Cheesy Colcannon Balls

Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a delightful twist on the traditional Irish dish, colcannon. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage and gooey melted cheese, these crispy fried balls make for an irresistible appetizer or snack, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any occasion.​Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen+8Carolyn’s Cooking+8FatFree Vegan Kitchen+8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of creamy potatoes, savory cabbage, and melted cheese creates a harmonious and indulgent taste experience.​
• Crispy Exterior: Frying the colcannon balls results in a satisfying crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.​
• Versatile Serving Options: These balls can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a side dish, making them suitable for various occasions.​
• Great Use of Leftovers: An excellent way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes or colcannon into a new and exciting dish.​For the Love of Cooking+2FatFree Vegan Kitchen+2Carolyn’s Cooking+2

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yukon Gold potatoes​TikTok+7Carolyn’s Cooking+7Fiesta Friday+7
• Green cabbage​Business Insider+11Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen+11Allrecipes+11
• Unsalted butter​
• Whole milk​Carolyn’s Cooking+3Allrecipes+3Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen+3
• Scallions​Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
• Fresh dill​Allrecipes+5Carolyn’s Cooking+5TheVegLife+5
• Mozzarella cheese​
• All-purpose flour​Carolyn’s Cooking
• Eggs​
• Breadcrumbs (regular and panko)​
• Neutral oil for frying​Carolyn’s Cooking
• Salt and pepper​

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.​Carolyn’s Cooking+1Simply Recipes+1
2. Sauté the Cabbage: While the potatoes are cooking, finely chop the green cabbage. In a pan over medium heat, melt some butter and add the cabbage. Cook until softened, approximately 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt to taste.​Carolyn’s Cooking
3. Mash the Potatoes: To the bowl of drained potatoes, add whole milk and unsalted butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in the sautéed cabbage, chopped scallions, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight for best results.​
4. Form the Balls: Once the potato mixture is chilled, stir in a beaten egg for binding. Take a spoonful of the mixture, flatten it into a disk, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and wrap the potato mixture around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.​Carolyn’s Cooking
5. Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of regular and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each ball is evenly coated.​
6. Fry the Balls: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat neutral oil to 350-365°F (175-185°C). Fry the breaded balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.​Allrecipes
7. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Colcannon Balls hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as a green herb dip or mustard sauce.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 10 servings​
• Prep Time: 30 minutes​Business Insider
• Cook Time: 30 minutes​
• Chilling Time: At least 1 hour (preferably overnight)​
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including chilling time)​

Variations

• Cheese Options: While mozzarella provides a delightful melt and stretch, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles.​Carolyn’s Cooking
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate finely chopped kale or leeks along with the cabbage for added nutrition and flavor.​
• Baking Alternative: For a lighter version, bake the breaded balls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover colcannon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in a soggy texture.​

FAQs

How do I prevent the colcannon balls from falling apart during frying?

Ensuring the potato mixture is well-chilled and adding an egg for binding helps maintain the shape. Additionally, handle the balls gently during the breading and frying process.​Carolyn’s Cooking

Can I make these colcannon balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.​

What dipping sauces pair well with Cheesy Colcannon Balls?

A green herb dipping sauce made with sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and fresh herbs complements the flavors well. Mustard-based sauces or even a simple sour cream dip are also excellent choices.​Carolyn’s Cooking

Can I freeze the uncooked colcannon balls?

It’s not recommended to freeze the uncooked balls, as the texture may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked

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