Colcannon with Scallions and Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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