Print

Creamy Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe with Crispy Bacon Bits

creamy colcannon mashed potatoes - featured image

A comforting and creamy mashed potato dish with tender cabbage and crispy bacon bits, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 150g)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. While potatoes boil, heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, cook diced bacon over medium-low heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the rendered fat.
  4. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Return them to the pot on low heat for 1-2 minutes to help evaporate excess moisture.
  5. Add butter, warmed milk or cream, and cream cheese (if using) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth but still a bit rustic. Stir in the sautéed cabbage and most of the bacon bits, reserving some for garnish. Add green onions, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the remaining crispy bacon bits and a few extra green onions for color and crunch.

Notes

Start potatoes in cold water to cook evenly. Don’t overcook cabbage to keep a tender-crisp texture. Render bacon slowly over medium-low heat for crispy bits. Warm milk or cream before adding to potatoes for a silky mash. Save some bacon bits for garnish to add crunch and visual appeal. If mash is too thick, add warm milk; if too thin, cook uncovered on low to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: colcannon, mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, bacon bits, cabbage, comfort food, easy side dish, cozy dinner