Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter
Pan-fried potato cakes made from classic colcannon mashed potatoes, crisped golden and flavored with scallions and butter. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely chopped scallions, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (prepared colcannon with kale and cabbage) mashed potatoes
- 3, finely chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 cups prepared colcannon mashed potatoes, 3 finely chopped scallions, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Step 2: Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a 3-inch diameter patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming.
- Step 4: Add potato cakes in batches and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Step 5: Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm as a side or snack.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely chopped scallions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions and Butter?
Irish st. patrick’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple yet elegant—made these for my Irish friends and they raved about the scallion brightness.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for St. Patrick's Day! My kids asked for seconds on these creamy potato cakes.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the texture but found the butter overwhelmed the scallions a bit. Took 25 mins to cook through.
