• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggies Don't Bite
menu icon
go to homepage
  • St. Patrick's
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • St. Patrick's
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Resources
    • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home ▸ Vegan Sides

    Vegan Colcannon Potatoes

    Last modified: March 11, 2023. Originally posted: March 11, 2023 By Sophia DeSantis

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A black plate with Irish colcannon potatoes and a piece of butter melting in the center of it.

    Vegan colcannon potatoes are a delicious way to get in greens! This recipe is just as rich and creamy as the original.

    If you love mashed potatoes and you love getting more veggies into your diet, then this is the perfect recipe for you. A traditional Irish recipe you can eat year round!

    Black plate with colcannon topped with a slice of butter
    Click here to subscribe

    This post was originally published on January 21, 2021.

    My vegan mashed potatoes is one of our top go to recipes, we love potatoes! So adding in some greens for an extra veggie dose makes these vegan colcannon potatoes the perfect side dish.

    Ingredients

    Colcannon, or Irish Mashed Potatoes are generally served around St. Patrick's Day here in the United Sates due to their Irish heritage.

    In Ireland, there's an old Halloween tradition where a variety of items like rings and thimbles are hidden inside the dish. Personally, I like serving this easy and flavorful dish year round- thimble excluded!

    Just a handful of wholesome plant based items are needed to create this creamy masterpiece. Here's what you'll need:

    • Potatoes 
    • Leek 
    • Garlic 
    • Kale 
    • Cashew cream 
    Bowls on a wooden surface filled with ingredients to make a mashed potatoes dish with greens

    How To Make Vegan Colcannon Potatoes

    The best dishes are the easiest dishes, and this one is pretty simple! Follow these steps to deliciousness:

    1. Sauté the leek, garlic, and kale.
    2. Mix the cashew cream and greens into mashed potatoes.
    3. Enjoy!
    Wooden spoon mixing greens in a pan as they cook.
    Glass bowl filled with mashed potatoes and sauteed greens mixed together.
    Fork getting a bite of colcannon from a black plate.

    Flavor Tips

    This vegan colcannon recipe is great as is, but since variety is the spice of life, here are some options for you:

    • Mix in vegan parmesan while you're mixing everything together.
    • Swap out the kale for any other greens, like chard, cabbage, or spinach.
    • You can use coconut cream instead of the cashew cream, which will add a little coconut flavor.
    • Add in some coconut bacon for extra flavor and texture.

    What to Serve With Colcannon

    Traditionally colcannon is served with bangers (sausages), corned beef, short ribs, etc. We really love them with any of the plant based recipes:

    • Roasted carrots
    • Vegan gravy
    • Stuffed cabbage rolls
    • Healthy Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe
    • Mushroom Bourguignon
    • Portobello mushroom steak
    • Lentil meatloaf cups
    • Vegan meatballs

    Preparation Tips

    For the best vegan Irish mashed potatoes, keep the following suggestions in mind:

    • Russet potatoes work best for their fluffy texture, but you can use Yukon gold instead, or in a pinch any other potato. It will change the flavor and feel, but will still be delicious!
    • If you don't have leeks, green onions will work as a substitute.
    • To mash the potatoes, peel and chop them, then boil until they're tender. Immediately drain them and carefully mash to your desired smoothness. (What can I say, some people like lumps!)
    • Make sure to salt to taste, depending on the ingredients used you may not need all of it.

    Make Ahead and Storage Tips

    • You can make vegan colcannon ahead of time, just let it cool completely before storing.
    • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a 3-4 days. However, the longer it sits the more likely the texture is to change.
    • You can also freeze Colcannon! Store in an airtight freezer safe container for up to three months.
      • Just make sure to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
    • Reheat in the microwave or oven, just make sure to use a microwave or oven safe dish!
    • The made ahead or leftover Colcannon may dry out a little between storage and reheating. If this happens, add a little bit of warm veggie broth, cashew cream, or coconut cream to help bring back its glory.

    Common Questions

    What is Colcannon?

    Traditional Colcannon is made from potatoes mashed with dairy, and mixed with kale or cabbage. This version emulates the creamy texture but with only using plant based ingredients.

    What do you eat Colcannon with?

    Traditionally Colcannon is served with a meat such as sausages or corned beef. To keep things plant based, serve with your favorite vegan sausage, Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Cups, or a Portobello Mushroom Steak.

    Can you reheat Colcannon?

    You sure can! Use either your microwave or oven. This may dry out the potatoes a little, use the tips above to prevent this!

    Can I freeze Colcannon?

    Yes you can! Just make sure it's cooled completely and seal tightly in a freezer safe container. It should keep for up to three months.

    More Vegan Side Dishes

    So many vegan recipes are versatile and can stand alone as a main dish or pair perfectly with other dishes as a side. Check out these other plant based recipes for meal inspiration:

    • Patatas Bravas
    • Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
    • Healthy Green Bean Casserole
    • Gluten Free Vegan Stuffing
    • Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans)
    • Italian Vegetable Pasta Salad
    Click here to subscribe
    Irish mashed potatoes and greens on a black plate with a fork in it.

    Vegan Colcannon Potatoes

    Sophia DeSantis
    Vegan colcannon potatoes are a delicious way to get in greens! This recipe is just as rich and creamy as the original.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Irish
    Servings 4
    Calories 64 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ pounds potatoes , I used russet (see note)
    • 1 leek , sliced white parts only (see note)
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt , adjust depending on salt in cashew cream and parmesan
    • Drizzle of your favorite oil to sauté , or broth if oil free
    • 2 cloves garlic , chopped
    • 3 cups chopped kale , see note
    • ½ cup cashew cream , see note
    • Vegan parmesan , optional

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces. Put them in a pot and cover them with water. Boil until soft, about 15 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, sauté the leeks and salt until soft. About 5 minutes.
    • Add the garlic and sauté another minute. Then add the kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
    • Once the potatoes are done, drain and put them in a bowl. Mash them until smooth.
    • Add in the kale mixture and the cashew cream (and parmesan if using). Mix until combined. Add more salt if needed.
    • Serve!

    Notes

    • I like the fluffiness russet potatoes give but Yukon gold work well too. You can use any potato you prefer however.
    • You can sub in green onions as well.
    • You can sub in any green you love like chard or cabbage too.
    • If you don’t mind the flavor you can use coconut cream for a quick add in. You will need more salt for this option

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 552mgPotassium: 308mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5391IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

    Never miss a recipe!Sign up here and get a FREE quick and easy meal guide!
    A photo of a signature saying Sophia with a blueberry as the letter O
    « Best Greens Powder for Bloating
    Healthy Vegan Cottage Pie Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Questions or comments? Let me know below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Rachel

      February 16, 2021 at 9:31 am

      So tasty

      Reply
    2. Chelsee Lee

      February 02, 2021 at 9:54 am

      I tried these out and they were phenomenal!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

    More about me →

    Click here to subscribe

    Vegan St. Patrick's Day

    • Healthy Vegan Cottage Pie Recipe
    • Healthy Vegan Shamrock Shake
    • Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
    • Dairy Free Green Mac and Cheese

    Trending Recipes

    • World's Best Greek Vegan Spanakopita
    • The Best Creamy Vegan Oatmeal Recipe
    • Easy Vegan Meal Plan For a Week
    • How to Make a Thick Vegan Smoothie Bowl
    Cookbook cover with a burrito, burger and fries on a white table with a black background

    Amazon | Barnes & Noble

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Logos of websites that listed places this site has been featured

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Click here to subscribe

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press

    Copyright © 2013-2023 Veggies Don't Bite