Irresistibly Crispy Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites You’ll Crave

Colcannon takes center stage in this crispy and indulgent appetizer, perfect for those who love comfort food.

These golden bites mix the traditional flavors of potatoes and cabbage with a fresh twist.

This classic dish gets an upgrade with a crunchy outside and a creamy, cheesy inside that promises to excite your taste buds.

With their savory crunch, these bite-sized treats bring together the best of Irish dishes with modern techniques.

The blend of smooth mashed potatoes, caramelized cabbage, and gooey cheese creates a flavor combo that’s hard to resist for both traditionalists and those seeking something new.

Crunchy on the outside yet soft within, these cheesy fried colcannon bites are a fun take on an old favorite.

Tasty Combos With Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites

• Craft a Crisp Irish Beer Companion: Pair these golden potato bites with a cold, refreshing Guinness Stout or Smithwick's Irish Red Ale. The beer's malty undertones perfectly complement the crispy exterior and creamy potato filling, creating a delightful flavor harmony that celebrates Irish culinary traditions.
• Serve with Zesty Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs. The salad's bright, peppery notes will cut through the richness of the fried potato bites, providing a fresh and balanced contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create a Tangy Dipping Station: Expand the sauce options beyond the herby dipping sauce. Offer additional condiments like spicy mustard, sriracha mayo, or a tangy apple chutney. These varied dips will enhance the potato bites' flavor profile and provide exciting taste experiences for different preferences.
• Match with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to accompany the appetizer. The wine's acidity and light body will help balance the potato bites' richness.

Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Colcannon Bites: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, cornmeal, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Potato Cheese Balls: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, replace egg with ground flaxseed mixture, and swap cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives to create a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bites: Swap potatoes with riced cauliflower, reduce breadcrumb coating, and use a lighter cheese like reduced-fat mozzarella to create a lower-carbohydrate appetizer suitable for keto diet followers.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme into the potato mixture, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add a touch of olive tapenade to the dipping sauce for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients in Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites?

The key ingredients include potatoes, cabbage, scallions, cheese cubes, eggs, breadcrumbs, dill, and garlic, creating a delicious Irish-inspired appetizer.

• Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

While it requires multiple steps, the recipe is moderately challenging. Home cooks with basic kitchen skills can successfully prepare these bites with patience and careful preparation.

• Can I prepare these bites in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and form the balls a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated and bread just before frying to maintain their crispy texture.

• What type of cheese works best for the filling?

Cheddar or mozzarella are recommended. Use a cheese that melts well and provides a creamy center when the bites are fried and baked.

Why Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites Are A Hit

• Quick and Easy Appetizer: Create mouthwatering potato bites without complex cooking skills.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire recipe in advance, refrigerate components, and fry when ready to serve, perfect for busy hosts.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine Irish-inspired colcannon with crispy cheese-filled balls that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Party Starter: Excellent for game nights, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual entertaining with minimal last-minute preparation.

All You Need For Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites

• Russet Potatoes: Creamy and starchy, perfect for achieving a smooth texture in colcannon.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth mashed potato consistency.
• Butter: Provides richness and enhances overall flavor of the potato mixture.

• Scallions, Dill: Fresh herbs that add bright, zesty flavor to the potato base.
• Cabbage: Adds texture and traditional Irish colcannon character to the bites.
• Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic flavor to the vegetable mixture.

• Cheese Cubes: Melty center that creates a delicious surprise inside each bite.
• Eggs: Helps bind the potato mixture and provides structure for forming balls.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for coating and helping breadcrumbs adhere to potato balls.
• Breadcrumbs (Regular and Panko): Creates a crispy, golden exterior when fried.

• Herby Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Complements the cheesy potato bites with fresh, tangy flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing cabbage and provides subtle flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste of the dish.

How To Cook Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites

Step 1: Boil and Mash Potatoes

• Wash potatoes
• Place in saucepan with cold water
• Bring to rolling boil
• Cook until fork-tender
• Drain completely
• Mash with milk and butter
• Mix in chopped scallions, fresh dill, and salt

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Heat olive oil in skillet
• Add shredded cabbage
• Cook until soft and translucent
• Toss in minced garlic
• Season with salt
• Fold cabbage mixture into mashed potatoes
• Chill mixture in refrigerator for one hour

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Dipping Sauce

• Combine sauce ingredients
• Blend until silky smooth
• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Refrigerate until serving time

Step 4: Shape Delicious Potato Nuggets

• Dust baking sheet with flour
• Whisk egg into potato mixture
• Use floured hands to create small patties
• Insert cheese cube in center
• Wrap potato around cheese completely
• Place on prepared baking sheet
• Refrigerate while preparing coating

Step 5: Create Crispy Coating

• Set up three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, mixed breadcrumbs
• Roll each potato ball through coating stations
• Return coated balls to baking sheet
• Chill until ready to cook

Step 6: Fry and Finish

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Heat oil to 300°F in deep pan
• Carefully fry potato bites until golden brown
• Drain on paper towels
• Sprinkle with light salt
• Bake for five minutes to melt cheese

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate crispy potato bites
• Serve with chilled dipping sauce
• Enjoy immediately while hot and crunchy

Simple Tips For Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites

• Master the Potato Texture: Boil potatoes in cold water for even cooking and drain completely to prevent soggy potato balls.
• Chill for Stability: Refrigerate potato mixture overnight to firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing falling apart during frying.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Create a crispy coating by using a three-step breading process – flour first for adhesion, egg for binding, and breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Cheese Melt Hack: Bake potato balls after frying to ensure the cheese center melts perfectly without overcooking the exterior.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain oil at 300°F while frying to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the inside.

Store And Reheat Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled potato bites individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for 1-2 months.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat to 375°F. Spread bites on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.

Unforgettable Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irish comfort meets crispy indulgence in these Cheesy Fried Colcannon Bites, blending traditional potato mash with sharp cheddar and green onions. Perfectly golden and crunchy, you’ll savor each bite of this delightful appetizer that brings Dublin’s hearty flavors right to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6-7), peeled and cubed
• 3 cups green cabbage (½ small head), finely chopped
• 1 block whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cubed

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Breading and Frying Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• ¾ cup regular breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 cups neutral oil (for frying)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 small garlic clove
• ½ cup fresh parsley, stems removed
• ½ cup fresh dill, stems removed
• ½ cup scallion greens (from 3–4 scallions)
• Kosher salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in cold water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain completely and mash with dairy ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Incorporate chopped scallions, fresh dill, and a pinch of seasoning into the potato mixture, creating a fragrant base.
3. Sauté shredded cabbage in olive oil over medium heat, allowing it to soften gradually and develop a golden, translucent texture.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the cabbage, cooking briefly to release its aromatic qualities. Season with salt to enhance flavor.
5. Fold the sautéed cabbage into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate the combined mixture for at least one hour to firm up and meld flavors.
6. Whisk together sauce ingredients until uniformly blended, adjusting seasoning as needed. Chill until serving time.
7. Prepare a workstation with flour-dusted parchment paper for assembling potato bites.
8. Gently incorporate an egg into the chilled potato-cabbage mixture to enhance binding.
9. Using floured hands, create small patties, inserting a cheese cube in the center and carefully encasing it with the potato mixture.
10. Establish a three-stage breading station: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs.
11. Meticulously coat each potato ball through the breading process, ensuring complete and even coverage.
12. Heat cooking oil to 300°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
13. Fry potato bites in small batches, rotating to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior.
14. Transfer fried bites to a paper towel to remove excess oil, then finish in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes to guarantee melted cheese.
15. Plate the crispy colcannon bites alongside the prepared herby dipping sauce, serving immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, fluffiest texture that holds together perfectly when forming potato balls.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerating the potato mixture overnight helps bind ingredients and makes shaping easier, preventing balls from falling apart during frying.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg