Irish Potatoes are a comforting casserole of creamy mashed potatoes blended with garlic and cabbage. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any night you want a cozy, flavorful side.
This is not the typical plain mashed potato side. Rich and savory, these Irish Potatoes might be my favorite mashed potatoes ever. They linger in your memory long after dinner.
If you usually associate St. Patrick’s Day with green drinks and sweets, give this easy recipe a try. The mashed potatoes and cabbage combine into a wonderfully creamy, hearty dish that works year-round. It’s an approachable way to explore Irish-inspired cooking and makes a great accompaniment for many entrees.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day. Classic ingredients with broad appeal.
- Simple to prepare. Most of the work is hands-off while it cooks and bakes.
- Veggies tucked in. Cabbage melts into the potatoes for extra nutrition without overwhelming picky eaters.
- Creamy and comforting. The texture is rich and smooth despite the added cabbage.
Ingredients
The printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions appears in the recipe section below.
These familiar ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores:
- Potatoes – Yukon Golds give a great texture, although most potatoes will work.
- Cabbage – Coarsely chopped napa or green cabbage.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves for bright flavor.
- Chicken bouillon cubes – An economical way to deepen flavor; chicken broth can be used instead.
- Cream cheese – Softened first for easy mashing.
- Milk – Whole milk yields the best richness.
- Salted butter – Adds creaminess and savory depth.
- Sour cream – Full-fat for tang and body.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, to balance the dish.
- Green onions – Optional garnish for freshness and color.
How to Make Irish Potatoes
Follow these straightforward steps to make a creamy, satisfying casserole of Irish Potatoes.
- Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step Two: Place potatoes, chopped cabbage, whole garlic cloves, and chicken bouillon cubes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- Step Three: Drain the pot. Return the potatoes and cabbage to the pot and add cream cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 3-quart casserole dish and cover.
- Step Four: Bake for 45 minutes until heated through. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot.
What to Serve with It
This dish pairs beautifully with an Irish stew, roasted or braised meats, or simply alongside roasted vegetables. A few suggested side dishes that complement these potatoes include roasted asparagus, creamy carrots, or a fresh green salad.
Variations and Substitutions
- Parmesan topping: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan before baking for a golden, nutty finish.
- Use chicken broth: Replace bouillon cubes with about 3 cups of chicken broth for ease and a similar flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute canned coconut milk for milk to accommodate lactose sensitivity.
- Faster cooking: Cut potatoes into smaller pieces to reduce boiling time.
- Add bacon: Crisped bacon bits make a savory, crunchy garnish.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through to preserve texture.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Stand mixer for mashing: Using a stand mixer makes mashing effortless and produces a very smooth texture.
- Butter choice: Using Irish butter or a high-quality salted butter enhances the flavor.
- Presentation: Scoop portions with a small cookie scoop for an attractive serving—kids especially enjoy this idea.
- Cover while baking: Keep the casserole covered with foil while baking to avoid over-browning the top.
- Season at the end: Taste and add a final pinch of salt if needed to brighten the flavors.
What Is Colcannon?
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and cream. This recipe is very similar in spirit and texture to classic colcannon.
Potato Recipes
If you love potatoes, explore other comforting options like potato nachos, mashed potato casserole, carrot and potato soup, lemon roasted potatoes, or parmesan-thyme roasted potatoes. These recipes pair well with weeknight meals and special occasions alike.
Have you tried Irish Potatoes before? If you make this recipe, consider sharing a photo or note about how you served it—feedback helps others discover new favorite comfort foods.
Irish Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lb potatoes peeled and halved
- 2 ½ cups cabbage coarsely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves whole
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Add potatoes, cabbage, garlic and chicken bouillon cubes to a large pot of water on the stove. Boil until potatoes are cooked, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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Drain pot. Add to pot the cream cheese, milk, butter, sour cream and salt and pepper. Mash. Place mixture in a greased 3 quart casserole dish. Cover.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition figures are estimates from an online calculator and not a substitute for professional advice.
Did you make this recipe?
Share a photo or note about how it turned out—others appreciate real feedback from home cooks.