Creamy Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Bacon
A comforting Irish-inspired dish combining creamy mashed potatoes with tender kale or cabbage and crispy bacon for a flavorful, easy-to-make side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cups chopped kale or savoy cabbage (about 120g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream (can substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Place peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes cook, heat a small amount of water in another pot and add chopped kale or cabbage. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain well and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat if desired.
- Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the warm pot to dry out for a minute or two. Add softened butter and mash until smooth but slightly rustic. Gradually stir in warm milk or cream until desired creaminess is reached.
- Gently fold in steamed kale or cabbage, crispy bacon pieces, and sliced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- If reserved, drizzle a little bacon fat over the top for extra flavor. Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions.
Notes
Start potatoes in cold water to cook evenly and avoid mushy texture. Use a hand masher for best texture. Steam kale separately to keep vibrant color and avoid bitterness. Thick-cut bacon pan-fried gives best crunch and flavor. Nutmeg adds warmth but is optional. Recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding toasted walnuts or smoked paprika.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
Keywords: colcannon, mashed potatoes, bacon, kale, comfort food, Irish recipe, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon