Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage)

Published March 11, 2025

Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage)
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
50 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Rating
5(215)
Comments
Read comments

Colcannon is a comforting Irish dish of fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with tender cabbage or kale, often with scallions and usually with plenty of butter. While it has become a tradition to enjoy colcannon on Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival from which Halloween is drawn, it's also a fine dish to celebrate any Irish holiday, including St. Patrick's Day. For Samhain, treasures would be buried in the dish; depending on what you found in your portion, your fortune for the coming months would be revealed. In some cases, a ring suggested marriage, while a coin promised future wealth. Use russet potatoes for a fluffier mash or Yukons for a creamier texture. Omit the cabbage and kale entirely and you've got a different Irish classic: champ! Fry tablespoons of leftover colcannon the next day for wonderful potato pancakes to serve under a runny egg.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • Kosher salt
  • 3pounds potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold
  • 6tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 to 4cups loosely packed chopped green cabbage or kale
  • 1bunch scallions, chopped
  • 1cup light cream (milk or heavy cream can be substituted)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

412 calories; 24 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 45 grams carbohydrates; 7 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 7 grams protein; 818 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Fill a large pot halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. While water heats, peel and cut potatoes into 1½- to 2-inch chunks, adding them to the pot as you go. Boil the potatoes until very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes, set aside and return the empty pot to the stove.

  2. Step 2

    In the empty pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Reserve a handful of scallion greens for garnish; add remaining scallions, cabbage and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 7 minutes. Add the cream, bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Adjust the heat to medium-low, add the potatoes and 2 tablespoons butter, and mash to desired consistency (either smooth or with some texture), making sure to incorporate the cabbage and scallions throughout. Keep on heat just until potatoes are heated through, stirring so that the bottom doesn't burn. Remove from heat, taste and add more salt if needed.

  3. Step 3

    Transfer to a serving dish. Make a well in the center with the back of a spoon and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle with reserved scallions and serve immediately.

Ratings

5 out of 5
215 user ratings
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Comments

This is the recipe my grandmother and six aunts always made. They were farmers and the potatoes and cabbage were readily available. Lots of cream and butter but no scallions. They were refugees from Germany via Russia. I make that dish myself and will now add scallions.

I use sautéed leeks and cabbage. It’s so good!

Beloved classic. Didn’t know about the tradition of hiding treasures in the mash, so will have fun with that. We have also have added sharp white cheddar cheese and or bacon pieces for your full on fun.

This was sooo satisfying!! We added bacon as well. Thanks for the recipe, NYT Cooking!

We made this with margarine and Ripple (pea protein) creamer for a friend who is lactose intolerant. Everyone loved it.

This was good! Next time though I will shred the cabbage and start it in a frying pan right away so I have time to caramelize it like in Haluski. That would take the flavor to the next level!

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