St. Patrick’s Day Colcannon Irish Potatoes with Turkey Bacon | Irish Recipes, Potato Dishes, Irish Potatoes
Ah, my dear friends, nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a creamy bowl of Colcannon. As the chill of late winter starts to melt into the gentle breezes of spring, I am reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the comforting aroma of buttery potatoes mingled with the crisp scent of freshly cooked turkey bacon. Her laughter would echo through the halls, sharing stories of our Irish heritage as she mashed the potatoes with love, thickening them into a fluffy, golden cloud of coziness.
This delightful dish—often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day—pairs perfectly with just about any meal, making it an ideal choice for easy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A hearty, creamy blend of mashed potatoes and nutritious greens, making it a delicious and satisfying side dish.
- The addition of turkey bacon adds a crispy, savory twist, elevating this traditional Irish recipe to cozy heights.
- Perfect for all ages—this family-friendly dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters around the dinner table!
- Quick and simple to prepare with only a handful of ingredients—ideal for your busy weeknight dinners!
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week as a delightful side or main dish.
What You’ll Need
To bring the flavors of Ireland straight to your table, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup of whole milk or cream
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of finely chopped green cabbage or kale
- ½ cup of chopped turkey bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Colcannon Irish Potatoes with Turkey Bacon | Irish Recipes, Potato Dishes, Irish Potatoes
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy, easy steps:
Start by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water. Add a sprinkle of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes boil, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Reserve a little of the drippings to sauté the greens!
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter, whole milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or fork, mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk as necessary to reach your desired consistency.
In the same skillet used for the turkey bacon, add the chopped cabbage or kale to the reserved drippings and sauté for about 5 minutes until wilted. Stir into the mashed potatoes along with the crispy turkey bacon—stir until everything is well combined.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh green onions, and enjoy every tender bite of this classic comfort food!
Delicious Variations to Try
Don’t hesitate to get a little creative with your Colcannon! Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Cheesy Colcannon: Mix in shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Garlic Mashed Colcannon: Sauté minced garlic with the greens for an aromatic kick.
- Spicy Colcannon: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty surprise.
- Herbed Colcannon: Fold in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a vibrant burst of flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some of my best kitchen secrets to help you achieve the perfect Colcannon:
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance. Simply store covered in the fridge and reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to use any green of your choice based on what’s available—collard greens or spinach work wonderfully!
- Slicing trick: To make cooking the greens easier, slice them into thin strips; this helps them wilt down nicely when sautéing.
- Leftover storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Enjoy this vegan twist on a classic Irish dish:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about Colcannon? Here are some common questions answered:
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and reheat it when needed.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to swap out the turkey bacon or greens for your favorites.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining Colcannon in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long does it last?
It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
A Cozy Closing Note
As you gather with loved ones this St. Patrick’s Day, let this warm and comforting Colcannon be a centerpiece of your celebration. It’s not just a dish; it’s a reminder of family, heritage, and the simple joys that food can bring. I hope you enjoy each creamy, melty bite as much as my grandmother’s laughter still echoes in my heart.
Save this St. Patrick’s Day Colcannon Irish Potatoes with Turkey Bacon | Irish Recipes, Potato Dishes, Irish Potatoes to your pantry board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, my friends!
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St. Patrick’s Day Colcannon Irish Potatoes with Turkey Bacon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A creamy blend of mashed potatoes and nutritious greens, enhanced with crispy turkey bacon. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup of whole milk or cream
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of finely chopped green cabbage or kale
- ½ cup of chopped turkey bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water. Add a sprinkle of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes boil, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Reserve a little of the drippings to sauté the greens!
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter, whole milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or fork, mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk as necessary to reach your desired consistency.
- In the same skillet used for the turkey bacon, add the chopped cabbage or kale to the reserved drippings and sauté for about 5 minutes until wilted. Stir into the mashed potatoes along with the crispy turkey bacon—stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh green onions, and enjoy every tender bite of this classic comfort food!
Notes
Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for added creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
