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Creamy Loaded Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

creamy loaded irish colcannon mashed potatoes - featured image

A creamy and indulgent take on traditional Irish colcannon, loaded with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and scallions. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 4 large scallions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks about 1.5 inches thick. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well in a colander.
  3. While potatoes cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In the same or separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool. Reserve some bacon fat if desired.
  5. Return drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons butter and warmed heavy cream. Mash with a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy, avoiding over-mashing.
  6. Gently fold in sautéed cabbage, sliced scallions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until evenly distributed and cheese begins to melt.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra creaminess, add a splash more warm cream or a pat of butter before serving.

Notes

To save time, cook bacon and cabbage simultaneously and warm cream while potatoes boil. Use a potato ricer for ultra-smooth mash. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey texture. Warm cream before adding to keep mash fluffy. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: colcannon, mashed potatoes, Irish recipe, St. Patrick's Day, creamy potatoes, loaded potatoes, bacon, cheddar, cabbage, scallions