This Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese combines two comforting classics into one rich and indulgent dish! Featuring crispy bacon, sautéed cabbage, leeks, creamy potatoes, and a three-cheese blend, this dish is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal or cozy comfort food any time of the year. Baked until golden brown with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s an Irish-inspired twist on traditional mac and cheese that’s sure to be a crowd favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Colcannon Mixture:

8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups shredded cabbage
2 leeks, sliced and cleaned
2 large baking potatoes, cooked and shredded
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Cheese Sauce:

3 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup Wisconsin Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup Wisconsin Sharp White Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Wisconsin Havarti cheese, shredded

For the Mac and Cheese:

1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked until tender
1/2 cup panko or plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup scallions, sliced

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes in the microwave, oven, or boiling water until fork-tender. Let cool, peel, and shred using a box grater. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon & Vegetables:
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot. Add onions, garlic, cabbage, and leeks. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded potatoes, mix well, and remove from heat. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Heat milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- In the pot used for the vegetables, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 10 seconds.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Havarti cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup for topping. Mix until fully melted.
Combine Everything:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni, cabbage mixture, crispy bacon, and scallions into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
- Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and the reserved shredded cheese.
Bake & Serve:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Optionally, broil for a few seconds for an extra crispy topping.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra scallions.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~550
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Protein: ~22g
Fat: ~28g
Sodium: ~700mg
Fiber: ~4g

Why You’ll Love This Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese

This unique recipe stands out because it combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the savory, buttery flavors of colcannon. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and hearty potatoes make this the perfect dish for cozy nights.
Savory and Smoky Flavors: Bacon, garlic, and spices add a depth of flavor that elevates traditional mac and cheese.
Rich and Velvety Cheese Sauce: Made with a three-cheese blend of Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, and Havarti, the sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful.
Crispy Topping: A crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the soft and creamy mac and cheese.
Great for St. Patrick’s Day: This Irish-inspired twist makes it a fantastic dish for celebrating Irish cuisine and culture.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Special

This mac and cheese isn’t just about pasta and cheese—it incorporates ingredients that add texture, depth, and richness, making it a standout dish.

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, perfectly capturing the creamy sauce in each bite.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy bite that complements the creamy texture.
Cabbage and Leeks: These traditional colcannon ingredients bring a mild sweetness and a buttery, tender texture.
Shredded Potatoes: The secret to making this dish heartier, shredded potatoes blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
Three-Cheese Blend: A mix of Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, and Havarti creates a balanced cheese sauce that is melty, tangy, and rich.
Spices and Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The final touch for a crunchy, golden-brown topping.

How to Achieve the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

Creating the perfect mac and cheese requires a few essential techniques. Follow these tips to make yours extra creamy and flavorful:

Use Whole Milk: Full-fat milk ensures a rich and velvety cheese sauce.
Warm the Milk First: Adding warm milk to the roux (butter and flour mixture) prevents clumping and creates a smoother sauce.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so always use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the macaroni before mixing it with the cheese sauce—this prevents it from becoming too soft after baking.
Stir Continuously: When making the cheese sauce, stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth texture.

The Magic of Colcannon in Mac and Cheese

Traditional colcannon is an Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and leeks, often mixed with butter or cream for richness. By incorporating cooked and shredded potatoes into mac and cheese, we get a dish that is:

Extra Creamy: The starch from the potatoes blends into the cheese sauce, making it even smoother.
More Satisfying: Adding potatoes makes this a heartier dish that’s extra filling.
Infused with Traditional Irish Flavors: The buttery, garlicky taste of colcannon gives this mac and cheese a comforting, nostalgic feel.

Serving Suggestions for Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by pairing it with classic Irish sides or drinks for a complete meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

Irish Soda Bread: A warm slice of soda bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips for added texture and balance.
Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.
Grilled Sausages: Traditional Irish sausages (bangers) pair wonderfully with this mac and cheese.

Best Drinks to Pair with This Dish

Guinness Stout: The deep, malty flavors of Guinness balance the richness of the cheese.
Irish Whiskey: A smooth whiskey adds warmth and depth to the meal.
Crisp Hard Cider: A dry apple cider complements the cheese and bacon flavors.
White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s so good, there might not be any!), here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping the texture perfect:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Reheating on the Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the cheese sauce separate—use the oven or stovetop for best results.

Customizing Your Colcannon Mac and Cheese

This recipe is easily customizable, so you can tweak it to match your taste preferences.

Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Try a Different Cheese Blend: Swap one of the cheeses for Gouda, Fontina, or Swiss for a unique flavor.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Use Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a slightly sweeter taste.
Make It Extra Crunchy: Mix crushed Ritz crackers or crushed pretzels into the breadcrumb topping for extra texture.

Conclusion

Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of two comforting classics, combining the heartiness of colcannon with the gooey richness of mac and cheese. The result is a creamy, cheesy, smoky, and crispy dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, family gatherings, or any time you want an indulgent meal.

With crispy bacon, caramelized leeks, shredded potatoes, and a luxurious three-cheese sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, its crispy golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect final touch.

Whether you serve it alongside Irish soda bread and a pint of Guinness or enjoy it on its own, this mac and cheese is a comforting, flavorful, and unforgettable dish. Try it today, and experience the best of Irish and American comfort food combined!

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