Colcannon with Caramelized Onions
Creamy mashed potatoes blended with tender cabbage and golden caramelized onions, creating a comforting Irish side dish. This irish-inspired mediterranean ready in about 50 minutes pairs pounds potatoes, cabbage, tablespoons butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes
- 1/2 cup cabbage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- chopped chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 pounds peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 1/2 cup chopped cabbage, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and caramelized onions. Mash until smooth, stirring in 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- Step 4: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Colcannon with Caramelized Onions take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 with Caramelized Onions?
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 pounds potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Colcannon with Caramelized Onions?
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 with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 with Caramelized Onions?
Irish mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
The Mediterranean twist with caramelized onions elevated this Irish classic beautifully. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This colcannon transformed my weeknight dinner! The caramelized onions were worth the extra time and made it feel special.
- ★★★★☆
My family devoured it—especially the caramelized onions. Next time I'll double the herbs for more punch.
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