It’s absolutely freezing and drizzling outside, so what’s a girl to do? Crank up the tunes, put on her comfiest sweater, and dive headfirst into some serious comfort food, that’s what! And if you’re looking for the ultimate cozy experience, then honey, you HAVE to try this recipe. We’re talking about a super easy, one-skillet wonder: my Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet. This dish is pure magic. It’s got that creamy, dreamy mashed potato base, mixed with good-for-you cabbage and all sorts of other deliciousness, all cooked up right there in one pan. Seriously, less mess, less fuss, more deliciousness!
I first discovered colcannon ages ago when I was backpacking around Ireland. I was seriously cold and starving. Finally, I found a tiny little pub and ordered what I thought was just mashed potatoes. But when this steaming bowl of pure goodness arrived, with the shredded cabbage and green onions… oh, my stars! It became my go-to dish for the rest of the trip. So pull up a chair and let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, friends, let me tell you why I make this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet all the time! Seriously, it’s a winner:
- It’s ready in under an hour – perfect for those busy weeknights.
- That mix of creamy mashed potatoes and tender cabbage? Unbelievably good!
- You can totally customize it to your liking!
- It’s naturally vegetarian, or you can add in some bacon for extra yum.
What’s not to love, right?
Ingredients for Your Delicious Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! Trust me, folks, you probably have most of these in your kitchen right now. This Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own deliciousness:
- 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered. You could use Russets too, but I find the Yukons get extra creamy!
- ½ cup of your favorite milk. Whole milk is the best for that rich flavor, but any kind will work.
- ¼ cup of butter, because, well, butter makes everything better!
- ½ of a head of green cabbage, thinly sliced.
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled – I always cook mine in the skillet first.
- ¼ cup of chopped green onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Honestly, I just eyeball this part!
That’s it! Easy peasy, right?
How to Make the Perfect Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is seriously simple, but let’s break it down step-by-step so you get it *just* right. Don’t worry, it’s pretty hard to mess this one up! I’ll hold your hand the whole way.
Preparing the Potatoes for Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
First things first, we need those potatoes cooked and ready to mash. So, grab your trusty pot and fill it with cold water. Toss in those quartered Yukon Golds – they’re the best, trust me! Then, bring that water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat a little and let those potatoes simmer until they’re fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but it does depend on the size of your potato pieces. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Careful, don’t overcook ’em! You don’t want mush.
Sautéing the Cabbage for the Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
While the potatoes are getting soft, let’s work on the cabbage. Now, if you cooked your bacon in a skillet like I suggested, there should be some lovely bacon fat left in the pan – score! If not, just use a tablespoon of butter or oil. Heat it up over medium heat. Toss in that thinly sliced cabbage and let it sauté. You want the cabbage to soften up and start to turn a beautiful, slightly translucent color. This will take about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush it. You want soft and sweet, not crunchy.
Combining the Ingredients for Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Woohoo, time to bring it all together! Once the potatoes are cooked and the cabbage is soft, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in that milk and the butter and mash ’em up! If you like them extra creamy, grab your hand mixer and go to town. Add a little more milk if needed to reach your perfect consistency. Now, pour that mashed potato goodness into the skillet with the cabbage. Add the crumbled bacon and those green onions. Give everything a good stir until it’s all nicely combined and heated through. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper. I usually start with a teaspoon of salt and pepper and then add more if it needs it. Taste and adjust. That’s it! Dinner is served.
Tips for Success with Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, sweet friends, want to make sure your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make you a total star in the kitchen! First, don’t skimp on the butter! Seriously, it adds so much flavor and creaminess – it’s a non-negotiable in my book. Next, don’t overcook those potatoes! Otherwise, you’ll end up with glue. Keep an eye on them. Also, taste as you go! Seasoning is key, and everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be shy about adding a little more salt or pepper. And finally, go for the good quality ingredients! Fresh cabbage and flavorful bacon make all the difference. Follow these tips, and you will have colcannon perfection. Happy cooking!
Variations on the Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet Theme
Okay, so you’ve made my Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet, and you loved it, right? But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Feel free to get creative and play around with the flavors. I love to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Try some fresh thyme or rosemary! You can even toss in some sautéed leeks with the cabbage for extra flavor. For veggies, kale or spinach works too. And don’t be afraid to add some protein! Crispy cooked sausage or even some shredded chicken thrown in adds a whole new dimension.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
So, you’ve got your delicious Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet, steaming hot and ready to go! But what to serve it *with*? That’s what I’m here for! Honestly, this dish is great all on its own, but if you want to make it a more complete meal, here are a few ideas:
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Some crusty sourdough bread for soaking up all the yummy juices.
- Maybe a nice, juicy grilled chicken breast or a pan-seared pork chop for extra protein.
Seriously, folks, the options are endless. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Okay, so you made a big batch of Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet – smart cookin’! If you’ve got leftovers (and honestly, I rarely do!), here’s the deal. Let the skillet cool completely, then pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it up in a skillet over medium heat (stirring occasionally) or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it could dry out!
Frequently Asked Questions about Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
Got questions about this fab Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet? I figured you might! Here are a few things I get asked pretty often. If you have more, just drop me a line in the comments! Now, let’s get those answers flowing.
Can I make this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet ahead of time?
Heck yes, you can! This is one of those recipes that’s even better the next day. You can totally make the whole darn thing a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently in a skillet or the microwave. Easy peasy!
What if I don’t have bacon?
No bacon? No problem, sweetie! You can totally swap it out for some cooked sausage (think kielbasa or even Italian sausage). Or, for a vegetarian option, some crispy, crumbled tempeh is amazing! You can even just skip it altogether and add a little extra butter for richness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
So, this Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet is already pretty close to vegetarian. Just ditch the bacon! Then, you can always add some extra veggies to bulk it up. I like to toss in some sliced mushrooms or even some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Yum!
Nutritional Information for Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet (Estimated)
Okay, friends, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind, as a home cook, I can’t be perfect, but here’s an *estimated* nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet. Just a heads up, the exact amounts can vary depending on your ingredients and how heavy-handed you are with, say, the butter. Wink!
I am estimating.
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Colcannon Mashed Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple skillet dish with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter.
- Sauté cabbage in a skillet until softened.
- Stir in bacon and green onions.
- Combine mashed potatoes and cabbage mixture. Season.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Irish
