Colcannon with Scallions and Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy mash of potatoes and cabbage with fresh scallions, finished with rich butter for a comforting side dish. This irish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs Potatoes, head Cabbage, Scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 lbs potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then boil in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Meanwhile, shred 1/2 head cabbage into thin strips and cook in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until wilted.
  2. Step 2: Drain the potatoes, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash with 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth. Add the cooked cabbage and 4 tbsp melted butter, then stir until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop 4 scallions and stir into the mashed potatoes until evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Colcannon with Scallions and Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 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 potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Colcannon 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 with Scallions and Butter 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 Scallions and Butter?

Irish vegetarian 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.

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