If you’re craving a snack that’s comfort food at its absolute best, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe. These golden, crispy little bites combine creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage, a rich hint of cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions for the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or a cozy treat to enjoy on a chilly night, this recipe hits all the right notes with its crispy outside and gooey, cheesy inside. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each item plays a crucial part—mashed potatoes give it that silky base, cabbage adds a tender crunch and vibrant color, while cheese brings that irresistible gooey richness. Let’s check out what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Leftover or cooled mashed potatoes work best for forming the balls without falling apart.
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped: Adds moisture, texture, and a subtle earthiness to the mix.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or any cheese you prefer, for that irresistible melty center.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Brings a mild, fresh onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating): Adds crunch and helps the balls keep their shape.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Olive oil (for frying): Gives the balls a golden, crispy finish.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Base for a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing to the sauce that pairs beautifully.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped: Delivers herbal notes to the dip.
- A pinch of salt and pepper: To balance the dipping sauce flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
The foundation of this Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe is beautifully smooth mashed potatoes. If you’re working with leftovers, make sure they’ve cooled to room temperature; this keeps the mixture from being too wet. If you’re starting fresh, cook your potatoes until tender, mash them well, and allow them to cool completely before continuing. This step is key to ensuring your colcannon balls hold their shape during frying.
Step 2: Mix the Colcannon Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with finely chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. This blend brings a wonderful blend of creamy, cheesy, and fresh vegetable flavors that define this dish. Stir everything well to distribute the ingredients evenly, creating a uniform mixture that will be delicious in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Breadcrumbs
Now it’s time to bind your colcannon mixture. Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together nicely. If the mixture feels too moist and sticky, sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs. The goal is a consistency firm enough to hold its round shape as you form your balls.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Take small handfuls of the mixture, rolling each into balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Once shaped, roll each ball in the extra breadcrumbs so they get a nice coating. This crumb layer adds a fabulous crunch after frying, making every mouthful simply irresistible.
Step 5: Fry the Colcannon Balls
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, gently place the colcannon balls into the pan in batches—avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly. Fry each ball for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a perfect golden brown and develop a crisp crust. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
While the balls are frying, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This creamy sauce complements the cheesy colcannon balls wonderfully, adding a tangy, herbaceous touch that is simply addictive.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your cheesy colcannon balls hot and fresh, accompanied by the zesty dipping sauce on the side. This is the moment your hardworking recipe shines—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or more chives over your colcannon balls. A dusting of smoked paprika or a light drizzle of honey mustard also elevates the presentation and adds subtle layers of flavor that your guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
Cheesy colcannon balls make fantastic finger food, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a heartier meal. Consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy slaw to balance the richness with brightness and fresh bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic dish into a fun appetizer by skewering two or three colcannon balls on cocktail sticks. You can also create a loaded colcannon ball slider using soft buns, adding lettuce and a smear of your preferred sauce for a satisfying handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, maintaining their delicious flavors and texture when properly reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked colcannon balls on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to two months and are perfect to keep on hand for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Reheating
To bring your cheesy colcannon balls back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This restores their texture much better than a microwave, keeping them delectably crunchy on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftovers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Freshly mashed potatoes work wonderfully as long as they’ve cooled down completely before using in the recipe. This helps prevent the mixture from being too sticky and makes shaping the balls easier.
What kind of cheese works best in Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice because of its strong flavor and great melting quality, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a smoked cheese for a deeper flavor twist.
Is it possible to bake Colcannon balls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven for a slightly healthier version. Just place the balls on a lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Can I make the dipping sauce dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise, and you still get a deliciously creamy and tangy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the balls.
How can I add extra flavor to the colcannon balls?
Try sautéing the cabbage and green onions before mixing for a sweeter, more complex flavor, or add minced garlic, herbs like thyme or parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe is such a comforting, tasty treat that I can’t recommend it enough. It’s quick to whip up, uses straightforward ingredients, and results in a snack or side dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them all to yourself, these golden balls of goodness are sure to become a cherished classic in your kitchen. Give them a try and prepare to be hooked!
Print
Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a delightful twist on traditional Irish colcannon, combining creamy mashed potatoes, tender cabbage, and melted cheddar cheese into crispy, golden-fried bites. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these balls are served hot with a tangy sour cream and Dijon mustard dipping sauce that perfectly complements their rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients
Colcannon Balls
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover or cooled)
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are cooled to room temperature. For fresh mashed potatoes, cook and mash them first, then allow to cool.
- Make the colcannon mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with finely chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Combine binding ingredients: Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet to form balls, add more breadcrumbs gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Shape the balls: Portion the mixture into small balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, then roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat oil and fry: Warm a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the colcannon balls carefully in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until golden: Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently, until the balls are crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the dipping sauce (optional): In a small bowl, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, chopped chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy colcannon balls hot alongside the dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes helps achieve a firmer texture and easier handling.
- If cabbage is not preferred, you can substitute with kale or spinach for a similar effect.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the balls from absorbing too much oil.
- The dipping sauce can be customized by adding garlic powder or lemon juice for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These balls can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway, as a healthier alternative to frying.
