Sides & Snacks Vegetarian

Rustic Irish Colcannon

Name: Rustic Irish Colcannon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2.5 kg Maris Piper Potatoes (peeled and cut in half); 100 g Butter; 200 g Bacon Lardons; 300 g Savoy Cabbage (finely sliced); 125 ml Double Cream; 1 tsp White Pepper

A traditional Irish potato dish combining fluffy Maris Piper potatoes with crispy bacon lardons, wilted savoy cabbage, and rich double cream for comforting flavour.

By Ricky Robinson • Updated March 17, 2024

Colcannon is a well loved dish with origins going back hundreds of years. This classic potato-based recipe was a humble and affordable way for families to extend smaller portions of meat into a more substantial meal.

The key is starting with floury potatoes like Maris Pipers which get brilliantly fluffy when mashed.

While they're steaming, you'll fry up some bacon lardons until crisp and golden, then wilt down shredded savoy cabbage in the tasty bacon fat. The rich double cream gets folded into the mashed potatoes along with white pepper for a gentle kick, creating a beautifully smooth texture that holds its shape on the plate.

You'll marble the bacon and cabbage through the creamy potato for pockets of salty, smoky flavour. It's a satisfying side dish or even a meal on its own, especially if you top it with a fried egg. The combination of tender potato, crispy bacon, and soft cabbage creates layers of texture and flavour in every forkful.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method make this colcannon perfect for when you need classic comfort food without any fuss. There's nothing complicated about it, just good ingredients treated properly. Serve this rustic colcannon alongside roasted meats like lamb or beef for a hearty spread that feels traditional and welcoming. It also pairs perfectly with stews, sausages, or grilled chops, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of side dishes.