Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner is a beautifully rustic dish that makes the most of simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. It’s a comforting blend of creamy potatoes, tender cabbage, and flavorful bacon that warms you from the inside out. Thick, hearty, and utterly satisfying, this dish is perfect for cold evenings when you crave something indulgent yet comforting.

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

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

I first discovered colcannon potatoes on a trip to Ireland, where I was enchanted by its hearty simplicity. This version allows you to create that cozy dish with minimal effort in your crockpot. Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or preparing for a family gathering, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and deliciousness. Trust me, once you try these Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes, you will want to savor every comforting bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep time is only 20 minutes, and it cooks while you go about your day.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of buttery potatoes and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering dish that is hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The mix of vibrant green cabbage and creamy mashed potatoes makes for a beautiful dish at any table.
Flexible Serving: This dish fits perfectly as a side for dinner or a standout on your holiday table.
Diet-Friendly Options: It can easily be made gluten-free by checking your chicken bouillon and choosing gluten-free bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2.5 lbs. russet potatoes: Peeled and diced for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes; a half bag generally suffices for this recipe.
1/2 head cabbage: Roughly chopped; it adds a delightful crunch and flavor that balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
4 chicken bouillon cubes: These provide a savory depth, infusing the potatoes with rich flavor as they cook.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: An easy way to enhance the flavor profile without the fuss of peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, it gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic quality to your colcannon.
Water to cover: Adds moisture and steam as your slow cooker works its magic, creating tender potatoes and cabbage.
1/2 cup half and half: This creamy addition ensures a smooth texture; milk can work in a pinch if you don’t have half and half on hand.
1/2 cup salted butter: Melted butter makes everything better, adding richness to this comforting dish.
3/4 tsp. salt: Seasoning is key for flavor; always taste as you go!
¼ tsp. pepper: A mild kick to contrast the creamy potatoes.
8 slices bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled for that smoky, savory finish.
1/2 cup sliced green onion: Adds fresh flavor and a pop of color when sprinkled on top before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep the Potatoes and Cabbage: Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes along with the roughly chopped cabbage to your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the chicken bouillon cubes, garlic powder, and onion powder for robust flavor.
Add Water: Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage. It’s okay if some of the cabbage stays above the water. Be cautious not to overfill your slow cooker to prevent overflow during cooking.
Cook It Up: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on HIGH for about 4.5 hours. You might want to stir occasionally for even cooking.
Drain the Cooking Liquid: Once the cooking time is up, carefully drain any leftover water off the potatoes and cabbage. This step ensures your colcannon won’t end up too soupy.
Add Creamy Goodness: Pour melted butter and half and half over the drained potatoes and cabbage. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
Mash Away: Using a potato masher, mash everything together until smooth and creamy. If it looks a bit dry, add a touch more half and half—but don’t go overboard.
Fold in Your Toppings: After mashing, gently fold in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions for an alluring finishing touch before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few hours. If you need to store them long-term, pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3–5 days. To enjoy later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, making sure to stir in a bit of additional half and half or butter if they seem dry.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid any unpleasant textures, ensure potatoes are uniformly diced to cook evenly.
You can prep the potatoes and cabbage the night before if you want to save time; just chop and store them in water to prevent browning.
Timing is key — check for doneness with a fork at the end of the cooking time. If they aren’t quite tender, let them cook a little longer.
Experiment with flavor by adding extras! Try mixing in sour cream or a flavorful cheese like cheddar if you desire a cheesier twist.

Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes brings joy and warmth to any table, making it an absolute must for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. I love how these bold flavors come together, blending tradition with ease. The versatility and comfort of this recipe mean you can enjoy it no matter the season. So grab your slow cooker and take a step into your new go-to potato dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are perfect for mashing, you can also use Yukon Gold or a mix for a different texture. Just keep in mind that some potatoes might be creamier than others.

Is there a vegetarian option for colcannon?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth or bouillon instead of chicken bouillon for a delicious vegetarian version. You won’t lose any flavor with this adaptation!

Can I make colcannon potatoes ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding in a little cream or butter to bring back that creamy texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To ensure your Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes are gluten-free, check that your chicken bouillon cubes are labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free bacon for an all-around gluten-free experience.

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Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes | Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Author: Anna
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

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Colcannon Potatoes made with creamy russet potatoes, tender cabbage, and crispy bacon. This easy dish is a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying homemade meal that everyone will love.

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 in the slow cooker.
Add the chicken bouillon cubes, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes and most of the cabbage without overflowing.
Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4.5 hours.
After cooking, drain the excess water from the potatoes and cabbage.
Pour the melted butter, half and half, salt, and pepper over the drained mixture.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, adjusting the half and half for desired consistency.
Fold in the cooked bacon and sliced green onion, mix well, and serve.

Notes

Ensure not to overfill the slow cooker to avoid overflowing during cooking.
Adjust the amount of half and half to achieve the desired creaminess in the mashed potatoes.
Feel free to add more green onions or bacon for extra flavor.