Colcannon is a classic Irish side made with mashed potatoes, butter, cream, and leafy greens like kale, chard, or cabbage. It’s simple to prepare, hearty, and comforting — the perfect accompaniment for roasted meats or stews. This Traeger-style version adds a gentle smoke that deepens the flavor while keeping the traditional creamy texture. Try this Traeger Colcannon recipe for an easy, crowd-pleasing side.
Easy Traeger Colcannon Recipe
Potatoes are endlessly versatile, and colcannon is one of the best ways to celebrate them. This smoky Traeger take pairs beautifully with rich mains — we especially like it beside a beef stew or smoked corned beef and cabbage. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday spread, the creamy potatoes and sautéed greens make a satisfying side that’s both rustic and refined.
If you’re serving this with a stew that already contains potatoes, it’s still worth making: two potato sides are a welcome indulgence for many potato lovers.
Use chard, kale, or cabbage depending on what’s in season or what you prefer. The smoky finish from the Traeger elevates the dish without overpowering the classic flavors.
Traeger Colcannon shopping list
Before you start, gather the basics. Quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
- Russet potatoes (starchy potatoes give the best mash)
- Chard (or kale or cabbage)
- Green onions (scallions)
- Butter
- Salt & black pepper
- Heavy whipping cream
How to make Traeger Colcannon — overview
Here’s a quick overview of the process so you know what to expect. The full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions follow in the recipe card below.
- Preheat: Heat your Traeger to 375°F and place a cast iron skillet inside so it warms with the grill.
- Boil the potatoes: Peel (optional), cut, and cook potatoes until fork tender, then drain.
- Sauté the greens: Melt butter in the hot cast iron on the grill, add chopped chard (or kale/cabbage) and cook until wilted. Stir in green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and mash: Reduce the Traeger heat to low (about 225°F). Combine the cooked greens and butter with the drained potatoes and cream. Mash to a smooth, creamy consistency and warm through on low.
- Finish with smoke: Transfer the mashed colcannon to a grill-safe baking dish and return it to the Traeger for about 20–30 minutes to pick up a subtle smoky flavor.
- Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl and top with an extra pat of butter if desired.
Traeger Colcannon
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: about 2 hours (including smoking) • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 extra large russet potatoes
- 4 cups chopped chard (or kale or cabbage)
- 1/3 cup diced green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger to 375°F. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill as it preheats so the pan warms up with the smoker.
- Peel (if desired) and cut the potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water in a large stock pot until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes depending on size. Drain and set aside.
- While the potatoes cook, add the butter to the preheated cast iron skillet on the Traeger and let it melt.
- Add the chopped chard to the skillet, toss to coat in butter, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the green onions, salt, and pepper, and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the grill when the greens are tender.
- Turn the Traeger down to 225°F. Transfer the cooked greens and melted butter into the pot with the drained potatoes, add the heavy cream, and return the pot to low heat on the stovetop or set the skillet over low grill heat.
- Mash the potatoes and greens together until mostly smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let everything warm together for about five minutes.
- Move the mashed colcannon to a grill-safe baking dish, return it to the Traeger, and smoke for about 20–25 minutes to develop a light smoky aroma and flavor.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot with an extra pat of butter on top. Enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Substitute kale or shredded cabbage for chard if preferred; adjust cooking time for tougher kale leaves.
- For a garlic twist, add smoked garlic or roasted garlic to the mash before finishing.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash less; for silkier results, use a potato ricer or hand mixer briefly.
- Leftovers refrigerate well in a covered container for several days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at low temperature, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition (estimate per serving)
Calories: 306 • Total Fat: 22g • Saturated Fat: 14g • Cholesterol: 64mg • Sodium: 533mg • Carbohydrates: 23g • Fiber: 4g • Protein: 5g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
Colcannon FAQ
What other greens can you use?
Chard works wonderfully, but kale and cabbage are classic alternatives. Choose tender spring greens or cook heartier greens a bit longer to soften them.
Best way to store leftovers?
Transfer cooled colcannon to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container, though texture may change slightly on thawing.
How should you reheat leftovers?
The microwave is quick and effective for reheating mashed potatoes. For a more even result, reheat in a covered pan on low heat or in an oven-safe dish at 325°F until warmed through, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
More meat-and-potatoes recipes to love
- Traeger Pot Roast
- Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast
- Steak and Potato French Onion Casserole
- Traeger Garlic Gruyere Potato Gratin
- Smoked Potato Stacks with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Traeger Prime Rib Roast
- Smoked Whole Sirloin Cap Roast
- Balsamic Pot Roast
- Traeger Tri Tip
This Traeger Colcannon keeps the simple, comforting charm of classic colcannon while adding a subtle smoked note. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd and pairs especially well with rich, braised cuts and roasted meats. Enjoy this creamy, savory side at your next family meal or holiday table.
