Description
This easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon recipe features creamy mashed potatoes combined with sautéed green cabbage and crispy bacon, creating a comforting and flavorful traditional Irish side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
Bacon and Cabbage
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
Dairy and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15–18 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, add the diced bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Prepare Cabbage: Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet, discarding any excess fat. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and lightly caramelizes.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Let them steam for 1–2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes together with the butter until mostly smooth.
- Add Milk: Gradually stir in the warm milk, mashing gently until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the sautéed cabbage and most of the crispy bacon into the mashed potatoes, saving some bacon for garnish.
- Season and Serve: Season the colcannon with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with the remaining bacon and optional sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery flavor and creamier texture.
- Be sure to warm the milk before adding to keep the mashed potatoes hot and smooth.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish, but can be omitted if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
