Every St. Patrick’s Day, my kitchen fills with the comforting smell of buttery potatoes and earthy kale—the heartwarming scent of my family’s favorite Irish tradition: Kale & Potato Colcannon. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, steeped in history and simplicity. My grandmother used to say, “A good colcannon tells the story of Ireland,” with its humble ingredients and hearty soul. Whether you’re celebrating Irish heritage or just craving something cozy, this recipe—with its creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant kale—comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day. Passed down through generations, it’s the dish that makes our St. Patrick’s Day feel truly special.
Why You’ll Love This St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
Trust me, this isn’t just another side dish—it’s the star of the St. Patrick’s Day table! You’ll fall head over heels for it because:
- It’s ridiculously easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients.
- The flavor is unbelievably cozy and rich—buttery potatoes with that earthy kick from the kale.
- It’s naturally vegetarian, so almost everyone can dig in.
- It just feels like a celebration in a bowl, making any meal instantly special.
Honestly, what’s not to love?
Ingredients for St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
Gather these simple ingredients—each one plays a special role in creating that perfect colcannon magic. I always use the freshest kale I can find; it makes all the difference! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like Yukon Golds—they mash up so creamy!)
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped (trust me, no one wants those tough stems!)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any kind works)
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted—your call, but I’m team salted for this dish)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for the potato water—don’t skip this!)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (the green parts add such a nice pop of color)
Psst—if you’re out of kale, cabbage works in a pinch! Just slice it thin and sauté until tender.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
Making this colcannon is as easy as 1-2-3—I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
First up, those potatoes! Peel and cube them (I like to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly). Toss them into a pot of cold, salted water—don’t skimp on the salt; it’s your chance to season those spuds from the inside out. Bring it to a boil, then let them simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Drain them well—no one likes watery mash!
Step 2: Sauté the Kale
While the potatoes are cooking, grab that kale. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped kale. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted and tender but still vibrant green. Trust me, this step brings out the kale’s best flavor—earthy, fresh, and just a little bit sweet.
Step 3: Mash and Combine
Now for the fun part! Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them with the milk, remaining butter, salt, and pepper. I like mine a little chunky, but you do you! Once the potatoes are creamy and dreamy, fold in the sautéed kale and green onions. Stir it all together until everything’s perfectly combined. Taste it—adjust the seasoning if you need to, and then get ready to serve up a bowl of pure comfort.
Tips for the Best St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
Want to take your colcannon to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tips for making it absolutely unforgettable:
- Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes—it makes the mash extra creamy and smooth.
- For a crunchy twist, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- Use a ricer or food mill for the potatoes if you want them super silky and lump-free.
- Don’t skimp on the butter! A dollop on top right before serving adds that irresistible richness.
Follow these, and your colcannon will be the star of the table!
Variations of St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
Don’t be afraid to mix things up—colcannon is wonderfully flexible! If kale’s not your thing, swap in thinly sliced cabbage (sauté it just like the kale for that perfect tenderness). Feeling indulgent? Stir in a handful of sharp cheddar or parmesan while mashing for a cheesy twist. Some folks even add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. The best part? Every version still tastes like home.
Serving Suggestions for St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
This colcannon is a match made in heaven with corned beef—it’s the classic St. Patrick’s Day combo! Or, serve it alongside warm soda bread for a hearty Irish feast. Leftovers? Reheat them in a pan with a little extra butter for that fresh-made taste. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Nutrition varies based on ingredients, but here’s the scoop for a typical serving (about 1 cup): roughly 220 calories, 10g fat, and 4g fiber. Not bad for a dish that tastes this indulgent! Remember, these numbers can change if you tweak the recipe—more butter? Worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this colcannon ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container, then reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or a pat of butter to bring it back to life.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
Can I use a different green instead of kale? Of course! Cabbage is a classic swap—just slice it thin and sauté until tender. Spinach or even Swiss chard works too, though they’ll have a milder flavor. It’s all about what you love!
Share Your St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon
I’d love to see your colcannon creations! Snap a pic and tag me—I promise to swoon over every buttery bite. Did you add bacon? Swap the kale? Leave a comment below or share it on social with #MyColcannonStory. Let’s keep this delicious tradition alive! Share your creations.
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“5-Star St. Patrick’s Day Kale & Potato Colcannon You’ll Crave”
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Irish dish made with kale and potatoes, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes cook, sauté the kale in 1 tablespoon of butter until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with milk, remaining butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked kale and green onions until well combined.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits.
- Use cabbage instead of kale for a variation.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a pan with a little butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day, Kale, Potato, Colcannon, Irish food