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Colcannon Potatoes

Name: Colcannon Potatoes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Irish
Ingredients: 1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded; 4 pounds medium potatoes (about 8), peeled and quartered; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup chopped green onions; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup butter, melted; Minced fresh parsley; Crumbled cooked bacon

55 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 35 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Apr. 19, 2023

Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it's a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Patrick's Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

Ingredients

1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded
4 pounds medium potatoes (about 8), peeled and quartered
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chopped green onions
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
Minced fresh parsley
Crumbled cooked bacon

Directions

Place cabbage and 2 cups water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving cooking liquid; keep cabbage warm in separate dish.
In same pan, combine potatoes and reserved cooking liquid. Add additional water to cover potatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, place milk, green onions, salt and pepper in a small saucepan; bring just to a boil and remove from heat.
Drain potatoes; place in a large bowl and mash. Add milk mixture; beat just until blended. Stir in cabbage. To serve, drizzle with butter; top with parsley and bacon.

Colcannon Tips

What other greens can you use instead of cabbage?

Cabbage can easily be substituted with any heartier greens you have on hand. We recommend curly kale or savoy cabbage, which is a crinkled, heartier green cabbage. Have extra hearty greens left over? Here are some additional ways to use that cabbage!

What kind of potatoes should you use to make colcannon?

For the perfect colcannon, choose what is categorized as a floury potato. They should have more starch and less water and produce a fluffier mash. In this case, Russet or Idaho potatoes will be your go-to potato. Read our guide to using different potato types for all kinds of recipes.

What can you serve with colcannon?

To really get the full experience, pair this with the traditional pork sausage Irish bangers. Colcannon is a great substitute for a mash, and it is jam packed with flavor! This recipe also makes for a great base to our delicious Irish beef stew.

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.