Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner is a comforting dish you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation. This dish brings together creamy mashed potatoes with the earthy flavors of cabbage and crispy bacon, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. The beauty of colcannon lies in its simplicity; it’s not just easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile and satisfying, making it perfect for families and gatherings alike.

I first discovered colcannon potatoes at a family gathering, where it quickly became a hit. The combination of buttery potatoes mixed with tender cabbage created a delicious harmony that pleased everyone’s palate. When I decided to create a slow cooker version, I knew I was onto something. This recipe not only saves time, but it fills the home with an irresistible aroma, coaxing friends and family into the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and guarantees there will be leftovers, which is a definite plus in my book. I can’t wait for you to give this a try—it’s a dish you’ll hearts will love!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep is just 20 minutes, and you can set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery potatoes and savory bacon is mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-hued potatoes mixed with bright green cabbage look as good as they taste!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish for dinner or even as a cozy comfort food lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily made gluten-free if using gluten-free bouillon cubes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes: The star of the dish, these potatoes create a creamy, fluffy base when mashed. You can also use Yukon Gold for a richer flavor.
1/2 head cabbage: Adds a delightful crunch and beautiful color; savoy cabbage works great if you prefer a milder taste.
4 chicken bouillon cubes: For added depth of flavor; feel free to substitute with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: A hint of garlicky goodness without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: Enhances the savory profile while keeping the preparation simple.
Water to cover: Just enough to steam and soften the potatoes and cabbage.
1/2 cup half and half: This brings a rich creaminess; you can use milk or even a dairy substitute if needed.
1/2 cup salted butter: Essential for that indulgent flavor; melted for easy incorporation.
3/4 tsp. salt: Adjust according to your taste; remember that the bacon also adds saltiness.
1/4 tsp. pepper: A touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
8 slices bacon: Cooked and crumbled for that smoky, crispy element; feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
1/2 cup sliced green onion: Provides a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding the peeled and diced 2.5 lbs. russet potatoes and 1/2 head chopped cabbage to your slow cooker. Toss in the 4 chicken bouillon cubes, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. onion powder for flavor.
Add Water: Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage. Don’t fill it to the brim; leave some space to prevent overflow during cooking.
Slow Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are tender and the aromas waft through your kitchen.
Drain Water: When the cooking time is up, carefully drain the water from the cooked potatoes and cabbage, leaving just enough moisture to keep everything creamy.
Add Creamy Ingredients: Pour over 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/2 cup half and half. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. This step is when the dish really starts to come together, giving you that luxurious texture.
Mash Potatoes: Grab your potato masher and mash everything together to your desired level of creaminess. If it looks a bit dry, you can add a little more half and half—just be careful not to overdo it!
Finish & Serve: Fold in the 8 slices crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup sliced green onion. Give it a gentle stir, and it’s ready to be served steaming hot!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the colcannon potatoes cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You might find that the texture changes slightly after freezing, but a splash of half and half while reheating can help bring back that creamy consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overfill the slow cooker; this helps prevent spilling during cooking.
Using room-temperature butter and half and half makes for easier mixing and helps prevent clumps.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash less vigorously or use a fork instead of a masher.
Experiment with adding other veggies like kale or leeks for a new twist!
For extra flavor, sauté the cabbage lightly before adding to the slow cooker.

This slow cooker colcannon potatoes recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. The buttery, creamy potatoes paired with crunchy cabbage and crispy bacon create a delightful experience that’s both comforting and satisfying. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or spice levels to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make colcannon potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the colcannon up to the point of mashing and storing it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and mash again, and it’ll be just as delicious!

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To keep this dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of chicken bouillon. Additionally, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with smoked tempeh for a similar flavor.

What can I serve with colcannon potatoes?

Colcannon potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, but also stand alone as a hearty vegetarian dish. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal!

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes give a classic texture and flavor, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well. Keep in mind that different potatoes can yield varying creaminess and sweetness, so feel free to experiment!

More Main Dishes Recipes

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Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 290 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: slow cooker
Cuisine: Irish

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Description

This Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes dish is a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the creamy texture of potatoes, the crunch of cabbage, and savory bacon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it showcases simple ingredients and minimal prep—ideal for food lovers craving homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1/2 head cabbage (rough chopped)
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
water to cover
1/2 cup half and half (or milk) plus more if needed
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
3/4 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sliced green onion

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Instructions

Place the peeled potatoes and chopped cabbage into the slow cooker.
Add the chicken bouillon cubes, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage, leaving some cabbage above the water.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH, cooking for 4.5 hours.
After cooking, drain the water from the cooked potatoes and cabbage.
Add the melted butter, half and half, salt, and pepper to the drained mixture.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, adjusting the consistency with additional half and half if needed.
Stir in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onion before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add more half and half gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Feel free to substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option or omit it for a vegetarian version.
This dish can be made a day in advance and reheated when needed.