If you’ve ever had traditional Irish colcannon—creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage—you already know just how comforting and hearty it can be. Now imagine that classic side dish transformed into a rich, soul-warming soup. This Cozy Colcannon Soup Recipe takes all those beloved flavors and turns them into a bowl of pure comfort.

With tender potatoes, buttery cabbage, crispy turkey bacon, and a creamy broth, this soup is the definition of cozy. It’s a perfect recipe for chilly days, simple weeknight dinners, or just when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. And while it nods to its Irish roots, the ingredients are everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

What makes this version even better? It’s simple to make, requires just one pot, and you can easily blend it to your preferred consistency—creamy, chunky, or somewhere in between. The final touch of crispy turkey bacon and a sprinkle of green onions on top adds texture and just the right amount of brightness.

Let’s jump into the ingredients and the first steps to bring this comfort-filled soup to life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

This recipe yields about 4–6 servings, depending on how generous your bowls are. It’s hearty enough to be served on its own or paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by placing the chopped turkey bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s crispy and golden, then remove with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll use this later to garnish the soup—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Don’t wipe out the pot! You’ll be using the rendered fat as part of your flavor base.

 

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pot. Once melted, stir in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until fragrant.

This simple base builds a lot of flavor, which is key in a humble dish like this one.

 

Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage

Next, add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the buttery onion mixture. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften.

This is where the soup really starts to resemble the flavors of classic colcannon, and the cabbage brings in a subtle sweetness and depth.

 

Colcannon Soup: Creamy Texture, Classic Flavor

Now that the cabbage is wilted and tender, we’re ready to bring in the hearty elements that really make this soup shine. The potatoes and broth will create a filling base, while milk or cream adds the creamy finish that turns this soup into a velvety, satisfying meal. Whether you like your soups rustic and chunky or silky smooth, this one can be tailored to your taste with a simple blending step.

Let’s keep going and build this Irish-inspired comfort dish from the ground up.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot with your sautéed cabbage, onions, and garlic. Then pour in the chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

During this time, the potatoes absorb all the savory flavors from the broth and vegetables, creating the base for that signature colcannon taste.

 

Step 5: Blend for a Creamy Texture (Optional)

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to decide on your soup’s texture. If you enjoy a chunky, rustic soup, you can skip this step entirely.

For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot. Blend as much or as little as you like—some people prefer to puree about half of it to maintain a bit of texture.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can ladle about half the soup into a regular blender, puree it until smooth, and then return it to the pot.

Step 6: Stir in Milk or Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of milk or cream, depending on how rich you want the soup. Stir gently to incorporate and let the soup heat through for 5 to 10 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a boil—this helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture without curdling the dairy.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The flavors should be balanced, creamy, and full of that familiar colcannon warmth.

Step 7: Serve with Crispy Bacon and Green Onions

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy turkey bacon you set aside earlier. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and color.

Serve the soup hot with crusty bread, a buttered roll, or just as it is—it’s hearty enough to stand on its own.

 

Colcannon Soup: FAQ and Final Thoughts

This Cozy Colcannon Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl—warm, creamy, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by a beloved Irish dish, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both rustic and timeless, but with a simple, modern twist for the everyday home cook.

Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand, and hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal.

Before we wrap up, here are some commonly asked questions to help you get the most out of every batch.

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! Simply swap the turkey bacon for a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You’ll still get a flavorful, creamy soup with all the comfort of the original.

2. Can I use red or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet? Definitely. Yukon golds work especially well because they have a naturally buttery texture. Just know that red potatoes will result in a slightly firmer soup unless fully blended.

3. How do I store leftovers? Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

4. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, dairy-based soups may separate slightly upon thawing. To fix this, reheat slowly and stir well to re-emulsify the ingredients.

5. Can I add protein to make it more filling? Absolutely. Diced cooked chicken, leftover ham, or even white beans can be added during the final simmer to bulk it up without overpowering the classic colcannon flavor.

6. What can I serve with it? A slice of buttery soda bread, crusty baguette, or a simple side salad pairs perfectly. This soup is also great as a starter for a holiday meal or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

7. Can I make it without blending? Of course. If you prefer a chunky texture, just skip the blending step altogether. The soup will still be creamy from the potatoes and milk.

Conclusion: Classic Comfort in Every Spoonful

This Colcannon Soup Recipe brings the heart of a traditional Irish favorite into a new, spoonable form that’s every bit as cozy and comforting. It’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and full of simple ingredients that turn into something special when simmered together.

It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and your table. Whether you stick to the original or put your own spin on it, this soup is one you’ll want to make again and again.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you keep it classic or add something extra? Let me know in the comments and share your favorite cozy add-ins.

Here’s to warm bowls, simple meals, and the kind of comfort food that just feels like home. Enjoy!

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