Name: Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 50 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1/2 head cabbage (rough chopped); 4 chicken bouillon cubes; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; water to cover; 1/2 cup half and half (or milk) plus more if needed; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted; 3/4 tsp. salt; ¼ tsp. pepper; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup sliced green onion

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Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner brings a warm, comforting taste of tradition to your dinner table. This Irish dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with savory cabbage, resulting in a fantastic flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying. Imagine diving into a blissfully smooth bowl of these colcannon potatoes, where each bite evokes the cozy essence of home. Plus, the ease of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing this dish to be as low-maintenance as it is delicious.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

I first discovered this vibrant comfort food at a friend’s family gathering, where it quickly became the star of the show. The mash was fluffy, the cabbage tender, and the bacon added a delightful crunch that had everyone coming back for seconds—and thirds! Now, I love sharing this Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes with friends and family, knowing that its rich flavors and budget-friendly ingredients make it perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Trust me when I say, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the hard work, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy potatoes and savory cabbage makes for a dish that will warm your heart and soul.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of the cabbage mixed with the creamy white potatoes creates a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side or main, this dish fits into dinner, brunch, or any casual gathering seamlessly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for dietary needs; this dish can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with simple tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced): These starchy potatoes create the perfect creamy texture. If you’re short on time, Yukon Golds are a great alternative.
1/2 head cabbage (rough chopped): Cabbage adds a sweet, earthy flavor. You can swap it with kale for a different twist.
4 chicken bouillon cubes: These add a depth of flavor. You can use vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: This enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: It pairs beautifully with the garlic, providing a subtle savory note.
Water to cover: This hydrates the potatoes and cabbage while cooking, ensuring they soften completely.
1/2 cup half and half (or milk): This gives the mashed potatoes a luxurious creaminess. Dairy-free milk can be a good substitute.
1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and flavor. For a lighter version, swap with olive oil.
3/4 tsp. salt: Enhances all flavors; feel free to adjust according to taste preferences.
¼ tsp. pepper: This adds a bit of warmth; you can add more for extra kick if desired.
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Provides a crunchy texture and savory flavor; turkey bacon or mushrooms can replace this for a lighter option.
1/2 cup sliced green onion: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the 2.5 lbs. of russet potatoes and rough chopping the 1/2 head of cabbage. Place these ingredients into the slow cooker.
Season the Veggies: Sprinkle the 4 chicken bouillon cubes, 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. of onion powder over the potatoes and cabbage mixture.
Add Water: Pour just enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage. It’s fine if some cabbage sticks out; just be careful not to overfill your slow cooker.
Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and turn it to HIGH, cooking for about 4.5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.
Drain: Once cooked, carefully drain the water from the pot. This step is crucial to ensure your potatoes don’t end up too watery.
Mix It Up: Pour the melted butter, 1/2 cup of half and half, and season with 3/4 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper into the drained potatoes and cabbage.
Mash: Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until creamy. If it looks a little dry, add a touch more half and half, but don’t go overboard!
Finish: Once mashed, gently fold in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onion. Stir this all together, and your colcannon potatoes are ready to be served!

Storing & Reheating

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm them in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of half and half while reheating can help refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid watery potatoes, make sure only to add enough water to cover the vegetables without overfilling.
For creamier potatoes, ensure your butter is fully melted before you add it to the mixture.
If you’re crunched for time, you can prep the potatoes and cabbage the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider blending in herbs like chives or thyme when mixing.
Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
If you have leftovers, try using the mashed colcannon as a filling for savory pies or fritters.

Colcannon potatoes are a wonderful blend of comfort and flavor that easily brings warmth to any table. The creamy nature, paired with the crunch from bacon and the goodness of cabbage, makes it a must-try dish for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. So, don’t hesitate to whip up this easy and delightful recipe. You’ll be giving your family and friends a taste of tradition that they won’t forget.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this colcannon potatoes recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon and omit the bacon. You can use sautéed mushrooms or crispy onions for added flavor and texture.

How can I adjust the creaminess of the potatoes?

If you prefer a lighter texture, simply reduce the amount of half and half or butter. For a richer taste, feel free to add a bit more. Just remember to add it gradually to find the perfect consistency!

Can I prepare colcannon potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can prep the potatoes and cabbage ahead of time! Simply chop and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is handy for busy schedules.

What should I serve with colcannon potatoes?

Colcannon potatoes are versatile and pair wonderfully with roasted meats, stews, or grilled sausages. They also work as a tasty, standalone dish or alongside a simple salad for a lighter option.