Infused Irish Colcannon Potatoes

Colcannon is an Irish dish made from soft potatoes, gently cooked cabbage (or kale), scallions, and plenty of butter. Think creamy mashed potatoes folded with tender greens, finished with a buttery pool in the center. We are elevating our recipe with infused butter for even deeper flavor.

What Is Traditional Colcannon?

Colcannon is one of those dishes that grew out of practicality and became tradition. At its simplest, it’s the perfect marriage of cabbage and potatoes—two ingredients that were affordable, widely available, and deeply tied to rural Irish cooking once potatoes became a staple.

Traditional Colcannon

The word colcannon is commonly traced to the Irish cál ceannan—often explained as “white-headed” or “white-speckled cabbage,” a nod to pale mash streaked with greens. Merriam-Webster lists the Irish origin and notes the first known use in English as circa 1785.

Colcannon and Halloween folklore

Did you know Irish colcannon is strongly associated with Halloween (Samhain) traditions in Ireland? Historically, families would hide small items in the mash—like a coin or other trinket—and what you found was said to predict your fortune (wealth, luck, love, etc.).

How It’s Served Today

These days, colcannon shows up year-round as Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage, and it’s especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day. The classic serving move—piling it into a bowl and making a butter well in the center—keeps the dish rooted in tradition even when you add modern upgrades like LEVO infused butter.

Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidants

Cabbage is a bit of a sleeper powerhouse: it’s low in calories but delivers meaningful nutrition per bite. A single cup of shredded cabbage is only about 18 calories and provides fiber plus a solid 28mg hit of vitamin C per cup, according to the USDA, That vitamin C supports immune function and also helps the body absorb iron from plant foods.

As a cruciferous veggie, cabbage contains glucosinolates, known for potential cancer-preventive properties, particularly against breast, prostate, and colon cancers, by aiding in detoxifying enzymes and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

Why Infuse the Butter?

Colcannon is already buttery and comforting—so infused butter is a great upgrade. Infusion lets you infuse your choice of herbs, garlic, or flower directly in fat, so the flavor spreads evenly through every scoop.

Infusing With LEVO Infusion Machines

Our LĒVO Oil Infusion Machines are a game-changer in the world of infusions. This cutting-edge device takes the guesswork out of the equation, ensuring a precise and controlled infusion process. 

Near-Endless Customization & Control

The infusion process not only imparts flavor but also allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a bold and robust thyme-infused butter or a subtle hint of dill, the power is in your hands. You can find out more about butter and infusion on our How to Infuse Butter Recipe guide.

Irish Colcannon Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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Category

Savory

Creamy mashed potatoes folded with tender greens, finished with a buttery pool in the center.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Infused Butter

• Fresh or coarsely ground dried herbs, flower, or garlic (up to 1oz with our NEW Potency Pod).
  
  See the How to Infuse Butter Recipe for more details.

• 16 oz (four sticks) of butter (dairy or non-dairy)

Ingredients for Colecannon

• 2 1/2 lb (1.1kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1/2 small green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (or 4–5 cups chopped kale)

• 4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

• 3/4 cup milk or cream, warmed
  
  *Oat Milk recommended for non-dairy

• 4–6 tbsp infused butter, plus more for serving

• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

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Directions

Directions for Infused Butter

1. Pack the herb pod with your herb of choice. (If using fresh garden herbs, employ the DRY cycle first). Add to LĒVO reservoir. If using flower, run the Activate cycle instead of the Dry Cycle.

2. Slice 16 oz (four sticks) of butter into large pieces so they fit nicely into the reservoir along with magnetic stirrer. Close lid.

3. Set your LEVO to 170°F and infuse up to 5 hours, depending on your herb choice. Use the time and temperature calculator to be precise.

4. While the butter is still warm, dispense your infusion into an airtight container. Use your Herb Press to strain as efficiently as possible.

5. Store your infused butter in the refrigerator. Or, make it last longer and keep your infusions organized and accessible by pouring them into freezer-safe Herb Blocks.

Directions for Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes: Add potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until very tender, 15–20 minutes.

2. Drain and dry: Drain well, then return potatoes to the hot pot for 1 minute to steam off excess water.

3. Cook cabbage + scallions: While potatoes cook, melt 2 tbsp infused butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add cabbage and scallion whites with a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and sweet, 8–12 minutes.

4. Mash: Mash potatoes until mostly smooth. Add warm milk/cream and 2–4 tbsp infused butter to start. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Fold in greens: Stir in cooked cabbage mixture and scallion greens. Add more infused butter until the mash is creamy and rich.

6. Serve the classic way: Spoon into a bowl, make a small well in the center, and add a generous knob of infused butter to melt into a buttery pool.

Recipe Note

• What is colcannon? It’s Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage (or kale), scallions, milk/cream, and lots of butter.
• Traditional colcannon recipe tip: Finish with the butter well—classic and irresistible.
• Make ahead: Make infused butter up to 1 week ahead; rewarm gently to use.
• Leftovers: Chill and form into patties for crispy colcannon cakes.

Storage

• Refrigerate: 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Reheat: Low heat with a splash of milk and an extra pat of butter
• Freeze: Up to 2 months (texture is best with Yukon Gold)

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