A rustic and hearty Irish-inspired meal, colcannon with sausage and baked beans is the perfect comfort food for cozy evenings or traditional holiday gatherings. Creamy mashed potatoes are blended with buttery sautéed cabbage and green onions to create a flavorful colcannon, served with savory pan-fried sausages and a warm scoop of baked beans. This dish offers a satisfying balance of textures and savory flavors on one plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Colcannon with sausage and baked beans brings together the warmth of Irish tradition with everyday ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. The creamy potatoes and buttery cabbage create a rich, comforting base, while the sausages and beans add protein and a savory, slightly sweet contrast. It’s a complete meal that’s both budget-friendly and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, this dish is a cozy and wholesome choice for the entire family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the colcannon:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sausage and beans:
- 4 pork sausages (Irish-style or bratwurst)
- 1 (15 oz) can baked beans
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for beans)
Directions
- Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the shredded cabbage and green onions over medium heat until softened and lightly golden, about 6–8 minutes.
- Mash the boiled potatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and warm milk or cream until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the sautéed cabbage and onions. Season the colcannon with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausages until browned and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes.
- While sausages cook, heat baked beans in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in mustard if desired for added flavor.
- Serve generous portions of colcannon with a sausage and a scoop of baked beans on each plate.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace pork sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetarian baked beans.
- Cheesy Colcannon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the sautéed cabbage and onions for a more aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy sausages or add chili flakes to the baked beans for heat.
- Sweet and Savory Beans: Mix in a splash of maple syrup or brown sugar to the beans for added sweetness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the colcannon in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring occasionally. Sausages and beans can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid freezing the colcannon, as the texture of the mashed potatoes may change.
FAQs
What kind of potatoes are best for colcannon?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best for smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Can I make the colcannon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the colcannon up to a day in advance. Reheat gently with added milk or butter to restore creaminess.
What sausages pair well with this dish?
Traditional Irish bangers, bratwurst, or even Cumberland sausages all work well due to their mild, savory flavor.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply substitute the sausages with a vegetarian option and ensure the baked beans are meat-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the colcannon?
Yes, leeks or kale are great additions or substitutes for cabbage and green onions.
What can I use instead of baked beans?
You can serve this dish with stewed tomatoes, peas, or a simple onion gravy instead of beans.
Is mustard necessary in the beans?
No, it’s optional. Mustard adds a tangy kick, but the beans are flavorful on their own.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-mashing and use warm milk and butter to achieve a creamy texture without becoming sticky.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, though the flavor will be slightly different, and the color will change the appearance of the colcannon.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad, pickled onions, or a slice of soda bread complement this meal nicely.
Conclusion
Colcannon with sausage and baked beans is a hearty, comforting meal that brings the warmth of Irish home cooking to your table. Creamy mashed potatoes combined with buttery cabbage, alongside savory sausages and sweet baked beans, create a well-rounded and deeply satisfying plate. Whether enjoyed during colder months, festive holidays, or any time you’re craving a rustic dish, this recipe is sure to please with its simplicity and flavor.
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Colcannon with Sausage and Baked Beans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Colcannon with Sausage and Baked Beans is a rustic and hearty Irish-inspired comfort food dish featuring buttery mashed potatoes with cabbage and green onions, paired with savory sausages and classic baked beans. Perfect for cozy dinners or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Colcannon:
-
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
-
1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
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4 green onions, chopped
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4 tbsp butter (divided)
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1/2 cup milk or cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sausage and Beans:
-
4 pork sausages (Irish-style or bratwurst)
-
1 (15 oz) can baked beans
-
1 tsp mustard (optional, for beans)
Instructions
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Boil chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté shredded cabbage and green onions over medium heat until soft and lightly golden, 6–8 minutes.
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Mash boiled potatoes with remaining 2 tbsp butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Fold in sautéed cabbage and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a separate skillet, cook sausages over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes.
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Heat baked beans in a saucepan and stir in mustard if desired.
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Plate the colcannon with sausages and a scoop of baked beans. Serve hot.
Notes
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For extra flavor, brown the sausages first and sauté cabbage in the same pan.
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You can use vegetarian sausages or beans to make it meat-free.
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Add garlic or leeks to the colcannon for more depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Boiled, Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
