As a busy mom, you know the importance of quick and comforting meals. Creamy Irish Colcannon is a wonderful dish that fits the bill perfectly. This classic recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with wilted greens, making it not only delightful but also nutritious. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, and your family will love the flavors.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons. First, it requires minimal prep time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. The ingredient list is simple, making it easy to gather everything you need. Creamy Irish Colcannon is also incredibly comforting and kid-friendly. The creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the sautéed greens, encouraging even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. Plus, it’s a great side dish that complements almost any main course.
How to Make Creamy Irish Colcannon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup kale or cabbage, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Peel and chop the Russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces; rinse under cold water.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While boiling, sauté the kale or cabbage and green onions in melted butter until wilted, approximately 5 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and mash until smooth; mix in heavy cream and melted butter.
- Gently fold in the sautéed greens; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot as a comforting side dish.

Creamy Irish Colcannon
A comforting dish of creamy mashed potatoes with wilted greens, perfect for weeknights.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup kale or cabbage, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the Russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces; rinse under cold water.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While boiling, sauté the kale or cabbage and green onions in melted butter until wilted, approximately 5 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and mash until smooth; mix in heavy cream and melted butter.
- Gently fold in the sautéed greens; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Notes
For variations, try using different greens or adding garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
How to Serve
Creamy Irish Colcannon pairs wonderfully with many main dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It also goes well with hearty winter dishes like beef stew or pot roast. Consider making it the star of a brunch table alongside eggs and bacon for an extra special treat.
How to Store
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk if the colcannon appears too thick. This way, it stays creamy and delicious.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to play around with your Creamy Irish Colcannon. Swap out kale or cabbage for spinach or even broccoli for different flavors. If you want to spice it up, add a pinch of garlic powder or some grated cheese. For a lighter version, consider using milk instead of heavy cream. This recipe is versatile and can easily adapt to what you have on hand.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but achieve the best texture with Russet potatoes.
Can I freeze Creamy Irish Colcannon?
While freezing is an option, the texture may change upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
How do I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and heavy cream alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Irish Colcannon is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your table with minimal effort. It’s a recipe the whole family will love and a fantastic way to make vegetables enjoyable. Try it out, and don’t forget to save it for later. You’ll want this comforting side dish in your dinner rotation!







