Colcannon Soup transforms the traditional Irish dish into a creamy, hearty puree of potatoes, cabbage, kale, leeks, and cream for cozy comfort. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s naturally vegetarian and perfect with crusty soda bread.
Why This Recipe Works
- Potatoes create velvety thickness without flour.
- Cabbage and kale add earthy nutrition and color.
- Leeks provide subtle onion sweetness.
- Partial blending keeps satisfying texture.
- Bacon garnish adds optional savoriness.
Ingredients & Prep
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion or 2 leeks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg pinch
- Garnishes: green onions, bacon bits, butter swirl
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Melt butter in large pot over medium; sauté onion/leeks 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic 1 minute.
- Stir in cabbage and kale; cook until wilted, 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth; simmer 20 minutes until potatoes tender.
- Blend partially with immersion blender for chunky creaminess.
- Stir in cream; heat through. Season and serve garnished.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon-Loaded | 4 slices crumbled bacon | Smoky indulgence |
| Cheesy | 1 cup cheddar stirred in | Golden melt |
| Spicy | Pinch cayenne | Gentle warmth |
| Vegan | Coconut milk for cream | Tropical earthiness |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat with milk splash. Freeze up to 2 months.
FAQs
Too thick?
Thin with broth during blending.
Greens tough?
Wilt longer before simmering.
Dairy-free?
Oat milk works well.
Conclusion
Colcannon Soup captures Irish pub warmth in bowls rustic, nourishing simplicity.
PrintColcannon Soup Recipe
A cozy Irish-inspired Colcannon soup made with tender potatoes, sautéed leeks, cabbage or kale, and a creamy buttery broth. Comforting, hearty, and perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups green cabbage or kale, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
- Crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- 1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2. Add leeks and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- 3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- 4. Add diced potatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
- 5. Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- 6. Stir in cabbage or kale and cook 5 minutes until softened.
- 7. Use an immersion blender to partially blend soup, leaving some chunks.
- 8. Stir in cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- 9. Simmer 2–3 minutes more, then remove from heat.
- 10. Serve warm topped with chives and bacon if desired.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and coconut milk.
- Serve with crusty bread or Irish soda bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: colcannon soup, Irish potato soup, cabbage potato soup

