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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Colcannon potatoes are a delightful Irish comfort food that combines creamy mashed potatoes with the heartiness of cabbage and the savory crunch of bacon. I first fell in love with colcannon when I stumbled across it while exploring traditional Irish recipes. The texture is rich and creamy, yet there’s something so comforting about the added cabbage and the crispy bites of bacon throughout. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day, perfect for family dinners or when you just want to treat yourself.

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

This version of colcannon takes it a step further by using a slow cooker, making it an easy and hands-off option. There’s something quite satisfying about coming home to a home-cooked meal that has been gently simmering all day, filling your space with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. I can’t wait for you to try these Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 20 minutes, then let your slow cooker do the magic!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy potatoes combine beautifully with tender cabbage and crispy bacon for an unforgettable taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green onions sprinkled on top make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy family meal, a potluck, or even as a hearty side dish for special occasions.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily tweak the recipe to be gluten-free by ensuring your bouillon cubes meet your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced): These starchy potatoes make for a creamy mash, and russets yield a wonderful texture. If you’re in a pinch, Yukon Golds work too.
1/2 head cabbage (rough chopped): This adds a subtle sweetness and nutritional punch. If you’re not a cabbage fan, you can skip it or use kale instead.
4 chicken bouillon cubes: They infuse the potatoes with a savory flavor. Vegetable bouillon is a great alternative for a vegetarian option.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: This gives the dish a subtle garlicky note without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: A fantastic way to enhance the overall taste, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Water to cover: You’ll want enough water to cook the potatoes and cabbage thoroughly, but don’t overfill!
1/2 cup half and half (or milk): This adds creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk or a non-dairy substitute.
1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Unquestionably important for rich flavor; you may use unsalted if controlling sodium intake.
3/4 tsp. salt: This helps balance the flavors, but adapt it to your taste preferences.
1/4 tsp. pepper: A subtle seasoning that rounds out the dish.
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon brings an irresistible crunch and smokiness; vegetarian bacon can be used for a meat-free alternative.
1/2 cup sliced green onion: A fresh, vibrant touch that adds a pop of color and flavor right before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Begin by adding the peeled and diced 2.5 lbs. russet potatoes and the rough chopped 1/2 head cabbage into the slow cooker. Toss in the 4 chicken bouillon cubes, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. onion powder.
Cover with Water: Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage. Don’t worry if some of the cabbage isn’t submerged—you don’t want to risk overflowing!
Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for about 4.5 hours. You want the potatoes and cabbage to become tender and easily mashable.
Drain the Remaining Water: When the cooking time is up, carefully drain off the excess water from the potatoes and cabbage.
Mix in Creamy Ingredients: Pour over the melted 1/2 cup salted butter, 1/2 cup half and half, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy, dreamy texture.
Mash: Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. Feel free to add a bit more half and half if the potatoes seem dry—just be cautious not to overdo it!
Add Bacon and Green Onions: Fold in the crumbled 8 slices bacon and 1/2 cup sliced green onion for a fresh finish, stirring until everything is well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze these colcannon potatoes for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Adding a splash of half and half or milk can help restore creaminess since the texture may change slightly in the freezing process.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes; you want them tender but not falling apart. Keeping them diced uniformly helps.
If your potatoes seem too thick or dry after mashing, a little bit of extra half and half will do the trick!
Test for seasoning before serving—sometimes, a pinch more salt can elevate the flavor beautifully.
You can prepare the potatoes and cabbage the night before and just mash everything the next day for a quicker meal.
For a creamier version, use a hand mixer instead of a potato masher; just don’t overmix as they can get gluey!

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes are not just a dish; they’re a comforting experience, blending flavors and bringing back wholesome moments. The simplicity of this recipe is relatable because we all crave a little warmth and familiarity sometimes. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this meal can be that crowd-pleaser you turn to time and again. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins or seasonings!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make colcannon potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato and cabbage mixture in advance, up to 24 hours prior. Just store everything in the fridge in an airtight container and then mash them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness, Yukon Golds or even red potatoes can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that different varieties will yield varied textures.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply swap chicken bouillon cubes for vegetable bouillon and omit the bacon, or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative for that same crispy flair!

What can I serve with colcannon potatoes?

Colcannon pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or even a comforting shepherd’s pie. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—or enjoyed simply on its own!