Smoked Cheddar and Leek Colcannon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-19 · Updated 2026-04-19

A creamy mashed potato dish with tender leeks and smoky cheddar, featuring a perfect balance of earthy and savory flavors. This Irish-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs potatoes, leek, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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, peeled and diced potatoes
• 1, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced leek
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup, shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• pinch nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Place diced potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add melted butter and leeks, then mash until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, shredded smoked cheddar, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined and creamy.
4. Step 4: Cook for 2 more minutes over low heat to melt cheese and warm through, stirring constantly. Serve immediately.