Colcannon with Crispy Bacon
A comforting blend of mashed potatoes and cabbage with smoky bacon, perfect for a hearty meal. This irish-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs large potatoes, small cabbage, bacon 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. 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 large potatoes
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and cube 2 large potatoes, then place in a pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While potatoes cook, cook 4 diced bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 3: Finely chop 1/2 small cabbage and add to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook for 5 minutes until wilted.
- Step 4: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 chopped cabbage and 4 diced bacon slices until well combined.
- Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Colcannon with Crispy Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Crispy Bacon?
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 large potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Colcannon with Crispy Bacon?
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 Crispy Bacon 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.
Is Colcannon with Crispy Bacon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
