There’s something truly magical about a dish that whispers tales of home, hearth, and simpler times. And when that dish is as comforting and delightful as slow cooker colcannon potatoes, it just warms my heart to share it with you. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl, a testament to how humble ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. The tender potatoes, the slightly sweet cabbage, and that touch of savory bacon all meld together in a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
I remember childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every stirring spoon was a lesson and every aroma a cherished memory. While she might not have had a slow cooker back then, the spirit of slow-cooked comfort and the joy of a shared meal were always at the heart of her cooking. That same feeling of warmth and togetherness is what I hope to bring to your table with this recipe. It’s about creating moments, not just meals.
This recipe for slow cooker colcannon potatoes offers incredible convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a stress-free holiday gathering. It’s wonderfully family-friendly, and the gentle, long cooking time ensures every bite is infused with deep, satisfying flavor. My best practical tip for this recipe? Don’t rush the process – the magic truly happens with patience and a low, slow simmer!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting the perfect colcannon requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients that, when combined, create a truly memorable slow cooker colcannon potatoes dish. We’ll be leaning on the comforting richness of Russet potatoes and the subtle sweetness of green cabbage, elevated by savory bacon and aromatic garlic. It’s all about building layers of flavor with ingredients you likely already have. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make slow cooker colcannon potatoes
Making slow cooker colcannon potatoes is a breeze, letting your appliance do most of the hard work. You’ll start by crisping bacon, then sautéing some aromatics, before layering everything into your slow cooker. The potatoes and cabbage will gently cook down in a flavorful broth, absorbing all those wonderful tastes. A final mash with milk and butter brings it all together into a creamy, dreamy side dish.
Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture directly into the slow cooker with the potatoes and cabbage. Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easily mashable.
- Once cooked, drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker, reserving about 1/4 cup if desired for creaminess. Return the potatoes and cabbage to the slow cooker (or transfer to a large mixing bowl).
- Add the warmed milk and melted butter to the slow cooker/bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth, leaving some texture if preferred.
- Stir in the crispy cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the slow cooker colcannon potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions, if using, and serve warm.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This slow cooker colcannon potatoes
I’ve learned a thing or two over the years about getting the most out of my slow cooker colcannon potatoes, and I’m delighted to share some of my favorite tricks with you. These little touches make all the difference in achieving that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure to partially cook the bacon on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker (and sauté the onions and garlic in some of the rendered fat!). This step ensures the bacon stays nice and crispy and infuses the whole dish with an incredible depth of flavor right from the start.
Don’t be tempted to overmash your
slow cooker colcannon potatoes! I find that a slightly rustic texture, with a few small potato chunks, adds a lovely homey feel to the dish. Use a potato masher, not an electric mixer, for the best results.For an extra layer of savory goodness, consider using a good quality chicken broth. It truly makes a difference in the overall taste of your
slow cooker colcannon potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian option, a rich vegetable broth works beautifully too!Always chop your cabbage into roughly similar-sized pieces to your potatoes. This ensures everything cooks evenly and you don’t end up with some pieces that are too soft or too crunchy.
Fun Variations for slow cooker colcannon potatoes
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and slow cooker colcannon potatoes is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few creative twists I’ve explored in my kitchen, often inspired by what friends and family love.
Cheesy Comfort
My kids absolutely adore a cheesy spin on almost anything! For a truly decadent version of slow cooker colcannon potatoes, stir in about 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyere cheese when you add the milk and butter. The cheese melts into the creamy potatoes and cabbage, creating an even richer, more comforting side.
Herbaceous Twists
While fresh chives are classic, I sometimes like to experiment with other herbs. A friend once suggested adding fresh thyme or rosemary (about 1 tablespoon, finely chopped) along with the broth for an earthier flavor profile in the slow cooker colcannon potatoes. It’s a wonderful addition, especially if you’re serving it with roasted meats.
Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) added with the garlic can introduce a delightful warmth to your slow cooker colcannon potatoes. It’s subtle but adds a nice unexpected layer of flavor that I personally love in the colder months.
What to Serve With slow cooker colcannon potatoes
When I think about slow cooker colcannon potatoes, my mind immediately goes to hearty, comforting meals that just feel right for family gatherings. This creamy side dish is so versatile, it truly shines alongside a variety of main courses, turning any meal into a celebration.
I absolutely adore serving slow cooker colcannon potatoes with a classic roasted chicken or a tender pot roast. The rich, savory flavors of the meat are perfectly complemented by the creamy, earthy notes of the colcannon. It’s a match made in heaven that always brings rave reviews at my table. For a quick weeknight idea, it also pairs beautifully with simple pan-seared pork chops. And for those brisk autumn evenings, a warm bowl of slow cooker colcannon potatoes with a hearty beef stew is pure bliss. It’s a dish that elevates any meal, making it feel extra special.
How to Store slow cooker colcannon potatoes
Keeping your slow cooker colcannon potatoes fresh and delicious for later is simple, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors long after dinner. I’m always thinking about how to make leftovers just as enjoyable, and with a little care, this dish holds up beautifully.
Fridge Storage: Once cooled, transfer any leftover
slow cooker colcannon potatoesto an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks!Reheating Magic: To reheat, I like to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, a quick reheat in the microwave works, too. My personal tip? A little pat of fresh butter stirred in at the very end of reheating brings back all that lusciousness and makes the
slow cooker colcannon potatoestaste freshly made!
Nutritional Benefits
Even in comforting dishes like slow cooker colcannon potatoes, we can find wonderful benefits. This dish is packed with wholesome Russet potatoes, providing a good source of potassium and Vitamin C, while the green cabbage contributes essential fiber and Vitamin K. It’s a satisfying and hearty side that combines indulgent flavors with simple, nourishing ingredients, proving that a treat can be both delicious and provide goodness.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make slow cooker colcannon potatoes ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This slow cooker colcannon potatoes recipe is perfect for making in advance. Prepare it a day or two before, store it in the fridge, and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker with a little extra liquid until warm and creamy.
Faq 2
What kind of potatoes are best for slow cooker colcannon potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal for slow cooker colcannon potatoes because their starchy texture breaks down beautifully, creating a wonderfully creamy and fluffy mash. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly richer, buttery flavor.
Faq 3
Can I use different types of cabbage in this recipe?
Yes, while green cabbage is traditional for slow cooker colcannon potatoes, you can certainly experiment! Savoy cabbage offers a slightly milder flavor and a more tender texture, which would also be delicious in this creamy side dish.
Faq 4
Is there a way to make this slow cooker colcannon potatoes vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian slow cooker colcannon potatoes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the meat.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for slow cooker colcannon potatoes inspires you to bring a little extra warmth and comfort into your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a bit of love and the magic of your slow cooker, can create truly memorable dishes. This creamy, flavorful side dish is more than just food; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and create those cherished moments around the table that make life so sweet. Happy cooking, my dear friends!