Name: Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 kg potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks); 4 garlic cloves; 300 g cabbage (finely sliced); 100 g spring onions (finely chopped, including the green parts); 20 g fresh chives (chopped finely); 100 ml single cream; 200 g butter; Sea salt flakes (use plenty); Freshly ground black pepper (use plenty); A pat of butter and a sprinkling of fresh chives for garnish

I can’t wait to share this Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe with you—it's a wonderfully comforting dish where fluffy mashed potatoes meet buttery cabbage and spring onions in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you try it, colcannon will become a kitchen favorite.

A deep blue bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes that have a smooth and slightly chunky texture as the base layer. On top, there is a generous layer of bright green chopped scallions and darker green leafy vegetables, giving a fresh and colorful contrast. Melted butter is drizzled over the top, creating a shiny, golden layer that slightly soaks into the mashed potatoes. Black pepper is sprinkled lightly across the surface, adding small dark specks. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, ready for serving. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with small bowls of salt and chopped green onions nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this creamy Irish colcannon, I’m reminded of simple, honest flavors that bring warmth to any meal. It’s the perfect side dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Classic Comfort: This traditional Irish recipe is all about cozy, buttery goodness that pairs beautifully with hearty mains.
Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and stovetop cooking, it’s straightforward and fuss-free.
Bright Flavors: The fresh spring onions and chives add a lively punch to the creamy potatoes.
Versatile Side: Whether you’re serving roast beef, chicken, or a simple stew, this colcannon fits right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this dish, aim for fresh, high-quality potatoes and crisp vegetables to get the creamiest, most flavorful colcannon. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and why they’re essential.

Flat lay of peeled large potato chunks, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a generous slab of golden butter, finely sliced fresh green cabbage leaves, finely chopped spring onions with bright white and green parts, a small white bowl of single cream, a small white bowl filled with freshly chopped chives, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt flakes alongside a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: I prefer starchy varieties for the fluffiest mash that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
Garlic: Adding whole cloves during boiling gives a subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Cabbage: Finely sliced and sautéed, cabbage adds texture and that classic Irish twist.
Spring Onions: Using the whole spring onion, green parts included, brings mild onion flavor and freshness.
Fresh Chives: These brighten the dish with a delicate onion note and lovely color.
Butter: Lots of it! Butter makes this dish luxuriously creamy and rich.
Single Cream: Adds silkiness and smooth richness that takes the mash up a notch.
Sea Salt Flakes & Black Pepper: Fresh seasoning is crucial — use plenty to bring out all the flavors.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs without losing any of its comforting charm. Feel free to experiment a little and make it truly yours!

Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, I sometimes substitute the single cream with milk or a lactose-free alternative. It still keeps the potatoes creamy but cuts down on richness a touch—perfect for warmer days or when you want something a bit lighter.
Try Different Greens: While cabbage is classic, I’ve also tossed in kale or Swiss chard when I wanted a twist on the texture and flavor. Just sauté them until tender before mixing them in, just like the cabbage.
Add Some Crunch: I love adding toasted breadcrumbs or crisped bacon pieces on top for a delightful contrast, especially when serving Colcannon as a side to roasted meats.
Seasoning Fun: Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper really make a difference here. I recommend being generous, but if you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a subtle kick that's quite nice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A white frying pan filled with cooked leafy greens, mostly dark green collard leaves and lighter green pieces, mixed with small, bright green chopped scallions. The leafy greens have a slightly shiny, soft texture indicating they have been lightly cooked. A wooden spoon with a medium brown handle is placed inside the pan with its bowl under the greens, suggesting the greens are being stirred. The pan and spoon rest on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Potatoes and Garlic to Perfection

I start by placing peeled and chunky potatoes along with whole garlic cloves into a large pot of salted water. Bringing it to a boil, I let them cook gently for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to break apart with a fork. The garlic softens and infuses a subtle, mellow flavor into the potatoes—don’t worry, it won’t overpower the dish!

Step 2: Sauté Cabbage and Spring Onions

While the potatoes are simmering, I melt 100 grams of butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Then, in go the finely sliced cabbage and chopped spring onions—including those lovely green parts—for about 4 minutes. They soften beautifully but stay vibrant, adding freshness and that subtle crunch we all love.

Step 3: Drain and Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes and garlic are cooked, I drain them thoroughly and return everything back to the pot. Using a potato masher, I mash them together—garlic cloves and all—to keep that extra layer of gentle garlic aroma in every bite. The texture should be fluffy but hearty.

Step 4: Stir in Sautéed Vegetables and Butter

Next, I fold the sautéed cabbage and spring onions, along with all the buttery goodness from the pan, right into the mashed potatoes. This combination brings together that classic Irish flavor with a luscious buttery base.

Step 5: Warm the Butter and Cream

In the same pan I used earlier, I gently warm the remaining 100 grams of butter with 100 milliliters of single cream. This step ensures the butter is fully melted and everything is heated through, ready to be incorporated smoothly into the mash.

Step 6: Combine, Season, and Add Fresh Chives

Pouring the warm butter and cream mixture into the potato and cabbage blend, I add a generous amount of fresh chopped chives, sea salt flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Stirring everything together thoroughly creates a beautifully creamy, flavorful mash that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.

Step 7: Serve Warm with a Butter and Chive Garnish

I serve the colcannon right away, topping each portion with a pat of butter and another sprinkle of fresh chives. It melts beautifully into the warm mash, adding an inviting gloss and that extra sprinkle of herbaceous brightness. This side dish is truly soul-warming and perfect for any occasion.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about preserving flavor and texture. Here are some tips I've gathered after making this dish countless times to help you get it just right every single time.

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: I always make sure to boil the potatoes just until they’re tender but not falling apart. This keeps the mash fluffy instead of gummy.
Keep the Garlic Cloves: Leaving the garlic cloves in the mash provides a wonderfully subtle, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish—a small step that makes a big flavor difference.
Sauté Vegetables Gently: Cooking the cabbage and spring onions just until softened but still vibrant keeps their freshness and adds beautiful color and crunch to your colcannon.
Use Lots of Sea Salt Flakes: I learned the hard way that a generous seasoning with sea salt flakes brings the potatoes and veggies to life. Regular table salt just doesn’t compare.

How to Serve Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A white pot filled with mashed potatoes mixed with cooked green leafy vegetables, creating a textured combination of creamy light beige and vibrant green patches. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding small dark green dots across the surface. A wooden spoon with a smooth handle is placed inside the pot on the right side, resting on the mashed mixture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For serving, adding a pat of butter and a fresh sprinkling of chopped chives on top instantly elevates this dish with extra richness and a pop of color. You can also try a drizzle of good-quality Irish butter for that authentic touch or even some crispy bacon bits if you're feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like slow-cooked beef stew, roast lamb, or Irish sausages. It also complements simpler dishes such as roasted chicken or grilled fish, making it a versatile side that suits many meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover colcannon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to keep the flavors intact.

Freezing

You can freeze colcannon for up to 1 month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to warm evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for Colcannon?

Yes, while starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper are ideal for that creamy, fluffy texture, you can use Yukon Golds or other high-starch varieties as well. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they tend to get gluey when mashed.

Is it necessary to leave the garlic cloves in the mash?

Leaving the garlic cloves whole in the mash tempers the garlic flavor, making it subtle and aromatic. If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, you could mash them fully, but it might overpower the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the single cream with your favorite plant-based cream and replace the butter with a suitable dairy-free alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How long does the Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe take to make?

The recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, totaling approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick but hearty side dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Creamy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s a simple dish that brings a little bit of Ireland to your table with its rich butter, fresh chives, and tender cabbage all wrapped in fluffy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving it alongside a festive roast or enjoying it as a cozy meal on its own, I hope you find as much joy and warmth in every creamy bite as I do. Happy cooking!