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Cozy Colcannon Potato Casserole Recipe with Crispy Golden Crust Made Easy

cozy colcannon potato casserole - featured image

A comforting Irish-American potato casserole blending creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage and scallions, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb and cheddar crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 4 large scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3/4 cup whole milk or cream, warmed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine peeled and chopped potatoes with shredded cabbage. Cover with cold water by about an inch and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender and cabbage is softened.
  2. Drain the potatoes and cabbage well in a colander. Return them to the pot or a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, warmed milk or cream, and mash until mostly smooth but still a little chunky. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing well.
  3. Stir in the sliced scallions gently, saving a few green tops for garnish if desired.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mashed colcannon mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover with breadcrumbs. Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning the crust.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set up and meld flavors.

Notes

If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil halfway through baking. For a deeper cheesy crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Avoid overboiling potatoes to prevent gummy texture. Mash with some texture for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: colcannon, potato casserole, comfort food, crispy crust, mashed potatoes, cabbage, scallions, cheesy casserole