Colcannon Recipe from Chef John

A comforting Irish classic combines creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage for a deliciously simple side dish. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy traditional flavors with a modern twist.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 15 min

Cook Time 20 min

Total Time 35 min

Difficulty Medium

Ingredients 0/9

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature 4 ounces kale, trimmed and chopped 1 leek, light parts only, rinsed and chopped 1 bunch green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated salt and ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons butter, for serving ¼ cup green onions to garnish

What Makes This Recipe Special

A comforting blend of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed greens. It’s simple to make but full of rich, hearty flavors. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

Chef Tips

- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest texture.
- Make sure to dry the greens well after washing to avoid watery colcannon.
- Add butter gradually to control the creaminess and flavor.

Step 1

Boil the potatoes in a big pot of salted water until they’re tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and put them in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and give them a light mash.

Step 2

While the potatoes are cooking, boil the kale and leeks in another pot of water for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re nice and tender. Drain them, then transfer the kale and leeks to a blender. Toss in the white parts of the green onions along with 2 more tablespoons of butter. Blend everything until it’s smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, which should take anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes.

Step 3

Pour the pureed kale mixture into the bowl with the potatoes and keep mashing until everything is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Stir in some cream until you get the texture you want. Finish it off by topping with 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkling the green parts of the green onions on top.

How To Enjoy This Dish

Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled sausages. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. A drizzle of melted butter on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

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By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.