Colcannon
In its own language: cál ceannann
Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, a staple of Irish cooking
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made by mashing potatoes with cabbage or kale, butter, and milk. It is often enjoyed during Saint Patrick's Day and the feast of St. Brigid, but has long been a year-round staple. Other greens like scallions or leeks may be added in some regions.
- Made from mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale
- A traditional Irish dish eaten year-round
- Served on Saint Patrick's Day and St. Brigid's Day
- Often paired with ham, salt pork, or Irish bacon
What is Colcannon?
Colcannon is a simple Irish dish where potatoes are mashed together with chopped cabbage or kale, along with butter and milk. Sometimes, other greens like scallions, leeks, or chives are mixed in. The result is a creamy, pale mash with flecks of green from the vegetables. The taste is mild and buttery, with the cabbage or kale adding a gentle earthiness. It is filling and comforting, making it a common part of everyday meals.
Where does Colcannon come from?
Colcannon comes from Ireland, where it has been a staple for generations. The name likely combines the Irish words for kale and 'white head', referring to cabbage. It was valued as a cheap and filling food that could be made year-round with ingredients grown locally. The dish has many regional versions, and its history is closely tied to rural Irish life. Colcannon is also mentioned in Irish songs and folklore.
How is Colcannon made?
To make colcannon, potatoes are boiled and mashed with butter and milk until smooth. Chopped cabbage or kale is cooked, then stirred into the mash. Some recipes add scallions, leeks, or other greens for extra flavor. The dish is usually served as a mound or in a pot, with a well of melted butter in the center. It may be eaten on its own or as a side.
How and when is Colcannon eaten?
Colcannon is eaten at lunch or dinner, often as a side to meat dishes like boiled ham, salt pork, or Irish bacon. It is also paired with corned beef and cabbage. While it is part of festive meals on Saint Patrick's Day and St. Brigid's Day, it is also an everyday food in Ireland. People may serve it family-style, letting everyone help themselves.
Kinds of Colcannon
Regional versions of colcannon use different greens, such as kale instead of cabbage. Some add scallions, leeks, onions, chives, or even laverbread. The basic idea remains the same: mashed potatoes with leafy greens. In some places, it is compared to champ, which is mashed potatoes with scallions. Each family may have its own twist.
What Colcannon means
Colcannon is closely linked to Irish culture and tradition. It is especially popular on Saint Patrick's Day and St. Brigid's Day, when it is made as part of the celebration. The dish is also remembered in Irish songs, such as 'Colcannon' or 'The Skillet Pot'. Its role as a staple food reflects Ireland's rural past and the importance of potatoes in the national diet.
When Colcannon is on the table
Questions people ask about Colcannon
What is colcannon made of?
Colcannon is made by mashing potatoes with cabbage or kale, butter, and milk. Some versions add scallions, leeks, or other greens.
Where does colcannon come from?
Colcannon is a traditional dish from Ireland, where it has been a staple food for generations.
When is colcannon usually eaten?
Colcannon is eaten year-round in Ireland, but it is especially popular on Saint Patrick's Day and St. Brigid's Day.
Is colcannon vegetarian?
Yes, the basic dish is vegetarian, as it contains potatoes, cabbage or kale, butter, and milk.
How is colcannon served?
Colcannon is served as a main or side dish, often with meats like ham or bacon, and sometimes with a well of melted butter in the center.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Colcannon", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More from Ireland
All the food of Ireland
Fish and chipsFish or seafood
🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 8 moreBattered fried fish served hot with thick-cut chips
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
LaverbreadVegan
🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 1 moreA soft, dark green seaweed paste from Wales, often served at breakfast
Main dish, Breakfast
Peking duckMeat北京烤鸭
🇨🇳 China and 4 moreCrisp-skinned roast duck from Beijing, carved and served with pancakes and condiments
Main dish, Dinner, Lunch
Its cousins elsewhere
All main dishes
Clam chowderFish or seafood
🇺🇸 United StatesA hearty American soup with clams, potatoes, and regional twists
Soup, Lunch, Dinner
Pancake
🇺🇸 United States and 5 moreFlat cakes made from batter, cooked on a griddle or pan and served sweet or savoury
Main dish, Breakfast, Snacks
SaleegMeatسليق
🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaRice cooked with broth and milk, topped with roasted meat from western Saudi Arabia
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
MtoriMeat
🇹🇿 TanzaniaTanzanian stew of mashed green bananas and meat
Stew or curry, Breakfast, Lunch