Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe

Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Irish dish, Colcannon. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, cabbage, and cheese, these golden-brown balls are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these cheesy Colcannon balls are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for comfort food with a cheesy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms the traditional Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage) into bite-sized, cheesy delights. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy interior, making these balls irresistible. With a perfect balance of creamy mashed potatoes, savory cabbage, and melted cheese, these cheesy Colcannon balls are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a classic dish. They are easy to make and perfect for parties, casual meals, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably made with butter and cream)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked cabbage, finely chopped (or kale if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for binding)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Colcannon Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage (or kale), shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined.

2. Form the Balls:

• Add the beaten egg to the potato mixture and stir well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the mixture comes together and is easy to handle.
• Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) from the mixture. Place the formed balls on a tray or plate.

3. Coat the Balls:

• Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Roll each Colcannon ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will give them a crispy exterior when fried.

4. Fry the Colcannon Balls:

• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the Colcannon balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Remove the balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Cheesy Colcannon Balls immediately, garnished with extra green onions or a sprinkle of cheese. They’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. Enjoy with a dipping sauce like sour cream or spicy mustard for added flavor!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on frying batches)
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add bacon: For extra flavor, add crumbled cooked bacon to the potato mixture for a smoky twist.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.
• Oven-baked version: If you prefer to bake the balls instead of frying, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the balls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Cheesy Colcannon Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the balls on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Colcannon balls and refrigerate them before frying. Simply form the balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for up to 1 month. Just fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes work just fine in this recipe.

Can I make these without frying?

Yes, you can bake the Colcannon balls. Simply place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?

Definitely! You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the Colcannon mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a creative and delicious way to enjoy mashed potatoes, cabbage, and cheese all in one crispy, golden bite. Perfect for any occasion, these little bites are easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these Cheesy Colcannon Balls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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