Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Irish side dish combining creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed kale and scallions, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 35 minutes pairs russet potatoes, kale leaves, scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced scallions and 6 cups chopped kale leaves. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until kale is wilted and tender, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to pot. Mash potatoes with 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup whole milk until smooth and creamy. Fold in the sautéed kale and scallions. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes?

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 russet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes?

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 Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes 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 Traditional Irish Colcannon with Kale and Creamed Potatoes?

Irish st. patrick’s day 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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