If you’re craving a cozy Irish classic that’s creamy, buttery, and packed with greens, you *must* try my Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe. This dish hits all the right notes — fluffy mashed potatoes, tender kale with just a hint of sweetness from the green onions, and a rich buttery finish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to comfort side for everything from weeknight dinners to special feasts. Let’s dive in so you can whip this up in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create something truly magical.
- Perfectly Balanced: The creamy potatoes combined with sautéed kale offer a perfect mix of comfort and nutrition.
- All-Occasion Side: Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or a casual family dinner, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Easy to Master: Even if you’re new to mashed potatoes or greens, the steps are straightforward and foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to deliver that rich, silky texture Irish colcannon is famous for, while the kale adds a fresh, earthy brightness. Here’s the lowdown on what to grab before you start cooking.
- Potatoes: I always choose starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for that creamy mash you’re after.
- Butter: Real butter makes all the difference here — it adds richness and smoothness you definitely want.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% works best to keep the mixture creamy without thinning it out.
- Heavy Cream: This takes the creaminess up a notch and helps create the silky texture that colcannon is known for.
- Kale: Fresh, curly kale is ideal because it softens nicely and has great flavor — just remember to remove the tough stems.
- Green Onions: These add a subtle, fresh bite and pop of color on top that I love.
Variations
I love how versatile the Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe is — it’s easy to make it your own with simple swaps or additions, depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Swap the Kale for Cabbage or Leeks: I’ve done this many times, and it gives the dish a sweeter, milder flavor that’s just as delicious.
- Go Vegan: Use olive oil or vegan butter and plant-based milk — the texture changes slightly but the heartiness remains.
- Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan for extra richness and tang.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes when cooking the kale.
How to Make Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
The first thing I do is bring a large pot of water to a boil, plenty enough to cover the potatoes. While waiting, I peel and chop the potatoes into uniform pieces — this part is crucial because it ensures they cook evenly. After adding them to the boiling water, I cover the pot and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when a knife slides easily through without resistance.
Step 2: Prep the Kale
While the potatoes cook, I wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough center stems, and chop it finely. Chopping makes the kale tender and easier to mix in. Next, I melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the kale for just a couple of minutes — the goal here is to wilt it slightly without losing that beautiful green color or crispness.
Step 3: Mash and Combine
Once the potatoes are cooked, I drain them well and return them to the pot while still hot. Now, my favorite part — mashing! I use a potato masher to break the potatoes down until smooth. Slowly, I add in the milk, heavy cream, and the bulk of the butter, mashing as I go to reach that luscious, creamy texture. Finally, I gently fold in the sautéed kale and season lightly with salt and pepper. A handful of chopped green onions on top adds just the right fresh crunch to finish it off.
Pro Tips for Making Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
- Even-Sized Potato Chunks: I learned that chopping potatoes evenly helps them cook at the same rate and prevents a mushy texture in parts.
- Butter at Room Temperature: Using softened butter lets it blend in smoothly without lumps for the creamiest mash.
- Sauté Kale Briefly: Don’t overcook the kale — a quick sauté keeps it bright, tender, and flavorful instead of bitter.
- Drain Potatoes Well: After boiling, make sure to drain potatoes properly to avoid watery mash.
How to Serve Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe
Garnishes
I always love topping my colcannon with freshly chopped green onions — they add that subtle onion kick and fresh crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or a few flakes of smoked paprika to amp up the flavor. A drizzle of melted butter on top just before serving can’t be beat, either.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic corned beef for a traditional Irish meal or alongside roasted chicken or pork chops. For veggies, steamed carrots or buttered peas are simple, lovely complements. When I serve it for a cozy dinner, my family goes wild for crispy bacon or sausage on the side too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve colcannon in individual ramekins topped with a pat of herb butter to melt slowly on top, which makes it feel a bit fancy. A sprinkle of finely shredded sharp cheddar or a handful of crispy fried shallots also adds a fun twist for guests. Plus, you can shape the mash into little patties and pan-fry them for an irresistible crispy crust variation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Colcannon keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as good reheated if you follow a few simple steps.
Freezing
While freezing colcannon isn’t my first choice because the texture can change slightly, it’s definitely doable. I recommend freezing in portion-sized containers and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. The kale might be a bit softer after freezing, so fresh green onions on top after warming help revive the flavor.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat colcannon is gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream added to restore that creamy texture. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry, but stir frequently and add a bit of liquid to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make the Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you don’t have heavy cream on hand or want a lighter version, simply use extra milk or half-and-half. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit less rich, but still very tasty.
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What’s the best way to prepare kale for this recipe?
Remove the tough center stem first because it can be fibrous and hard to eat. Then chop the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces. Sautéing the kale briefly in butter helps soften it and reduce its natural bitterness, resulting in a more balanced flavor.
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Can I use a potato ricer instead of a masher?
Definitely! A potato ricer will give you an extra-smooth, fluffy texture. I often prefer it for lighter mashed potatoes, but a masher works wonderfully and gives you a bit more texture if you like that.
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How do I keep colcannon warm before serving?
Cover the pot with a lid and keep it on the lowest heat setting, stirring occasionally. You can also hold it in a warm oven (about 200°F/95°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Best Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Kale Recipe turns out every single time — it’s rich, comforting, and just a little bit fancy! When I first made it, I was amazed how the humble potatoes transformed into something so special with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little love. The kale sneaks in some green goodness without overpowering the buttery mashed potatoes, making everyone at my table come back for seconds. I hope you give this recipe a try; it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of cozy Irish charm into your kitchen that your family and friends will adore.
Print
Best 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish featuring creamy, buttery mashed potatoes blended with tender sautéed kale and fresh green onions. This comforting side dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 2 cups of chopped kale
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for kale)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil to cover the potatoes. Meanwhile, wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Once boiling, add potatoes, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until very tender.
- Prepare the kale: While the potatoes are cooking, wash the kale thoroughly, remove the center stem, and chop the leaves into small pieces.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash them until mostly smooth.
- Add dairy and butter: Gradually mix in the milk, heavy cream, and 6 tablespoons of butter, mashing continuously until the mixture is silky and well incorporated.
- Sauté the kale: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Combine and serve: Stir the sautéed kale into the mashed potatoes until evenly distributed. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Colcannon can also be made using leeks or cabbage as tasty alternatives to kale.
- This dish is traditionally served as a side but can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture.
- Adjust milk and cream quantities to achieve your desired consistency.
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
