
Classic Irish Colcannon
About this recipe
Colcannon is the ultimate Irish comfort food — creamy, buttery mashed potatoes folded with tender wilted cabbage or kale and sweet sautéed leeks. Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it's a beloved staple on Irish tables year-round, especially around Halloween and St. Patrick's Day. This well-tested home recipe keeps it classic: fluffy potatoes, plenty of butter, a splash of warm cream, and just enough greens to make every bite interesting. Serve it as a showstopping side or pile it high and eat it as a meal on its own.
Instructions
- 1
Place the peeled, chunked Yukon Gold Potatoes in a large Pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of Kosher Salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- 2
Cook the Yukon Gold Potatoes until completely tender and a fork slides through with no resistance, about 18–22 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a Colander and let them steam-dry for 2–3 minutes — this removes excess moisture and makes for fluffier mash.
- 3
While the Yukon Gold Potatoes cook, melt 3 tablespoons of Butter in a large Skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Leeks and a pinch of Salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to turn golden, about 6–8 minutes.
- 4
Add the shredded Green Cabbage to the Skillet with the Leeks. Toss to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the Cabbage is wilted and tender but still has a little body, about 5–6 minutes. Season lightly with Salt and White Pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 5
Warm the Milk and Heavy Cream together in a small Saucepan over low heat or in the Microwave until steaming — do not boil.
- 6
Return the drained Yukon Gold Potatoes to the empty Pot. Mash with a Potato Masher or pass through a ricer for an extra-smooth result. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of Butter and mash until melted and incorporated.
- 7
Pour in the warm Milk and Heavy Cream gradually, stirring and folding with a Wooden Spoon or Spatula until the mash is creamy and smooth. You may not need all the liquid — add it until you reach your preferred consistency. Season well with Salt and White Pepper.
- 8
Fold the sautéed Leeks and Cabbage into the mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes until evenly distributed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning — colcannon should be generously seasoned.
- 9
Transfer to a warm serving Bowl. Make a well in the center with the back of a spoon and add a generous knob of Butter, letting it melt into a golden pool. Scatter sliced Scallions over the top if using. Serve immediately.
Master the techniques
Free step-by-step guides with exact times and temperatures.
60-day free trial
Cook this with your whole family on Homii
Save this recipe, plan your week, build smart shopping lists, and let Chef Mii adapt it to your household's tastes and allergies.
60-day free trial
Let Homii's AI run your kitchen
- Chef Mii plans meals around your tastes, schedule & budget
- A full week of dinners built in seconds
- Smart shopping lists, auto-organized by aisle
- Adapts every recipe for allergies & serving sizes
No credit card required