This simple and satisfying Classic Irish Colcannon comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just one pot for a easy weeknight dinner your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends, how great is that? I mean, who doesn’t love a delicious dish that’s budget-friendly and perfect for busy nights?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Pounds of Potatoes
- 1 Cup of Chopped Leeks
- 1 Cup of Chopped Kale
- 4 Slices of Bacon
- ½ Cup of Milk
- 4 Tablespoons of Butter
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Classic Irish Colcannon
Prep the Potatoes (10 mins) : Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks (this helps them cook quickly!). Place them in a large pot, covering them with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Cook the Bacon (5 mins) : While those potatoes are bubbling away, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and let them sizzle until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pan. Oh, the smell of bacon cooking, such a wonderful, welcoming aroma!
Sauté the Veggies (5 mins) : Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped leeks. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. The smell? Absolutely divine! Next, add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take another 2-3 minutes.
Mash Those Potatoes (5 mins) : Once the potatoes are tender, drain and return them to the pot. Mash them up with a potato masher until smooth. Then, add in the sautéed leeks, kale, crumbled bacon, milk, butter, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. This is where the magic happens, folks! Creamy and flavorful, just think about how comforting it’ll be on a chilly day.
Serve and Enjoy! : Scoop the colcannon into bowls and top with a pat of butter, just to be extra indulgent! You could also sprinkle some extra bacon or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and watch as your family digs in happily!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want real comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something about mashed potatoes, greens, and bacon all mixed up that just warms my heart. I’m a real sucker for it! Plus, it’s versatile; you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. The best part is, even picky eaters can’t resist this creamy, flavorful dish!
If you loved this colcannon, be sure to check out my Spicy Chorizo Smash Burger Tacos, my Hamburger Supreme Casserole, or my Savory Beef Mushroom Pie!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Classic Irish Colcannon comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go in no time.
One Pot Wonder
It all happens in one pot, from boiling the potatoes to mashing them up. Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying dinner and less time doing the dishes.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish is the quintessential comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and fulfilling, making it a recipe everyone will keep coming back to!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable ingredients, this colcannon can feed a family without breaking the bank. Plus, you can stretch it further by pairing it with a protein or a salad.
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility! You can mix it up based on what’s in your fridge, making it a unique meal every time. That leftover broccoli? Toss it in! Out of kale? Spinach works perfectly!
Serving Suggestions
This Classic Irish Colcannon pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Grilled sausages for a heartier dinner
- Roasted chicken, adding to the comforting feel of your meal
- Steak or lamb chops for something a bit fancier on special occasions!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy more, simply heat it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, just add a splash of milk to revive that creamy texture!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the colcannon for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat it up on the stove.
Final Thoughts
Food is really about bringing people together, you know? And this classic Irish colcannon does just that! I hope it warms your kitchen and your heart as much as it does mine. Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Classic Irish Colcannon
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot, covering with salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add bacon slices, and cook until crispy. Set aside, leaving some fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped leeks for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add chopped kale to the leeks and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about another 2-3 minutes.
- Once potatoes are tender, drain and return to pot. Mash until smooth.
- Add in the sautéed leeks, kale, crumbled bacon, milk, butter, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Scoop the colcannon into bowls and top with a pat of butter. Optionally sprinkle extra bacon or chopped green onions on top.