Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, butter, and sometimes scallions. Traditionally served on Halloween with hidden charms inside, this dish is a comfort food staple in Ireland. But what if we took this creamy, buttery delight and turned it into crispy, golden-brown bites?
Enter Colcannon Balls—an irresistible snack or appetizer that combines the best of crispy and creamy textures. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day, looking for a unique party snack, or just craving something comforting and delicious, these Colcannon Balls are sure to satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside – The perfect combination of textures.
Great for leftovers – An innovative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or colcannon.
Easy to customize – You can add cheese, bacon, or other herbs to make it your own.
Perfect for parties – These bite-sized treats make an excellent appetizer or snack.
Naturally vegetarian – A delicious meat-free option that can be easily made vegan.
Ingredients
For the Colcannon:
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1/2 cup warm milk (or plant-based alternative)
1 cup green cabbage or kale, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten (or flax egg for vegan option)
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Colcannon
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until fork-tender (about 12-15 minutes).
While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the cabbage or kale in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the green onions and cook for another minute.
Drain the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl. Add the remaining butter and warm milk, mashing until smooth.
Fold in the sautéed cabbage (or kale) and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly before shaping.
Step 2: Form the Balls
Once the colcannon mixture is cool enough to handle, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape while frying.
Step 3: Bread and Fry
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
Roll each ball in flour, dip it in egg, then coat it with the panko mixture. Repeat for all the colcannon balls.
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, sour cream with chives, or even a spicy mustard sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra green onions for an added touch of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Colcannon Balls
Chilling is key: Don't skip the refrigeration step! This prevents the balls from falling apart while frying.
Use leftover colcannon: If you've already made colcannon, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose it into a crispy delight.
Air-frying option: For a healthier version, you can air-fry these at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Baking option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Colcannon Balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them (before frying) for up to 3 months. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
2. What dipping sauces pair well with Colcannon Balls?
Some great options include:
Garlic aioli
Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
Sriracha mayo
Traditional Irish brown sauce
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and milk for the colcannon, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), and choose a vegan-friendly breadcrumb option.
4. What’s the best potato variety for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best as they are starchy and mash well, giving you a fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option.
5. Can I bake or air-fry these instead of deep-frying?
Yes! To air-fry, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. To bake, place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. What else can I add to my Colcannon Balls?
Feel free to get creative with add-ins such as:
Cheese: Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for an extra gooey center.
Bacon bits: Adds a smoky crunch.
Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or chives can enhance the flavor.
Spices: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
Colcannon Balls are a delightful twist on a traditional Irish dish, combining rich, buttery mashed potatoes with a crispy coating. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion, as a snack, or just to enjoy comfort food in a new way, these golden bites will surely impress.
Try them out and let us know what you think! Sainte!
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