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Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes - featured image
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Creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are blended with sautéed kale, green onions, and crispy bacon for a comforting Irish classic. This hearty side dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, cozy dinners, or potlucks, and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning water and to taste
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped (curly or lacinato)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (or cream, almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and quarter the potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 18-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. While potatoes cook, chop bacon and fry in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add chopped kale and sliced green onions to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until kale is wilted and onions are soft. Add a splash of water if needed.
  4. Drain potatoes well and return to the warm pot. Mash with a potato masher until smooth or slightly chunky. Add 3 tablespoons butter and mash again.
  5. Warm milk and pour into potatoes along with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until creamy and well combined. Add extra milk if potatoes seem dry.
  6. Gently fold in sautéed kale, green onions, and half the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Dot the top with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle the rest of the bacon over. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika. Substitute kale with cabbage or spinach. Use coconut or almond milk and vegan butter for dairy-free. For extra flavor, add roasted garlic or cheese. Let potatoes steam dry after draining for fluffier mash. Leftovers can be crisped in a skillet or shaped into potato cakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: colcannon, mashed potatoes, Irish, St. Patrick's Day, bacon, kale, comfort food, gluten-free, easy side dish

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