Irish Potatoes are a comforting casserole of creamy mashed potatoes, garlic, and cabbage—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any family meal.
This recipe turns ordinary mashed potatoes into something memorable. The combination of tender potatoes, soft cabbage, and roasted garlic makes a dish that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying.
Even if mashed potatoes aren’t usually your favorite, these Irish Potatoes might change your mind. They hold up well as a make-ahead side and bake into a smooth, luscious casserole that keeps well for leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic holiday side. Familiar Irish flavors make this a great choice for St. Patrick’s Day or any comfort-food meal.
- Simple to prepare. Mostly hands-off boiling, mashing, and baking—easy for weeknights or holiday cooking.
- Vegetables included. Cabbage is cooked into the potatoes, adding nutrition and mild sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Rich, creamy texture. Cream cheese, butter, and sour cream contribute to a velvety finish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and serving size.
- Potatoes – Yukon Golds work beautifully for a creamy texture, but other varieties are fine.
- Cabbage – Coarsely chopped napa or green cabbage.
- Garlic – Whole cloves add a mellow roasted flavor after cooking.
- Chicken bouillon cubes – Adds savory depth; you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.
- Cream cheese – Softened for easy mashing and creaminess.
- Milk – Whole milk yields the best flavor, though other milk options will work.
- Salted butter – For richness and flavor.
- Sour cream – Full fat gives the best tang and texture.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Green onions – Optional garnish for color and freshness.
How to Make Irish Potatoes
Follow these straightforward steps to make a creamy, baked mashed potato casserole with cabbage and garlic.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the vegetables: In a large pot, add peeled and halved potatoes, coarsely chopped cabbage, whole garlic cloves, and chicken bouillon cubes. Cover with water and boil until the potatoes are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- Drain and mash: Drain the pot, then return the potatoes, cabbage, and garlic to the pot. Add softened cream cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, and salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 3-quart casserole dish and cover. Bake for 45 minutes until heated through. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
What to Serve with It
This dish pairs well with hearty mains like beef stew, roasted chicken, or grilled sausages. For vegetable sides that complement the casserole, choose simply prepared greens, roasted root vegetables, or braised carrots.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheesy topping: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar on top before baking for a golden crust.
- Use broth: Replace bouillon cubes with 3 cups (about 720 ml) of chicken broth for similar flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Swap milk for canned coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese to reduce lactose.
- Speed up cooking: Cut potatoes into smaller pieces so they cook faster.
- Add bacon: Stir in or top with crisp bacon for extra savory flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Mash with a stand mixer or potato masher: A stand mixer makes very smooth mashed potatoes, while a hand masher gives a more rustic texture.
- Use quality butter: Good butter improves flavor—Irish butter is traditional but any high-quality salted butter works well.
- Portion neatly: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to serve attractive portions for guests.
- Cover while baking: Keep the casserole covered during baking to prevent the top from drying out; uncover for a few minutes at the end if you want a lightly browned top.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before baking and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
What Is Colcannon?
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage (or kale) and butter or cream. This recipe is very similar to colcannon in flavor and texture and can be considered a baked variation on that classic.
FAQ
Yes. Let the casserole cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot throughout.
Irish potato candies are a no-bake confection made from powdered sugar and other ingredients shaped to look like small potatoes; they are different from this savory casserole.
Related Potato Recipes
If you enjoy potatoes, try other casseroles and preparations such as loaded potato nachos, mashed potato casserole, carrot and potato soup, or lemon roasted potatoes for different textures and flavors.
Have you tried Irish Potatoes before?
If you make this recipe, consider sharing photos of your dish—it’s a great crowd-pleaser and an easy way to celebrate Irish flavors any time of year.
Irish Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lb potatoes, peeled and halved
- 2 ½ cups cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, whole
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add potatoes, cabbage, garlic, and bouillon cubes to a large pot. Cover with water and boil until potatoes are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- Drain the pot. Return contents to the pot and add cream cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and well combined.
- Place the mixture in a greased 3-quart casserole dish and cover. Bake for 45 minutes. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Nutrition
The nutrition information is an estimate and should not replace professional dietary advice.