s delicious and getting made again for St. Patrick’s Day next Tuesday, or my name isn’t Kevin Joseph Thomas O’Leary!