Hey there, fellow food lovers! Welcome! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes with you today: my super-easy and delicious Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet. Seriously, y’all, this dish is pure heaven in a skillet! It’s got that creamy, dreamy mashed potato base, the earthy goodness of cabbage, and a little crispy bacon to make it just pop. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour – perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something amazing on the table.
I first discovered colcannon when I was backpacking through Ireland years ago. The pubs served it everywhere and it was like a warm hug on a plate after a long day of exploring! I came back home and immediately started experimenting to recreate that magic. Trust me – you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, friends, let me tell you why I’m completely obsessed with this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet and why you will be too! First off, it’s ridiculously easy. I mean, we’re talking one skillet, people! Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. It’s also super quick. You can whip this up faster than you can order takeout – score!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and savory cabbage is pure deliciousness.
- Comforting: It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Perfect for any night of the week.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Honestly? It’s just the best!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Alright, so this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is all about simplicity, which means you won’t need a crazy long grocery list! You probably have some of these ingredients already. Here’s what you’ll need to grab to make this deliciousness happen:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered. These are my absolute fave for mashing!
- 1/2 cup milk. Any kind works, but I usually go with whole milk for extra creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Gotta have that butter! It makes everything better, right?
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. Crispy bacon is a MUST.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Season generously, friends!
See? Easy peasy! Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the good stuff! This Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is a breeze to make. Honestly, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, maybe even less if you’re a potato-mashing ninja. So, preheat your skillet, grab your ingredients, and let’s go!
Preparing the Potatoes
First things first: let’s get those potatoes ready. Peel and quarter your Yukon Golds – these will mash up beautifully, trust me! Pop them into a pot, cover them with cold water, and bring it to a boil. Cook ’em until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then, drain those spuds and mash them up with the milk and butter until they’re all creamy and dreamy. Careful, it’s hot!
Sautéing the Cabbage
While the potatoes are boiling, let’s get that cabbage going. Heat up a little oil in that skillet over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced cabbage and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and softens – about 8-10 minutes. Then, add in your crispy crumbled bacon (you DID cook it ahead of time, right? Smells amazing!), and those fresh green onions. Stir it all together, and just let those flavors meld!
Combining and Seasoning
Now for the grand finale! Dump your lovely mashed potatoes into the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Gently fold everything together until it’s all combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your heart’s content. Taste it! Does it need more salt? Pepper? Go for it! Once it tastes perfect, you’re ready to serve and enjoy this amazing dish!
Tips for a Perfect Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Want to make your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet absolutely sing? Here are a few secrets I’ve picked up over the years. First off, while Yukon Golds are my go-to, feel free to experiment with other potato types! Russets will work, but you might need more milk for that perfect creamy texture. And for the cabbage? Don’t be shy about getting it nice and tender – that’s where the sweetness comes from! Cook it until it’s just about collapsing on itself.
For the bacon, aim for CRUNCHY! I like to cook mine in the oven – less mess and perfect crispiness every time. And finally, taste, taste, taste! Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and even add a pinch of garlic powder for a little extra oomph. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk about the stars of this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet and how you can make things work if you need to swap something out! Using Yukon Golds is my absolute favorite, as mentioned, because they get so fluffy and creamy when mashed. But, hey, if you’re in a pinch or just have some russets lying around, those will work too – just know you might need a smidge more milk to get them to the right consistency. Don’t worry! It’ll still be delicious.
About that bacon? It adds such a smoky, salty burst to the dish. But if you’re not a meat-eater, no problem! You can totally use some plant-based bacon alternatives or even some crumbled tempeh for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, you could also sauté some mushrooms for a bit of umami. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs! A little fresh thyme or rosemary would be amazing if you have it!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, you’ve got this amazing Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet, but what else to serve with it? Well, you’ve got options! For a truly traditional Irish meal, you could serve it alongside some grilled sausages – yum! Or, for something lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a perfect contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
I also love to drizzle a little hot sauce on top – adds a fun kick! Honestly, though, it’s so good on its own you might not even need anything else. But hey, more food is always a good thing, right?
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, busy bees, listen up! This Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is a lifesaver when you need a quick dinner, and it’s even MORE amazing because you can make it ahead! If you’re planning ahead, you can boil and mash the potatoes, cook the bacon, and chop the cabbage all in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just sauté the cabbage, toss it all together, and warm it through! Bam!
Leftovers? Oh, they’re the BEST! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. A little splash of milk or a pat of butter can help revive that creamy texture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Alright, so you’ve got your questions, and I’ve got the answers! I get asked these things all the time, so I figured I’d put them right here. That way, you know *exactly* how to handle any little hiccups that might come up while you’re making this awesome Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet. Don’t worry, it’s all easy peasy, and I’m here to help! Let’s dive in!
Can I use different types of potatoes?
You betcha! While I absolutely adore Yukon Golds in this recipe, you can definitely use other kinds of potatoes. Russets work well too, but they can be a little starchier, so you might need a bit more milk to get that perfect mash. Just go with your favorite!
What if I don’t have bacon?
No bacon, no problem! You can totally swap it out for something else! Crumbled sausage is a great choice and adds a lot of flavor. Or, if you want to keep it vegetarian, try some crumbled tempeh or even some sautéed mushrooms for a delicious, savory bite.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet vegetarian, just make sure you replace that bacon with a vegetarian alternative, such as plant-based bacon or extra veggies. And, of course, double-check any other ingredients to make sure they fit your diet. Easy peasy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, friends, this is just an estimate, but here’s what you’re generally looking at per serving of this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet.
(Please note: These numbers can vary!) You can generally expect around 350 calories, 15g fat, 8g protein, and 45g carbs per serving . Yum!