Creamy Colcannon Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Creamy Colcannon Soup.

Inspired by the traditional Irish dish Colcannon, which is made with mashed potatoes, cabbage (or kale), butter, and cream, this soup takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into a rich, velvety, and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.

If you love potato soup but want a little extra flavor and texture, this Creamy Colcannon Soup is a must-try.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending smooth potatoes, tender greens, and a hint of butter with just the right amount of creaminess.

Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Creamy, rich, and satisfying. Every spoonful is pure comfort.
A fun twist on classic Irish Colcannon. If you love mashed potatoes and greens, this soup is for you.
Perfect for cold weather. Warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
Easily customizable. Add bacon, cheese, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Great for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

The Best Creamy Colcannon Soup Recipe

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 ½ cups shredded cabbage or chopped kale
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
½ cup scallions (green onions), finely sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
Cooked bacon crumbles (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make It

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato pieces whole. You can also use a regular blender, working in batches.

Step 4: Add the Greens and Cream

Stir in the shredded cabbage (or kale) and simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are tender. Then, add the heavy cream, scallions, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with bacon crumbles, fresh parsley, and extra scallions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Fun Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations on Creamy Colcannon Soup:

1. Cheesy Colcannon Soup

Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
The cheese melts into the soup, creating a deliciously creamy texture.

2. Vegan Colcannon Soup

Replace butter with olive oil, and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

3. Loaded Colcannon Soup

Top with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded baked potato-style soup.

4. Irish Stout Colcannon Soup

Add ½ cup of Irish stout beer (like Guinness) for a deep, malty flavor that enhances the richness of the soup.

5. Extra Protein Version

Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.

Tips for the Best Colcannon Soup

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold—they blend beautifully into a creamy soup.
Don’t overblend! If you want a velvety soup, blend just enough to smooth it out while leaving some texture.
Add the greens at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant instead of overcooked.
Balance the flavors. The butter, cream, and nutmeg add depth—don’t skip them!
Reheat gently. If storing leftovers, warm the soup over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.

What to Serve with Creamy Colcannon Soup

This Creamy Colcannon Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Irish soda bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Grilled cheese sandwiches – The ultimate comfort food pairing.
Crusty baguette or garlic bread – Adds a satisfying crunch.
Side salad with vinaigrette – A fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Smoked salmon or corned beef slices – A classic Irish pairing that works well on the side.

Wrapping Up

This Creamy Colcannon Soup takes the classic flavors of Irish mashed potatoes and cabbage and transforms them into a comforting, velvety soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

Whether you make it for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy weeknight dinner, or just because you love a good bowl of soup, this recipe is guaranteed to warm your soul.

Will you be trying this Creamy Colcannon Soup? Let me know in the comments how you like it—or if you have your fun twist! Sláinte and happy cooking! 🍀🥣✨