Description
These Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Irish dish, colcannon. Combining creamy mashed potatoes, savory cabbage, and melted cheese, then frying them into crispy balls, this dish is the perfect appetizer, side, or snack. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Colcannon Balls:
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2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover or cooled)
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1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 egg, beaten
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
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1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
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A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the mashed potatoes:
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If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are cooled down to room temperature. If making fresh mashed potatoes, cook, mash, and allow them to cool.
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Prepare the colcannon mixture:
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In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
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Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help it hold its shape.
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Form the balls:
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Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to coat them.
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Fry the balls:
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Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the colcannon balls to the skillet in batches.
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Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
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Make the dipping sauce (optional):
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In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper.
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Serve:
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Serve the cheesy colcannon balls hot, with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
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Notes
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For a lighter version, you can bake the colcannon balls at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
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You can use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
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These colcannon balls can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 colcannon ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg