If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious side dish to brighten up your dinner table, you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that I absolutely love to make when I want something homey but a little special. Imagine silky mashed potatoes enriched with butter and cream, with bursts of vibrant, tender kale and a pop of green onion for freshness. It’s a classic Irish dish that’s easier to make than you’d think, and once you try it, I promise you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making this recipe perfect for last-minute sides.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 40 minutes, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
- Nutritious Twist: Adding kale gives the dish vibrant color, texture, and a healthy boost without any fuss.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe, and I bet yours will too once you try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe is in how simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully. When shopping, pick the freshest potatoes you can find—waxy or starchy types work fine, but I personally like Yukon Golds for their creamy texture. And make sure to get vibrant, fresh kale as it really brightens up the dish.
- Potatoes: Choose ones that are good for mashing — Yukon Golds or Russets are my go-to for that fluffy texture.
- Butter: The unsung hero, butter adds richness and that luxurious mouthfeel—you’ll want plenty of it.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess; whole milk works best but feel free to swap with your favorite dairy or non-dairy option.
- Heavy Cream: For an extra silky finish, but you can reduce or skip if you want to lighten it up a bit.
- Kale: Fresh and not too tough—remove those thick stems for the best texture.
- Green Onions: Freshness and a subtle zing that lifts the whole dish.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to adjust for dietary needs or just explore new flavors, I have a few tried-and-true variations you might enjoy.
- Swap Kale for Cabbage or Leeks: Traditional colcannon often uses cabbage or leeks instead of kale—both add a slightly sweeter, different flavor profile I’ve enjoyed on cooler nights.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute and plant-based milk for a dairy-free, but still creamy, version.
- Add Garlic or Herbs: Toss in a clove of garlic while cooking the kale, or sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley for an herby twist.
How to Make Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil—enough to cover the potatoes completely. When the water’s vigorously boiling, add the potatoes, cover with a lid, and let them cook for about 20 minutes or until they’re tender when poked with a fork. This step sets the foundation for those silky mashed potatoes everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Kale
While the potatoes are simmering, get to work on the kale. Wash it well, then strip the kale leaves from their tough stems and chop into small bite-sized pieces. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and quickly sauté the kale for about 2 minutes until it’s just wilted but still vibrant and bright green — this quick cooking locks in flavor without losing texture.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Using a potato masher, start mashing right away for a fluffy texture. Gradually add the milk, heavy cream, and butter, mashing between additions until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the sautéed kale so its earthy flavor spreads evenly throughout. Finally, stir in the chopped green onions for that fresh, slightly sharp finish.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
- Pick the Right Potato: Yukon Golds balance starchiness and creaminess perfectly, giving you fluffy but moist mash every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Wilt it just a little so it stays bright and doesn’t turn mushy or bitter.
- Add Butter Last: Incorporate butter gradually into the mash for the best silky texture and flavor integration.
- Season Thoughtfully: I learned that a pinch of salt is essential at multiple stages—from the boiling water to the final mash—to avoid blandness.
How to Serve Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, which add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes I’ll grate a bit of sharp cheddar on top and let it melt for a deliciously cheesy finish. A drizzle of extra melted butter never hurts either—it makes it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty main dishes like roast chicken, slow-cooked beef stew, or even pan-fried fish. When I want to keep it traditional, corned beef and cabbage alongside colcannon is absolutely unbeatable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, I like to serve colcannon in a hollowed-out bread bowl or shape it into little mashed potato “cakes” to pan-fry until the outside is crispy. It’s a hit during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you’re craving a bit of Irish comfort food charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover colcannon stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen leftover colcannon by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, you may notice the texture is a bit softer, so it’s best for reheating in casseroles or as a side in baked dishes rather than enjoying it solo.
Reheating
Reheat colcannon gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Microwave works too—just cover it loosely to retain moisture and stir occasionally to avoid hot spots or drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use spinach instead of kale in this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach is a great alternative and will give a milder, softer texture compared to kale. Just sauté it briefly like the kale to avoid a watery mash.
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Is colcannon a healthy side dish?
While it’s rich and buttery, the addition of kale adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it more nutritious than plain mashed potatoes. You can adjust butter and cream amounts for a lighter version if you prefer.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare colcannon earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving. Just be sure to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.
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What’s the traditional occasion to serve colcannon?
Colcannon is traditionally served on St. Patrick’s Day but honestly, it’s so comforting that I enjoy making it year-round!
Final Thoughts
When I first tried making this Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it turned an everyday staple into something way more exciting and flavorful. Plus, it’s so adaptable — easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. I genuinely think it’s one of those dishes that brings a little warm, cozy Irish magic to any meal. So next time you want to impress without stress, give it a whirl. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish featuring rich and silky mashed potatoes combined with sautéed kale and an ultimate buttery taste. This comforting side dish is easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making it a perfect accompaniment to many meals. Variations can include using leeks or cabbage instead of kale for added flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Dairy
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking kale)
Vegetables
- 2 cups of chopped kale
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil to cover the potatoes. While waiting, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Once boiling, add the potatoes, cover with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes or until very tender.
- Prepare the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough center stem, and chop it into small pieces using a sharp knife.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add Dairy: Gradually add the milk, heavy cream, and 6 tablespoons of butter to the mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until fully incorporated and smooth in texture.
- Sauté the Kale: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chopped kale for about 2 minutes until it is slightly wilted.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the sautéed kale into the mashed potatoes until well combined. Finally, top the Colcannon with the chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Colcannon is a rich and silky mashed potato dish with kale and a buttery taste, perfect as an Irish side dish.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare.
- You can substitute kale with leeks or cabbage for variations in flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 443 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 187 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 64 mg
