Instant Pot Colcannon: A Simple Method for a Classic Irish Dish

Instant Pot Colcannon is a classic Irish side made with mashed russet potatoes, tender cabbage, and savory onions.

This easy recipe uses an Instant Pot to create a creamy, flavorful dish in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day or as a hearty addition to a weeknight dinner.

The combination of simple ingredients, including butter, chicken broth, and the optional crunch of bacon, creates a comforting and satisfying complement to any meal.

Selecting russet potatoes is important for achieving the classic, fluffy texture that defines Irish colcannon.

Their high starch content helps absorb butter and milk, resulting in extra creamy mashed potatoes.

Topped with green onions and a sprinkle of bacon, this dish offers both tradition and convenience for cooks seeking a reliable and delicious side.

How to Make Colcannon

Ingredient	Amount	Optional
Butter	2 tablespoons
Onion	1 large, diced
Cabbage	1 head, sliced
Russet Potatoes	4 pounds, chunked
Chicken Broth	1 cup
Milk	1 cup
Bacon	4 slices, cooked	Yes
Salt	1 teaspoon
Pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Green Onions	2, sliced	Yes

Step 1

Begin by gathering all ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter, 1 large onion (diced), 1 head of green cabbage (sliced), 4 pounds of russet potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 green onions (sliced, optional), and 4 slices cooked bacon (optional).

Step 2

Set the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi to the sauté function.

Add butter and let it melt, then stir in the onions and sliced cabbage.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is soft and the onions turn translucent.

This step helps bring out a deep, rich flavor from the vegetables and butter.

Step 3

Add the chopped potatoes into the pot.

Pour in the chicken broth.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper for seasoning.

Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.”

Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

When finished, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to “venting” until the float valve drops.

Step 4

Open the lid and pour in the milk.

Use a potato masher to combine and mash all the cooked ingredients until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.

Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

For serving, sprinkle with green onions, crispy bacon bits, or extra melted butter.

The dish can also be topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

For different textures, try mashing just part of the potatoes and leaving a few chunks.

Enjoy serving this staple dish warm as a side for family meals.

Notes

• Do not overfill the Instant Pot with potatoes and water; only fill it halfway to avoid spillovers.
• The best way to handle steam is to use a natural release for 10 minutes, then use a quick release method. This reduces the risk of hot liquid splattering.
• Consistency can be easily adjusted according to preference. To make the colcannon thicker or thinner, change the amount of milk or cream added.
• There are several ways to customize the dish for different tastes. Some people add cooked bacon, scallions, or extra herbs and spices for more flavor.
• Leftover colcannon can be shaped into patties and pan-fried to make colcannon cakes, an easy way to repurpose extra servings.

• Always sauté the onions and cabbage before pressure cooking for the best texture.
• After adding the milk and mashing, season again if needed for balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover colcannon should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen.

To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop and add milk or cream if the mashed potatoes need extra moisture.

This helps keep the creamy consistency

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adapt a traditional colcannon recipe for the Instant Pot?

To adapt a traditional colcannon recipe for the Instant Pot, follow these steps:

1. Use the sauté function to soften butter, diced onions, and sliced cabbage for about 5 minutes.
2. Add peeled and chunked russet potatoes and pour in chicken broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then secure the Instant Pot lid.
4. Set on high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Perform a quick release when done.
6. Add milk and mash everything together until smooth.

What are the steps to making vegan colcannon in an Instant Pot?

To make vegan colcannon, swap out dairy and meat ingredients for plant-based alternatives:

• Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
• Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat instead of regular milk.
• Leave out the bacon, or use vegan bacon or crispy fried onions for topping.
• Sauté the onions and cabbage, pressure cook with potatoes and broth, then mash with vegan milk and butter.

Is it possible to cook both potatoes and cabbage together in an Instant Pot?

Yes, both potatoes and cabbage can be cooked together in the Instant Pot.

Place the cabbage and onions at the bottom, add potatoes on top, and pour in the broth.

They cook evenly and quickly under pressure. Everything can be mashed together after cooking.

How long does it take to prepare and cook colcannon in an Instant Pot?

Prep time:

• Peeling and chopping: about 10 minutes
• Sautéing: 5 minutes

Step	Time
Pressure cooking	5 minutes
Pressure release (quick)	~2 minutes
Mashing and serving	3-5 minutes

Total time: about 20–25 minutes.

Can I include meat, such as herbed pork chops, in my Instant Pot colcannon recipe?

Meat like herbed pork chops is best cooked separately to keep the textures right.

Prepare the pork chops in the Instant Pot first, remove, then follow the colcannon recipe.

If you want bacon, add cooked bacon pieces at the end.

What are some tips for achieving perfectly smashed potatoes in an Instant Pot?

• Use russet potatoes for fluffier results.
• After pressure cooking, drain excess liquid to avoid runny colcannon.
• Mash with warmed milk and butter for smoother texture.
• Don’t over-mash; leave small chunks for a rustic feel.
• Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and add-ons like green onions for extra flavor.