Authentic Irish Colcannon – Culinary Ginger

Authentic Irish Colcannon is a classic Irish potato recipe made with creamy mashed potatoes, tender green cabbage, rich Irish butter and optional Irish cheddar cheese. This traditional Irish dish has deep Celtic roots and an interesting history – and although popular, it wasn’t originally a St. Patrick’s Day recipe. Patrick. Perfect with corned beef or other delicious Irish foods.

Ingredients

• potato
• Irish butter
• Chives/green onions/scallions
• green cabbage
• Pure milk
• Irish sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt

I can’t think of anything more comforting than a delicious side dish of traditional Irish mashed potatoes filled with Irish cheddar cheese and lots of butter. That’s why I call it “The Real Irishman.”

Inspired by the traditional Irish colcannon recipe, this version is a cross between Irish champ and colcannon, made with cheese and chives (scallions). You can also use fresh spring onions or chives for added flavor.

Cabbage or Kale in colcannon

I received comments and messages about one question: Does traditional Irish colcannon use cabbage or kale?
Some of you add cabbage, while others insist that true colcannon is made only with kale. So which one is correct?
Read a little history about how cabbage became part of some colcannon recipes – and discover an ingredient many people don’t even realize is traditionally included. Surprisingly, this dish has its roots in a holiday that has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick.
I’ve even seen spinach used for its bright green color!

The type of cabbage to use

Traditionally, colcannon is made with Savoy cabbage or green (white) cabbage. Both varieties soften beautifully and blend well with creamy mashed potatoes.

How you cut the cabbage is completely up to you:

• Large chunks: For more pronounced cabbage flavor and visible texture throughout the colcannon.
• Finely chopped cabbage: For a smoother, creamier mixture that melts into mashed potatoes.

If you prefer a milder taste, cook the cabbage until very soft before mixing it in. For more texture, sauté briefly until there is still a little bite.

History of Colcannon

The word colcannon comes from the Gaelic phrase cal ceannann, meaning “white-headed cabbage”.

On October 31, 1735 – yes, Halloween – Welsh politician William Bulkeley visited Dublin and recorded the dish in his diary (a photo of the entry still exists). He wrote:

“Dinned at Coz. Wm. Parry, and also dined there on a Shoulder of Mutton (a mistake in the spelling, not mine), and what they call there Coel Callen, which is Potatoes boiled Cabbage & parsnips, all mixed together. They ate quite well, and that is a dish which is ever present in this Kingdom at this evening.”

Uses butter and Irish cheese

Before you come at me 😉 – I know cheese and onions are not traditionally included in classic Irish colcannon. That’s why I listed it as optional. This is how my family managed to return to England

Irish dairy products are amazing. Irish butter is known for being rich and deeply golden, and Irish cheddar adds a rich, creamy finish to mashed potatoes. The Irish are very proud of their dairy products – and rightly so. I live in America only use Kerrygold butter.

You’ll find Irish butter and Irish cheddar in most grocery stores in the US, so there’s no reason not to use them here. They elevate this colcannon from simple mashed potatoes with cabbage to something truly special.

Salted or unsalted butter? It’s completely your choice. Just adjust the salt.

Colcannon tips and better reheating

You can make traditional Irish colcannon up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for holidays or busy weeknights.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the microwave or warm in a saucepan over low heat.

To keep mashed potatoes creamy, add a little milk or cream when reheating. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or drying out.

Colcannon reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

The best potatoes for colcannon

For the best colcannon, I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes are similar to England’s Vivaldi or King Edward potatoes – starchy potatoes that are naturally tender and full of flavour.

Red potatoes, russet potatoes, and even Jersey Royals will work too. The key is to choose potatoes that are mashed finely and soak up all the buttery goodness.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. They would all make delicious colcannon.

My tips for boiling potatoes

Cook potatoes on the stove in a large pot of cold water, not hot water. As the water temperature gradually reaches that of the potatoes, the potatoes will cook more evenly from the outside in. This prevents the edges from getting soggy before the middle is done.

Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes from the inside.

Bring to a slow boil and cook until tender. The blade should enter easily without resistance.

Drain well, then let the potatoes sit in the warm pan for a minute or two to let any excess moisture evaporate. This helps prevent runny mashed potatoes.

Rather than using a traditional potato masher, I prefer to use a potato masher to produce a very smooth, lump-free mash – ideal for creamy colcannon.

Optional extras

While not traditional, here is a list of delicious additions to take the flavor and taste to a new level:

• crispy meat
• Crème fraîche or sour cream
• Ham
• Caramelized onions
• Mustard powder
• Horseradish for a little taste
• Black pepper

What to serve with Irish colcannon

Traditional Irish food is a must – whether it’s a classic Irish stew or one of my personal favorites, Corned Beef and Potato Pie. It also makes a delicious mash topping for Shepherd’s Pie. All pictured above

The remaining colcannon

If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t forget to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it, you can make a classic British dish called Bubble and Squeak (pictured below). It is usually made from leftover Roast Beef Dinner, especially ground beef.

Irish Desserts

Why not try my Irish dessert ideas too if you want to complement an Irish meal? Irish Chocolate Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting or Irish Coffee Milkshake Shots. All are pictured below.