Colcannon Potatoes are a traditional Irish dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This simple yet flavorful dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with the earthy goodness of cabbage and green onions. Often served as a side dish alongside hearty meats like lamb or beef, colcannon potatoes have earned their place in Irish cuisine for good reason.
The key to a perfect batch of colcannon lies in the balance between the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes and the tender, slightly sweet cabbage. The cabbage is cooked just enough to soften it, while still maintaining its vibrant green color and delicate flavor. Green onions or scallions are added for a pop of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious contrast.
Colcannon is often made with a generous amount of butter and cream, which gives the potatoes their rich, velvety texture. Some variations of the dish include a bit of milk or buttermilk for extra creaminess, while others may add a pinch of salt or pepper for seasoning. The result is a dish that’s indulgent yet comforting, perfect for cozy family meals or holiday feasts like St. Patrick’s Day.
One of the most charming aspects of colcannon potatoes is their versatility. While the basic ingredients remain the same, you can add your own twist to the dish. Some people like to incorporate crispy bacon or sautéed onions for extra flavor, while others might add herbs like parsley or thyme to freshen up the dish. Colcannon can also be used as a filling for savory pies or pasties, showcasing just how adaptable and delicious this classic dish can be.
Whether you’re enjoying it alongside a roast dinner or simply scooping up leftovers for a satisfying lunch, colcannon potatoes offer a taste of Ireland that’s both hearty and comforting. Simple in its ingredients but rich in flavor, it’s the kind of dish that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and quartered
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cabbage and cook until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked cabbage to the pot with the potatoes. Add the milk, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the green onions. Serve hot.
Nutrition
I wasn’t sure about cabbage in potatoes, but this actually turned out pretty decent! Might add more butter next time tho.
Glad to hear that! Cabbage in potatoes sounds weird but it’s actually nice! I added bacon once and it was a hit!
Cabbage and potatoes? That just dont sound right. Butter or no butter, I can’t imagine this tasting good.
What if I use kale instead of cabbage? Anyone tried that?
I’m skeptical about russet potatoes for this—could be better with Yukon gold. Mine tasted a bit starchy, but the flavor was good.
Totally get that—russets can go starchy if they’re overcooked or mashed too aggressively. Yukon Golds would probably be creamier and less “dry” in the end. Glad the flavor was still good though!
The instructions are clear, but 4 cups shredded cabbage felt like A LOT for 2 pounds of potatoes. I ended up adding less cabbage and it was perfect.
Totally agree—4 cups cabbage sounds like way more than you’d need for just 2 lbs of potatoes. I did the same thing and it turned out way better with less.
These colcannon potatoes are downright delicious! My family loved them, especially with the green onions. Will make again!
So good. Like comfort food hugging you. Also, why am I surprised it works with just butter/milk??
Right?? It’s basically potatoes + dairy + fat doing their thing. The cabbage softens and turns sweet/savory, so it all melds together.
I followed it, but my potatoes were not “smooth” like the post says. I had lumps until I warmed the milk more first. Still delicious and easy.
This was so good! My family loved it and we want to make it again! 😍
This is the only way I’ll eat cabbage. Like… seriously. I was skeptical but it turned into a creamy potato situation, and the green onions made it taste fancy.
I made this for my fam and they all loved it! Especially the kids. Will make again.
I didn’t have cabbage, so I used kale. It turned out pretty good, but I think cabbage is better!
Too much butter, I think. Might try with less next time.
I dunno, I think I made it wrong. My potatoes came out too mushy. Maybe I boiled them too long?
I thought it was too mushy. Cabbage belong in soup, not mashed potatos.
Easy to make, and my family ate it all. I was worried the cabbage would be weird with potatoes, but it’s actually amazing.
This recipe is AMAZING! I added some bacon and it took it to the next level. Definitely a keeper!
Bacon? That sounds delicious! I’m going to try it that way next time!
Pretty good comfort food. I think 10 minutes for the cabbage might be a little short depending on how thinly it’s shredded, but it still came out tender. Next time I’ll season the cabbage while cooking.
Colcannon is the best! So comforting, especially in winter.
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out right. Must have been the cabbage. 🤔
Too much butter, I think! Maybe half the amount would work better. It was kinda greasy. 🙁
I dunno, this seems kinda plain. What’s the point of cabbage? I prefer my potatoes loaded with cheese!
Is it really that easy? I thought colcannon was like, a complex dish or something?
Disappointed. Mine came out kinda lumpy and not enough flavor. I added garlic for a kick, but bleh.
I usually love colcannon, but it can be tricky! Did you mash it enough? Maybe try adding more seasoning next time.
Not bad, but mine was a little bland even after “salt and pepper to taste.” I think it needed more butter or maybe garlic? Still ate it all though.
Totally get that—this one can come out mild if the seasoning doesn’t “stick.” I usually add a little extra butter *and* a pinch of garlic powder (or even sauté a minced garlic clove with the cabbage) and it makes a big difference.
Absolutely yum!!! 10/10 would eat again, love the green onions in it!
Colcannon? Sounds fancy. But it’s just potatos and cabbage lol!
I followed it mostly, but I used red potatoes and had to mash a bit longer. Still really tasty. Next time I’ll salt the cabbage a little while cooking.
I dunno, seems a bit bland. I added garlic powder and it turned out better.
Simple and tasty, I skipped the onions and it was still good. Thanks!
This is a fantastic recipe! So creamy and buttery. Perfect comfort food! Definitely 5 stars!
Tried this for St. Patrick’s Day, and it was a hit! Super easy to make and tasted great with corned beef. Yum!
This is so good! Just like my grandma used to make. Thanks for sharing!
Turkey @karen loves it! We should make again! 🍽️😋
Isn’t colcannon Irish? I thought it was a dessert… Anyway, my grandma used to make it better. But fine, this is okay.
I don’t know. It’s just mashed potatoes and cabbage. Why would anyone eat this? Not for me. 2 stars.
Colcannon? More like poor-man’s food! When I was a kid, we had this all the time because it was cheap. Goes great with sausage tho! 4 stars!
I agree! It’s a simple dish but so satisfying. Just like you said, perfect with sausage! 5 stars for me.
Did anyone notice the onions? I totally forgot to put them in, oops!
Coulda used more cabbage honestly. 4 cups sounded like a lot but after cooking it kinda disappeared. Also my cabbage took like 20 min not 10. Still tasted alright.
Yeah I get that—cabbage really does shrink fast. I usually toss in a bit extra so it doesn’t feel skimpy after cooking.
Made this last night and it’s so comforting. The cabbage gets perfectly tender, and the mashed texture is super smooth. I added a bit more pepper and it was perfect.
This recipe is dead simple and actually tastes like the Irish pub version. I swear the green onions make it. Will definitely make again for St. Patrick’s Day.
Honestly, I burned the skillet cabbage a little… still edible but I wouldn’t call it perfect. Instructions are clear, just be careful with heat.
I love potatoes! Who doesn’t? Totally going to make this for dinner!🥔
Absolutely loved this! Reminds me of my grandma. So nostalgic! Perfect consistency, and the green onions make it fancy. 5 stars!
Isn’t colcannon supposed to have kale?? This is just a potato mash with cabbage. 😒
So yum! Never tried cabbage with potatoes before, but this recipe changed my mind. Thanx!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Colcannon is such a comforting dish. Have you tried adding bacon or cheese for extra flavor?
Cabbage and potatos? Seems weird. I dunno about that combo. Did you really like it?
Made this for dinner last night—so cozy. The cabbage + butter combo is legit, and the green onions at the end make it feel fresh. I used half-and-half instead of milk and it still worked great.
I love colcannon, but I’m skeptical about russet + milk amount. Mine got slightly gluey. Might be the mashing technique—still tasted good with extra black pepper.
Yum! My Irish grandma would be proud. Perfect for a chilly night.
Looks good but I’m not sure about the cabbage. Can’t you just skip it? Seems like a weird combo with potatoes.
This recipe is a classic! I love how simple yet comforting colcannon is. Perfect for those cold nights! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this recipe! So creamy and comforting. 5 stars!
I tried this too! It was really good, but the cabbage was too mushy for me. I think I’ll try it without next time.
Why does it call for so much butter? Isn’t it unhealthy? I think you could use olive oil… 🤷♂️ 3 stars.
1–2 words: Too good.
5 stars! So simple and delish. Perfect for a cozy night in. Will make again!
I love colcannon! It’s so comforting. Perfect for chill nights! 🌿🥔
This sounds good but why are you adding cabbage? Potatoes are fine alone! 🤔
Pretty solid recipe. I followed it mostly, but mine was a little thick so I added a splash more milk at the end. Still delicious though.
Good recipe! easy to follow. 🥔👏
This was gross. The cabbage ruined everything! Never making it again!
Meh.
Colcannon? Is that Irish? I didn’t really like it, but my wife loved it. Guess I just don’t get it.
Made this for my family, and they wouldn’t eat it. My kids said it looked funny. I thought it was ok, but they wanted pizza. 3 stars.
Colcannon? More like colcancel it was too mushy for my taste! Not doing this again.
I’m skeptical about 4 cups of cabbage with just 1 cup milk. Mine was more like cabbage mash than potatoes. Still tasty though—just different than expected.
Totally get that—4 cups cabbage is a lot. With only 1 cup milk, it can turn pretty thick if the cabbage is extra packed or not cooked down enough.