Creamy, comforting, and undeniably Irish, this Colcannon Soup Recipe transforms a beloved classic into a dreamy bowl of goodness you’ll crave all year long. With tender potatoes, buttery cabbage, and a kiss of green onion, every spoonful is pure cozy magic—like a warm hug straight from the Emerald Isle. Whether you’re yearning for a taste of home or just want a hearty, nourishing meal, this soup checks every box. Easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, but special enough to share with friends, it’s a soul-soothing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Colcannon Soup Recipe calls for simple, honest ingredients, each with its own essential role. From the savory sweetness of onions to the silkiness of cream, every element brings its own charm, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful soup.
- Butter: Creates a deliciously rich base and helps soften the onions and cabbage for maximum flavor.
- Onion (diced): Adds a sweet, mellow sharpness that builds the soup’s savory depth.
- Garlic (minced): A clove or two brings gentle warmth and inviting aroma to the pot.
- Green Cabbage (shredded): Star of the show for that classic Colcannon flavor and wonderful texture.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): These make the soup creamy and hearty—Yukon Golds or russets work especially well.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the soup with savory, comforting goodness—choose a quality broth for best results.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds luscious creaminess—use cream for extra indulgence or milk for a lighter touch.
- Green Onions (chopped): Brighten each bowl with gentle onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—season generously to suit your taste.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Crumbled Bacon (optional garnish): Adds freshness or a smoky, savory crunch for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make Colcannon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with a Flavorful Base
Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once it’s foamy and shimmering, add your diced onion. Let it soften and gently caramelize for 3–4 minutes, stirring now and then. The savory aroma that wafts up at this stage really sets the scene for the entire Colcannon Soup Recipe—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cabbage for Depth
Toss in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now sprinkle in the shredded cabbage. As it hits the pot, it’ll start to wilt and soak up all that lovely buttery onion flavor. Let everything sauté together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage turns soft and just starts to sweeten.
Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth
Tip in your peeled, diced potatoes, then pour over the chicken or vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes should become beautifully tender—as soon as you can easily pierce them with a fork, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Blend to Your Ideal Texture
Now comes the fun part: Do you like your Colcannon Soup Recipe silky smooth, slightly chunky, or somewhere in between? Use an immersion blender to puree the soup a bit right in the pot, or leave it mostly chunky. Either way, this quick blend creates a glorious creamy backdrop for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Green Onions
Reduce the heat to low and pour in your milk or cream. Stir in the chopped green onions and let everything gently simmer together for another 5 minutes. The green onions keep things lively while the dairy mellows the flavors for a truly velvety finish. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Ladle the soup into cozy bowls, and top with chopped parsley or a shower of crispy bacon bits if you like. Each bowl comes together with a homey aroma and a color pop that’s just too enticing to resist.
How to Serve Colcannon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Colcannon Soup Recipe is the easiest way to make each bowl feel extra special. A handful of fresh chopped parsley gives a burst of color and brings a little brightness that complements the creamy potatoes. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, a sprinkle of crumbled cooked bacon adds richness and crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try a swirl of crème fraîche or a drizzle of good olive oil for restaurant-level flair.
Side Dishes
This inviting soup begs for a crusty loaf of bread—think warm soda bread, a thick hunk of sourdough, or even some classic Irish brown bread for dipping. If you’re feeling festive, pair it with a small plate of sharp cheese, or a side salad tossed with vinaigrette for a bit of tang. With everything so hearty in the soup, lighter sides balance it out perfectly for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Colcannon Soup Recipe into a showstopper by serving it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, interactive meal. For gatherings, offer bowls with a “garnish bar” so everyone can customize with bacon, parsley, chives, or shredded cheese. You can even portion it into shot glasses or small cups for an elegant appetizer at parties—your guests will swoon over every spoonful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. The Colcannon Soup Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or make-ahead meals. The flavors deepen as it sits, so some say it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze any leftover Colcannon Soup Recipe. Just remember to let it cool, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. If you’ve used heavy cream, the texture should hold up beautifully, but whole milk versions might become a little grainy once thawed—still delicious, just give it a good stir.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you notice the texture is a bit thick or uneven, just whisk in a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to silkiness. Soup can also be reheated in the microwave in short bursts, covered, and stirred between sessions.
FAQs
Can I make the Colcannon Soup Recipe completely vegetarian?
Definitely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon garnish, or try vegetarian “bacon” or extra fresh herbs for a boost of flavor. The soup stays rich and satisfying with plant-based swaps.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are my top pick for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, but russet potatoes work nicely too. If you want the soup to have a chunkier bite, red potatoes hold their shape well.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely—feel free to toss in a handful of chopped carrots, leeks, or even a little celery at the sauté stage for more depth. Just keep the classic balance of potato and cabbage as your guide.
Is it possible to make the Colcannon Soup Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use your favorite plant-based butter and swap in unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for the cream. The result will be slightly different in flavor but still creamy and comforting.
Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
This soup is an entertainer’s dream because it actually tastes better after the flavors have a few hours (or even a day) to mingle. Make the Colcannon Soup Recipe in advance, store it in the fridge, and just warm through before serving. Set up a fun toppings bar and let your guests dig in!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a big bowl of warmth—something that feels like a cozy, edible embrace—give this Colcannon Soup Recipe a spot on your table. It’s simple, soulful, and sure to delight everyone you serve. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own. Enjoy every hearty, creamy spoonful!
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Colcannon Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Colcannon Soup recipe inspired by the traditional Irish dish. This hearty soup combines potatoes, cabbage, and a blend of savory flavors for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or crumbled cooked bacon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and shredded cabbage, sauté until wilted.
- Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Puree the soup slightly for creaminess if desired. Stir in milk/cream and green onions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls. Top with parsley or bacon. Serve warm.
Notes
- This soup is a twist on the classic Irish Colcannon dish.
- For a richer version, use heavy cream.
- Consider adding cooked ham or sausage for protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg