Irish Potatoes – Creamy, Buttery Mashed Potatoes Baked to Perfection with Cabbage and Garlic

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty dish of creamy mashed potatoes. But these Irish Potatoes take things to the next level by adding cabbage, garlic, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and sour cream. This dish is the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and pure indulgence, making it an unforgettable side that’s bound to steal the show. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite meat dish, or simply enjoying it on its own, this baked mashed potato casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Irish Potatoes

Irish Potatoes, or “colcannon” as it’s traditionally known, has been a beloved dish in Ireland for centuries. The idea is simple but brilliant: take creamy mashed potatoes, mix them with hearty cabbage, and bake them into a casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes this dish so irresistible is its creamy texture, which comes from the addition of cream cheese and sour cream. It’s the ultimate blend of creamy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the cabbage.

What’s more, garlic is added to give the dish an extra layer of flavor that really brings everything together. This recipe isn’t just a side dish—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to have everyone around your table asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner, or serving it as a crowd-pleaser for a special gathering, you can’t go wrong with these baked Irish Potatoes.

Why Irish Potatoes Will Become Your Favorite Potato Dish

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The addition of cabbage not only adds extra nutrients but also brings a unique texture to the dish. Garlic adds a rich, aromatic depth to the potatoes, while the cream cheese and butter make the dish so velvety and rich that you’ll savor every bite. Plus, it’s baked to perfection in the oven, creating a casserole-style side dish that’s easy to serve and looks as good as it tastes.

Because it’s baked, you can even make this dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven right before serving, making it a fantastic option for dinner parties or holiday meals. And don’t forget the green onion garnish—it adds just the right pop of color and a fresh bite to complement the creamy richness of the potatoes.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 4g

These Irish Potatoes are hearty and rich enough to serve as a meal on their own but make an excellent side dish for just about any entrée. Pair them with roasted meats, a simple salad, or even as part of a larger holiday spread.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Irish Potatoes are the ultimate versatile side dish, pairing perfectly with just about any main course. For a traditional Irish feast, serve them alongside corned beef or roasted lamb. If you’re looking for something more casual, they pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak.

If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, these potatoes will complement turkey, ham, or prime rib perfectly. Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. And for an extra indulgent pairing, serve them with a side of warm, buttery rolls or garlic bread. Whether you serve these potatoes as part of a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’ll be a hit!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Irish Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick reheat.

You can also freeze these mashed potatoes! Just transfer the cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven until warmed through. They taste just as delicious the second time around!

Fun Fact: The History of Colcannon

Colcannon, the traditional Irish dish that inspires this recipe, dates back centuries and has long been a staple in Irish households. The dish is typically made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage and is often served on Halloween, with small charms hidden inside to predict one’s future. While it started as a simple peasant dish, colcannon has evolved into a beloved comfort food in Ireland and beyond.

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Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Skip the Cabbage: While some may be tempted to leave out the cabbage, it really adds a special texture and mild sweetness to the dish that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
2. Mash to Your Desired Consistency: If you like a chunkier mash, don’t overwork the potatoes. For a super smooth mash, consider using a hand mixer or potato ricer.
3. Customize the Creaminess: You can adjust the creaminess of the dish by adding more or less sour cream, butter, or milk depending on your preference.

Optional Variations

• Cheddar and Bacon: For an extra indulgent version, add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the potato mixture before baking. The cheesy, smoky flavor will take these potatoes to a whole new level.
• Green Onion Mash: If you love the flavor of green onions, stir some into the potato mixture before baking for a burst of fresh flavor throughout the dish.
• Garlic Lovers: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor that’s perfect for true garlic enthusiasts.

Irish Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lb potatoes, peeled and halved
• 2 ½ cups cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, whole
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 tbsp salted butter
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil the potatoes and cabbage: Add the potatoes, cabbage, garlic, and chicken bouillon cubes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain and mash: Drain the water from the pot. Add the cream cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the pot. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Bake: Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of these Irish Potatoes!

These Irish Potatoes are not only comforting but also packed with flavor, making them the perfect side dish for any meal. Enjoy!