Name: Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds medium starch yellow potatoes (such as Yukon Golds), peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes; 4 medium scallions (1 1/2 ounces; 43 g total), white and green parts thinly sliced and divided; 3 medium cloves garlic (15 g), minced; 1/2 head small cabbage (1 pound; 455 g), halved lengthwise, cored, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 3 cups); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 g), plus more for serving; 3/4 cup whole milk (180 ml), plus more as needed; 2 tablespoons finely chopped laver seaweed (optional); 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (9 g), plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is just the ticket. Creamy, buttery potatoes meet tender cabbage and a little garlicky zing—trust me, you’ll want this on repeat.

A round wooden bowl filled with mashed potatoes showing bits of red potato skin and mixed with green onions, topped with two squares of melting butter in the center and sprinkled with black pepper, placed on a round wooden board. Surrounding the bowl is a white marbled surface with a white lace tablecloth under a white dish with gold and blue rim on the top left and right corners, clear glass cups, silver forks, a green cloth napkin with silver spoon on the left side, and white flowers with green leaves on the top right. 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 Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made colcannon dozens of times, and every batch hits that perfect spot between hearty and silky smooth. It’s the side dish that elevates weeknight dinners into something special without stirring up a fuss in the kitchen.

Classic Irish Comfort: This recipe brings authentic, traditional flavors straight to your table.
Creamy Yet Textured: The Yukon Gold potatoes mash beautifully, giving you that luscious mouthfeel.
Simple Ingredients: All pantry staples that come together in under 40 minutes—a real kitchen win.
Flexible Flavor: Optional seaweed adds a subtle ocean note but can be skipped without losing the soul of the dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you shop, let me share a quick tip: picking the right potatoes can make or break your mash. Yukon Golds are my go-to because they’re creamy yet hold together nicely, making your colcannon silky but not gluey.

Flat lay of medium-sized peeled yellow Yukon Gold potatoes cut into chunks, a small head of green cabbage sliced into thick half-moon pieces, four fresh scallions with white and green parts separated, three whole uncracked medium garlic cloves, several small pats of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped dark green laver seaweed, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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

Yellow Potatoes: Yukon Golds provide the perfect medium starch balance for creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.
Scallions: Using both white and green parts adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a nice pop of color.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness and that classic velvety texture.
Garlic: Minced and sautéed until fragrant, it gives a gentle aromatic depth without overpowering.
Cabbage: Tender and slightly sweet, it’s the heart of colcannon, adding texture and earthiness.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess; you can adjust the amount to get your ideal mash consistency.
Laver Seaweed (Optional): This is a special touch for a subtle oceanic flavor that honors the dish’s Irish roots.
Kosher Salt: Diamond Crystal is recommended for its clean saltiness—adjust to your taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, it adds just the right little kick as a finishing touch.

📝

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

One of the best parts about a Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste and seasonal ingredients. Feel free to make it your own with a few fun twists or dietary adjustments!

Veggie Boost: I like adding a handful of sautéed kale or spinach along with the cabbage for an extra green punch and a slight earthiness that complements the buttery potatoes beautifully.
Herb Infusion: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley folded in just before serving brightens up the whole dish, giving it a fresh, herbaceous lift I adore.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for olive oil and use oat or almond milk to keep it creamy but dairy-free – perfect for friends who avoid dairy but still crave that smooth texture.
Extra Crispy Finish: For a crispy twist, try frying spoonfuls of the mashed colcannon in a little butter or oil until golden and crunchy on the outside – it turns this classic into a delightful side snack.
Umami Boost: Adding finely chopped laver seaweed is optional, but I find it adds a subtle oceanic depth and authentic Irish charm to the dish that’s hard to beat.

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

A white bowl filled with mashed potatoes mixed with small pieces of green onions and bits of dark skin, topped with a pile of chopped fresh green onions in the center. A woman's hand is holding the bowl on the left side, while another woman's hand on the right holds a white spatula with a black handle that is stirring the mashed potatoes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface, and the mashed potatoes look creamy with some lumps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Tender Potatoes

Start by placing your peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce it to medium and let the potatoes simmer gently until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in without resistance. Avoid boiling too vigorously to prevent the potatoes from falling apart.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage

While the potatoes cook, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the white and light green parts of the thinly sliced scallions along with the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute—until the mixture is fragrant and translucent. Next, add the cabbage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and softened, roughly 8 minutes. The aroma of the butter, scallions, and cabbage will fill your kitchen—delicious!

Step 3: Bring the Milk and Seaweed Into the Mix

Pour in ¾ cup whole milk, then stir in the finely chopped laver seaweed if you're using it. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer—just enough to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld together. Once heated, take the pan off the heat to keep that beautiful balance of flavors intact.

Step 4: Drain and Rices the Potatoes

Drain your cooked potatoes well in a colander, giving it a gentle shake to remove excess water—important to avoid watery mashed potatoes. Set a ricer or food mill over the empty pot you cooked the potatoes in, then press the potatoes through. This step creates that smooth, fluffy texture essential for truly comforting colcannon.

Step 5: Fold and Finish Your Mash

Pour the warm cabbage-milk mixture into the mashed potatoes, then add the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the bright green scallion tops. Gently fold everything together—avoid overmixing to keep the potatoes light. If the mash feels too thick, stir in more hot milk a little at a time until it reaches your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer your colcannon to a serving bowl, sprinkle over the remaining scallion greens, and add a few generous pats of butter on top. A final crack of black pepper adds a lovely finishing touch. Serve warm alongside your favorite roasted meats or hearty stews for that perfect Irish-inspired meal. Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips can help you get that creamy, flavorful texture and bring out the best in every ingredient.

Choosing the Right Potato: Using medium starch yellow potatoes like Yukon Golds ensures a naturally creamy texture without becoming gluey.
Sauté Aromatics Gently: Cooking scallions and garlic just until fragrant and translucent prevents bitterness and keeps the flavors tender and mellow.
Fold, Don't Overmix: When combining the cabbage mixture with the potatoes, fold gently to keep the mash fluffy and avoid overworking the starch.
Butter and Season Last: Adding pats of butter on top right before serving enhances richness and adds a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a black-rimmed metal colander filled with large uneven pieces of light yellow boiled potatoes. The potatoes have a soft texture and are placed randomly inside the colander, which sits on a white marbled surface. The colander has tiny holes visible and is seen from above, showing the potato pieces clearly without any other objects around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your colcannon with extra finely sliced green scallion tops for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor. A few additional pats of unsalted butter melting on top bring decadence to this simple dish. For a little peppery contrast, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This hearty Irish favorite pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like pork or lamb, complementing their rich flavors with creamy comfort. It’s also perfect alongside slow-cooked stews or a simple roast chicken dinner. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with sautéed mushrooms or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow your colcannon to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes it a great make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Freezing

Freezing colcannon isn’t ideal because the texture of potatoes can change upon thawing. However, if you need to, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. To minimize texture changes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftover colcannon gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of whole milk to restore creaminess if it feels thick or dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming. Finish with a fresh pat of butter and a sprinkle of scallions before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use green cabbage instead of the small cabbage head?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage — just be sure to slice it into ½-inch thick pieces and cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes, just as with the small cabbage head.

What does adding laver seaweed do to the dish?

Laver seaweed is optional but adds a subtle, briny ocean flavor that enhances the traditional Irish taste of colcannon. If you enjoy a slight umami note, it’s worth including.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! The Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarian diets.

How can I add crispiness to colcannon?

While this recipe is traditionally creamy, you can achieve crispiness by frying spoonfuls of the mashed colcannon in a little butter until golden on both sides, creating delicious crispy cakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and grounding about the Crispy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe — melding creamy potatoes with tender cabbage and scallions into a dish that feels like home. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a warm, satisfying side, this recipe delivers rich flavors with uncomplicated ingredients. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and tradition to your table time and time again.