If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish, Authentic Colcannon with Cabbage & Bacon delivers comfort in every bite. This Irish-inspired classic takes fluffy mashed potatoes and elevates them with tender cabbage, sweet onion, and savory crispy bits for a rich, satisfying dish that feels right at home on holiday tables or weeknight dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Colcannon
- Hearty & comforting: Creamy potatoes paired with soft cabbage make this deeply filling.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together with big flavor.
- Holiday-ready: A rustic side that pairs beautifully with roasts and festive mains.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt for pork-free or dairy-free needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and chopped
- 1 small head green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled*
- Butter
- Milk or cream (warmed)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
*For a pork-free option, see Tips & Variations below.
How to Make Authentic Colcannon (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Drain well and return to the pot to steam off excess moisture.
Step 2: Crisp the Savory Bits
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. Reserve a small amount of the cooking fat in the pan for extra flavor (optional).
Step 3: Sauté Cabbage and Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the cabbage and sauté until tender and slightly sweet.
Step 4: Mash Until Fluffy
Mash the hot potatoes with butter and warm milk or cream until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
Fold the cabbage-onion mixture and crispy bits into the mashed potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with a pat of butter on top if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Pork-free: Use beef bacon, turkey bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a savory crunch.
- Extra creamy: Replace milk with warm cream or half-and-half.
- Rustic texture: Leave some potato chunks instead of fully smooth.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and unsweetened oat or almond milk.
- Fresh finish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and mild bite.
Authentic Colcannon with Cabbage & Bacon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Authentic Colcannon with Cabbage & Bacon is a cozy Irish-style side dish made with fluffy mashed potatoes folded with tender sautéed cabbage, sweet onion, and crispy bacon bits. It’s hearty, rustic, and perfect for winter dinners or holiday meals. For a pork-free option, swap bacon for turkey bacon or beef bacon.
Ingredients
2 1/2 lb (1.1 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet), peeled and cut into chunks
1 small head green cabbage, cored and finely chopped (about 5–6 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (or turkey/beef bacon for pork-free)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for serving
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk or cream, warmed (as needed for texture)
1 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
1. Add the potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well and return to the hot pot to steam-dry for 1–2 minutes.
2. While the potatoes cook, crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet (optional).
3. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in the reserved drippings (or 1 tablespoon butter) until soft, 4–5 minutes. Add the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring often, until tender and lightly sweet, 8–10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Mash the hot potatoes with butter. Gradually add warmed milk/cream until fluffy and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Fold the cooked cabbage-onion mixture and crumbled bacon into the mashed potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve warm with an extra pat of butter on top, if desired.
Notes
Pork-free: Use turkey bacon or beef bacon, or substitute sautéed mushrooms for a savory bite.
Make-ahead: Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen.
Texture tip: For rustic colcannon, mash lightly and leave a few potato chunks.
Serving idea: Great alongside roast chicken, beef, or hearty vegetable mains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil, Sauté, Mash
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve colcannon alongside roasted chicken, beef, or vegetable mains. It’s excellent for holiday spreads and reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently with a splash of milk.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~34g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~420mg |
Final Thoughts
Authentic Colcannon with Cabbage & Bacon proves that humble ingredients can create unforgettable comfort food. Whether you keep it traditional or adapt it to your family’s needs, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor to the table.