Imagine sitting down to a plate of Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes, where the golden crust gives way to a warm, fluffy interior bursting with flavor. The irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic and buttery cabbage fills the air, teasing your taste buds and beckoning you to take that first bite. These cakes are not just food; they are an experience, a delightful dance of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds.
I still remember the first time I made these cakes for my friends during a cozy dinner party. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in delight, and laughter filled the room. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual weeknight dinner—these Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes promise an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Nothing compares to watching your friends and family devour these cakes with joy written all over their faces.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cabbage: Use fresh green cabbage for its sweet flavor; avoid any wilted leaves that scream ‘yesterday’s lunch.’
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Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor impact.
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Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets; they provide the fluffiest texture when mashed.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
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Chives: Fresh chives add a lovely oniony kick; dried chives won’t do these cakes justice.
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Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together; don’t skip it unless you’re feeling adventurous.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those lovely flavors in the cakes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes
Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping about four medium-sized potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15 minutes should do it.
Sauté the Cabbage and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add one finely chopped onion, then toss in half a head of shredded cabbage along with three minced garlic cloves. Cook until soft and fragrant—about 8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Drain the potatoes and mash them in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the sautéed cabbage mixture along with chopped chives, salt, pepper, and half a cup of flour until well-combined.
Form the Patties: Scoop out portions of the mixture with your hands (or an ice cream scoop) and shape them into patties about half an inch thick. If you like them crispy on the outside (and who doesn’t?), coat each side lightly with flour.
Cook Until Golden Brown: Heat more butter or oil in your skillet over medium heat. Place patties in batches without crowding them. Fry each cake until golden brown on both sides—around 4-5 minutes per side should do it.
Serve Hot!: Serve these beauties hot from the skillet with sour cream or applesauce on top if you’re feeling adventurous—the sour cream adds a tangy contrast that’s simply divine!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This showstopping Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the potatoes while you sauté the cabbage and garlic. This multitasking ensures everything finishes simultaneously, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in your Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cabbage for kale or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate your Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through for a deliciously crispy exterior.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This professional-quality Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing my first attempt at these cakes brings a smile; my family devoured them, asking when I’d make them again! Their laughter filled our kitchen as we bonded over every crispy bite.
FAQ
What makes Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes unique?
Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes offer a delightful twist on traditional Irish colcannon by transforming mashed potatoes into crispy cakes packed with flavorful cabbage and garlic. The texture contrasts make it irresistible.
Can I make these cakes vegan?
Yes! Simply replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk in your mashed potatoes. You’ll still enjoy tasty Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve with these cakes?
These cakes pair beautifully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. They can also shine as a standalone dish topped with sour cream or yogurt.
How do I know when my cakes are done cooking?
Look for golden-brown edges and a crispy exterior; this indicates they are ready to be flipped or removed from the heat. Trust your senses—the aroma alone will guide you!
Conclusion for Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes
In summary, mastering Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes is all about timing, creativity, and personal touches. With simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary, these cakes are perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and get ready to impress with delightful food memories!
Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes
Cabbage & Garlic “Colcannon” Cakes are a delightful twist on a traditional Irish dish, transforming creamy mashed potatoes into crispy, golden cakes filled with sautéed cabbage and aromatic garlic. These cakes offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have your family and friends craving more. Ideal for any occasion, they are simple to make and can be served as a side or a hearty main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cakes 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add cabbage and garlic; cook for 8 minutes until soft.
- Combine mashed potatoes with sautéed mixture, chives, flour, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Form into patties (about half an inch thick) and lightly coat with flour.
- In the skillet, heat remaining butter over medium heat. Cook patties in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Substitute kale for cabbage or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. For vegan options, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.







