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Creamy Colcannon Potatoes Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Kale

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A comforting and delicious mashed potato dish featuring creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and sautéed kale, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: grated sharp cheddar cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about 2 inches each. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well in a colander.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and warm over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped kale and sauté until just wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add softened butter and warmed milk. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until creamy but still with a little texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Fold the crispy bacon and sautéed kale into the mashed potatoes gently, so everything is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Spoon into a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Optionally, sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese on top and let it melt slightly before serving.

Notes

Save a little bacon fat to drizzle on top before serving for extra smoky flavor. Warm milk and soften butter before mixing to avoid cold dairy shocking the potatoes. Cook bacon low and slow for perfect crispiness. Remove kale stems and chop leaves finely to avoid bitterness. Avoid over-mashing potatoes to prevent gummy texture. Cook bacon and kale while potatoes boil to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: colcannon, mashed potatoes, bacon, kale, comfort food, Irish recipe, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, easy side dish

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/creamy-colcannon-potatoes-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-kale-easy-and-delicious/