If you’re looking for a delightful, comforting treat that combines the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the hearty crunch of cabbage and the irresistible pull of melted cheese, the Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy bites are bursting with flavor, bringing a fresh twist to the traditional Irish colcannon in a fun and shareable form. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these balls deliver warmth, texture, and cheesy bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from creamy mashed potatoes providing the perfect base to vibrant cabbage adding crunch and a touch of freshness. The cheese gives richness, while green onions contribute a mild bite, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile and delightful texture.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Leftover or cooled mashed potatoes work best for forming sturdy balls with a creamy texture inside.
- 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Choose your favorite cheese for melty, gooey pockets of flavor—cheddar is a classic choice.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Infuses a gentle sharpness that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to help keep the balls intact during frying.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating: Provides the necessary crunch on the outside and absorbs moisture inside for better structure.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Olive oil (for frying): Yields a golden, crispy crust with a delicate flavor.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Base for a creamy, tangy dipping sauce accompanying the balls.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped: Gives a fresh, oniony note to the dip.
- A pinch of salt and pepper: To finely season the dipping sauce and balance its flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes
Start with mashed potatoes that are either leftover from a previous meal or freshly made and cooled to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial because warm potatoes will make the mixture too soft to shape into balls, so letting them cool helps achieve that perfect, moldable texture.
Step 2: Mix the colcannon ingredients
In a spacious bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with finely chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. This blend forms the heart of your balls, balancing creaminess and crunch along with bursts of cheese throughout each bite.
Step 3: Bind the mixture
Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs to the bowl along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly. The beaten egg acts as glue, while the breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture, ensuring your balls won’t fall apart during frying. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs slightly if the mixture feels too wet.
Step 4: Shape and coat the balls
Take small portions of the mixture—about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter—and roll them tightly into balls. Then, roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs, which will give you that irresistible, crispy golden crust once fried.
Step 5: Fry to perfection
Heat olive oil generously in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the balls without overcrowding the pan. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare the dipping sauce
While the balls are frying or just before serving, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple, tangy sauce perfectly complements the cheesy, savory richness of the colcannon balls.
Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy
Plate your crisp, golden Cheesy Colcannon Balls hot, ready to be dipped into the creamy sauce. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, when the cheese is warm and gooey, and the crunch is at its peak.
How to Serve Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives can brighten up your Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil also enhances appearance and adds a flavor dimension, creating a truly inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
These cheesy bites pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of hearty soup. Their rich texture and cheesy notes complement fresh, vibrant sides beautifully, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the balls on skewers with alternating pieces of grilled vegetables or olives for a party platter. Or arrange them around a colorful dip spread as a centerpiece for casual gatherings. You could even stuff mini colcannon balls into slider buns for a playful appetizer sandwich variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cheesy Colcannon Balls left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep their texture intact, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
These balls freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, making them a convenient make-ahead snack.
Reheating
For the best crispy results, reheat the frozen or refrigerated balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes instead of microwaving. This helps revive their golden exterior while warming the cheesy center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes, or is leftover better?
Both work, but leftover mashed potatoes are ideal since they tend to be firmer and less sticky, which helps the balls hold their shape better. If using fresh potatoes, make sure they are fully cooled before mixing.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic for its sharpness and melting quality, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stringy cheese pulls, gouda for smokiness, or even a crumbly feta for a tangy take.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Baking the colcannon balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes while turning halfway through can yield a slightly lighter, less oily version with a good crunch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free mustard in the dipping sauce to keep the dish entirely gluten-free without compromising on taste.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart during frying?
Using the beaten egg and the right amount of breadcrumbs is key. If your mixture feels too wet, adding a little more breadcrumbs or chilling the formed balls in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before frying helps them firm up and maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. The warm, cheesy center contrasted with a crispy coating and fresh cabbage bits brings a comforting hug in food form. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and see just how addictive these little bites become for your family and friends. Happy cooking and happy snacking!
Print
Cheesy Colcannon Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Cheesy Colcannon Balls are a delightful twist on traditional Irish colcannon, combining creamy mashed potatoes, finely chopped cabbage, and melted cheddar cheese into crispy, golden-fried bite-sized balls. Served with a tangy sour cream and Dijon mustard dipping sauce, these savory snacks are perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 at room temperature. If making fresh, cook, mash, and allow them to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the colcannon mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with finely chopped cabbage, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix to incorporate evenly.
- Add binder and seasoning: Add the beaten egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper into the potato mixture. Stir thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet to hold shape, gradually add a bit more breadcrumbs.
- Form the balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll into balls approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Fry the balls: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the colcannon balls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook until golden: Fry each ball for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning gently until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the dipping sauce (optional): In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, chopped fresh chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy dipping sauce.
- Serve hot: Present the cheesy colcannon balls warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes helps the mixture hold better and prevents sogginess.
- Adapt the cheese to your preference; sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor, but mozzarella or gouda can be delicious alternatives.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure even cooking and maintain crispiness.
- The dipping sauce is optional but adds a delicious tangy complement to the rich colcannon balls.
