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If you’re searching for a comforting, soul-warming dish that brings a little Irish charm to your table, then this Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining velvety mashed potatoes with tender, sautéed cabbage and crispy bacon, it’s a timeless classic that’s both hearty and full of flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or to impress your friends with a taste of Ireland, this dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a touch smoky, making it a true crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients with big personalities is key to nailing this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy texture, savory depth, and vibrant color that make this Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe so unforgettable.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These starchy spuds mash beautifully into a creamy base full of comfort.
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (diced): Adds a smoky, crispy punch that elevates the dish to new heights.
- 3 cups green cabbage (finely shredded): Brings a slight sweetness and tender bite, plus a lovely pop of green.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For rich creaminess and to tie all the flavors together smoothly.
- ¾ cup whole milk (warmed): Helps create that luscious, silky texture you want in mashed potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle warmth and seasoning balance.
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, optional): For a fresh, mild oniony crunch on top that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even pieces, then place them in a large pot filled with cold, salted water. Bringing them to a boil and then simmering for 15–18 minutes will ensure they become tender enough to mash easily, forming the creamy backbone of your Colcannon.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While your potatoes are cooking, dice the thick-cut bacon and toss it in a skillet over medium heat. Fry until it’s beautifully crispy, then transfer to a paper towel to drain. Saving a little bacon fat in the pan adds incredible flavor to your cabbage, making every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté the Cabbage
Using the bacon fat left in the skillet, add the shredded green cabbage. Cook it gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it softens and gains a subtle caramelized edge. This step adds a lovely sweetness and texture contrast that’s key to the heart of this Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes well, letting them sit in the pot for a couple of minutes to steam off excess moisture. Then, mash them with butter until mostly smooth, creating that decadent, comforting base. Gradually stir in the warmed milk to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Fold the sautéed cabbage and most of the crispy bacon into your creamy mashed potatoes, reserving a little bacon to sprinkle on top. Season generously with salt and black pepper, tuning it to your taste buds—this elevates the flavors and honors the traditional flavors of this classic.
How to Serve Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of crispy bacon and thinly sliced green onions adds not just a pop of color but a delightful crunch and freshness that bring this dish alive. Don’t skip this step—it’s the little touch that makes your Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe truly festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like ham or lamb, or alongside a simple garden salad. The creamy, savory potato and cabbage combo balances out richer mains and keeps your meal feeling wholesome and satisfying without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, serve the colcannon in rustic bowls garnished with scattered chives or a drizzle of bacon fat infused melted butter. You could also spoon it into hollowed-out cabbage leaves or small ramekins for a charming look that’s perfect for entertaining friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a wonderful make-ahead option for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the fuss.
Freezing
While freezing can change the texture of the potatoes slightly, you can freeze the colcannon for up to one month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating to restore its creamy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to bring back the creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent drying out or sticking, ensuring every bite tastes just as delicious as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for mashing, but you can experiment with other varieties like red potatoes if you prefer a slightly different texture. Just keep in mind the starchy content, as it affects creaminess.
Is it necessary to use bacon fat to cook the cabbage?
While not mandatory, using bacon fat adds a rich, smoky depth that beautifully complements the cabbage and ties the flavors together in this Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with butter, but the bacon fat is worth the little indulgence.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and sauté the cabbage in butter or olive oil. To add some smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke, so you still get that comforting essence.
What’s the best way to get the cabbage soft without losing its vibrant color?
Cook the shredded cabbage gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is just softened and caramelized slightly. This method retains its freshness while adding a subtle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
How can I add more flavor to my Colcannon?
Besides the bacon, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or chives, a little garlic sautéed with the cabbage, or topping with a pat of flavored butter. These small enhancements can make your Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe truly your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of an Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe to brighten any meal. Its creamy potatoes, tender cabbage, and crispy bacon make every bite feel like a warm hug from the Irish countryside. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why this simple classic wins hearts and fills bellies so effortlessly.
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Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Easy Irish Colcannon with Bacon recipe is a comforting traditional Irish dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with sautéed green cabbage and crispy thick-cut bacon. Perfect as a hearty side dish, this colcannon combines buttery richness and savory flavors that make it an ideal accompaniment to many meals.
Ingredients
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
Other Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and 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 and cook for 15–18 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced thick-cut bacon. Cook until crispy, then transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Cabbage: Leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest. Add the finely shredded green cabbage to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened and lightly caramelized.
- Drain and Steam Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Let them steam for 1–2 minutes uncovered to remove excess moisture, making them ideal for mashing.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes using a masher or fork, mixing in the unsalted butter until mostly smooth and creamy.
- Add Milk and Mix: Gradually add the warmed whole milk to the mashed potatoes, mashing gently and stirring until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the sautéed cabbage and most of the crispy bacon pieces into the mashed potatoes, reserving a small portion of bacon for garnish.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish and top with the remaining crispy bacon and optional thinly sliced green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- For a milder cabbage flavor, you can blanch the cabbage briefly before sautéing.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with corned beef or roasted meats for a classic Irish meal.
