If you love rich, buttery mashed potatoes, then Irish colcannon might become your new favorite comfort food. This traditional Irish dish is usually made with mashed potatoes and cabbage, but today we’re making a creamy upgraded version with kale and Boursin cheese that is unbelievably flavorful.
The tender kale adds a deep savory flavor while garlic-herb Boursin melts right into the potatoes, creating the creamiest colcannon you’ve ever tasted. Finished with butter pools and cracked pepper on top, this dish is simple, rustic, and perfect for everything from St. Patrick’s Day dinners to cozy winter meals.
Once you try colcannon this way, you may never go back to plain mashed potatoes again.
What Is Colcannon?
Colcannon is a traditional Irish potato dish made by mixing mashed potatoes with greens such as cabbage or kale. It dates back hundreds of years and was originally a humble farmhouse meal made with potatoes, butter, milk, and whatever greens were available.
Today, it’s a beloved Irish comfort food served with:
- Sausages
- Ham
- Roasted meats
- Corned beef
- Lamb
Classic colcannon often includes scallions or cabbage, but using kale adds a richer flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes.
Adding Boursin cheese takes this traditional dish to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Colcannon Recipe
This version is a little more indulgent than the traditional recipe, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Reasons this recipe works so well:
- Extra creamy from Boursin garlic herb cheese
- Kale adds flavor and texture
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect side dish for holiday dinners
- A great way to elevate simple mashed potatoes
It’s a restaurant-quality side dish made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Kale and Boursin Colcannon
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra butter for serving
How to Make Colcannon with Kale and Boursin Cheese
1. Boil the potatoes
Add peeled potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–18 minutes until fork tender.
Drain well.
2. Cook the kale
While the potatoes cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- minced garlic
- chopped kale
Cook for 3–5 minutes until the kale softens.
3. Mash the potatoes
Place the drained potatoes back in the pot and mash until mostly smooth.
Add:
- remaining butter
- milk or cream
- Boursin cheese
Mash until creamy.
4. Fold everything together
Stir in:
- sautéed kale
- garlic
- green onions
Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
5. Serve
Spoon the colcannon into a serving bowl and top with:
- a pat of butter
- extra cracked pepper
- a sprinkle of green onions
The butter melting into the warm potatoes is classic and absolutely delicious.
Tips for the Best Colcannon
Use Yukon Gold potatoes
They mash beautifully and have a naturally buttery flavor.
Don’t overmix
Overmixing can make mashed potatoes gluey.
Remove kale stems
They can be tough and chewy.
Warm the milk first
This keeps the potatoes smooth and fluffy.
What to Serve with Colcannon
This creamy Irish side dish pairs perfectly with:
- Corned beef
- Roast chicken
- Irish sausages
- Lamb chops
- Ham
- Steak
It’s also amazing served in a bowl with gravy poured over top.
Creamy Irish Colcannon with Kale and Boursin Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This creamy Irish colcannon recipe is made with fluffy mashed potatoes, sautéed kale, rich Boursin garlic herb cheese, and plenty of butter. It’s the ultimate comforting Irish side dish and perfect served with steak, corned beef, or roasted meats.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
4 tablespoons butter, plus more for serving
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
3 green onions, sliced
Salt, to taste
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the potatoes
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain well. -
Sauté the kale
While the potatoes cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped kale and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. -
Mash the potatoes
Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth. -
Add the creamy ingredients
Stir in the remaining butter, milk or cream, and Boursin cheese. Mash until creamy and fully combined. -
Mix everything together
Fold the sautéed kale and sliced green onions into the mashed potatoes. -
Season
Season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. -
Serve
Spoon the colcannon into a bowl and create a small well in the center. Add a pat of butter and let it melt into the ridges before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use Yukon Gold potatoes which create a naturally creamy mashed potato.
You can substitute cabbage for kale if you want a more traditional colcannon.
This dish pairs perfectly with steak, corned beef, lamb chops, or roasted chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, STOVETOP
- Cuisine: IRISH INSPIRED
Variations
Bacon Colcannon
Add crispy chopped bacon for smoky flavor.
Extra Garlic
Roast garlic and mash it into the potatoes.
Cheese Lovers
Mix in shredded cheddar with the Boursin.
Creamy Upgrade
Replace milk with heavy cream or half and half.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm in a saucepan with a splash of milk or butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make colcannon ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving.
Can I freeze colcannon?
Mashed potatoes can freeze well, though the texture may change slightly.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal.
Can I use cabbage instead of kale?
Absolutely. Traditional colcannon uses cabbage, but kale provides deeper flavor.
The Perfect Rustic Irish Comfort Food
There’s something special about a big bowl of creamy colcannon with melted butter pooling on top. It’s simple, cozy, and full of old-world flavor.
This kale and Boursin version gives the traditional Irish dish a creamy, garlicky twist that’s perfect for modern kitchens while still honoring its roots.
Serve it alongside your favorite roasted meats, or enjoy it straight from the bowl with an extra pat of butter on top.
Once you make it this way, plain mashed potatoes might never feel the same again.
