Bangers and Colcannon is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich, savory flavors in a classic Irish dish. The sausages are braised in Guinness for deep caramelized flavor, while the colcannon mash blends creamy potatoes with crispy bacon and tender cabbage for the perfect balance of textures.
This dish is a staple in Irish pubs and a must try for anyone who loves hearty meals. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for a satisfying dinner, this Guinness braised bangers and colcannon recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Ireland with every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Bangers and Guinness Gravy:
- 6 Irish bangers (or other small, mild flavored sausage)
- 12 oz Guinness beer
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, mashed with
- 1 ½ tbsp flour
- Pinch of Kosher salt
- 1-2 tbsp chicken stock (as needed)
For the Colcannon:
- 1 ½ lbs potatoes, peeled (baby reds or Russets)
- 2 ¾ tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Prepare the bangers: Heat a 12 inch sauté pan over medium heat. Brown the bangers on all sides.
- Pour the Guinness into the pan, reduce to a simmer, and braise the sausages until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove the bangers from the pan.
- Whisk in the brown sugar, butter flour mixture, and salt into the pan drippings. Simmer until thickened, adding chicken stock if needed.
- Make the colcannon: Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, and add 1 ½ tsp salt. Boil until fork tender (10-12 minutes). Drain and keep warm.
- While the potatoes cook, sauté bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Add 2 tbsp butter and the cabbage, cooking until softened but slightly crisp (10-15 minutes).
- Mash the potatoes with 1 tbsp butter and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the cabbage bacon mixture.
- Serve the colcannon topped with the bangers and drizzled with the Guinness gravy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Irish Bangers and Colcannon
Ireland is known for its rich culinary traditions, and few dishes embody the warmth and heartiness of Irish cuisine quite like Bangers and Colcannon. This classic comfort food brings together juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery sautéed cabbage for a dish that is both simple and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, exploring Irish cooking, or just looking for a filling, wholesome meal, Bangers and Colcannon is an excellent choice. This dish has been a staple in Irish homes and pubs for generations, often served with a rich gravy made from beer or stock. Its deep flavors, contrasting textures, and rustic presentation make it a standout meal that can be enjoyed year round.
The Origins of Bangers and Colcannon
To understand the appeal of Bangers and Colcannon, it’s important to look at its history. The term “bangers” refers to sausages, which got their name during World War I due to the high water content in cheaply made sausages at the time. When cooked, they would often pop or “bang” in the pan hence the name. Traditional Irish bangers are made from pork and mild seasonings, creating a tender, juicy sausage that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Colcannon, on the other hand, is a traditional Irish dish that dates back centuries. The word itself comes from the Gaelic term cál ceannann, meaning “white headed cabbage.” This comforting mashed potato dish was typically made with cabbage or kale, along with butter, cream, and sometimes bacon. It was often served on Halloween, where small charms like coins or rings would be hidden inside, each symbolizing a different fortune for the person who found them.
When combined, Bangers and Colcannon create a meal that is not just flavorful but also deeply rooted in Irish heritage.
Why This Dish Is So Popular
One of the reasons Bangers and Colcannon remains a beloved dish is its hearty and satisfying nature. Irish cuisine often revolves around simple, affordable ingredients that can be transformed into something comforting and delicious. This dish is the perfect example of that philosophy.
Here’s why Bangers and Colcannon continues to be a favorite:
- Simple, High-Quality Ingredients – This meal doesn’t rely on fancy or expensive ingredients. Instead, it highlights fresh, natural foods like sausages, potatoes, and cabbage.
- Comforting and Filling – The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes balance beautifully with the crispy, slightly sweet cabbage and rich, savory sausages. This makes it an incredibly satisfying dish.
- Perfect for Cold Weather – Irish winters can be chilly, and this dish provides the warmth and nourishment needed to keep cozy.
- Pairs Well with Beer – Since the gravy is often made with Guinness or another dark beer, it naturally pairs well with a pint of the same. The slight bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the meal, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
How to Elevate This Classic Dish
While Bangers and Colcannon is delicious in its traditional form, there are several ways to put a modern spin on it. If you’re looking to personalize the dish or make it even more special, here are some ideas:
- Use Different Sausages – While Irish bangers are ideal, you can experiment with different types of sausages, such as bratwurst, chorizo, or chicken sausage.
- Try a New Gravy – A Guinness-based gravy is a popular option, but a cider or whiskey gravy can add a whole new dimension of flavor.
- Add Extra Vegetables – Some variations include carrots, leeks, or onions in the colcannon to enhance the dish’s natural sweetness.
- Make it Vegetarian – You can replace the bangers with plant-based sausages and skip the bacon in the colcannon for a vegetarian friendly version of this Irish classic.
- Cheese Upgrade – Stirring in some Irish cheddar into the colcannon adds a creamy, cheesy element that makes it even more indulgent.
What to Serve with Bangers and Colcannon
Though Bangers and Colcannon is often served as a complete meal on its own, you can enhance your dining experience with some classic Irish side dishes:
- Irish Soda Bread – A simple, slightly sweet bread that pairs well with the richness of the dish.
- Peas or Roasted Vegetables – Adding a side of peas or roasted root vegetables (like carrots and parsnips) can bring some extra color and nutrition to the plate.
- Pickled Red Cabbage – The acidity of pickled cabbage helps cut through the creamy and savory elements of the dish, making for a great contrast.
The Best Occasion for Bangers and Colcannon
While this meal is perfect any time of year, there are a few occasions when it truly shines:
- St. Patrick’s Day – This is one of the most traditional Irish dishes you can make to celebrate the holiday.
- Cold Winter Nights – When the weather is cold, few meals are as satisfying and comforting as this.
- Sunday Dinners – If you’re looking for a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is a great choice.
- Family Gatherings – With its rich, homey flavors, Bangers and Colcannon is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
A Taste of Ireland in Every Bite
If you’ve never had Bangers and Colcannon, now is the perfect time to give it a try. The combination of crispy sausages, buttery mashed potatoes, and savory cabbage makes for a meal that is comforting, flavorful, and steeped in tradition.
Even if you don’t have access to traditional Irish bangers, you can still enjoy the dish with other sausages or make small modifications to suit your taste. The essence of the meal lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it an excellent dish to cook when you want something warming and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion:
Bangers and Colcannon is more than just a meal it’s a taste of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a dish that continues to be loved by generations of families and food lovers alike. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or just craving a comforting dinner, this classic Irish dish delivers on both taste and tradition.
So next time you’re in the mood for a rustic, homey dish with deep flavors, consider making Bangers and Colcannon a meal that brings a little piece of Ireland’s warmth and charm to your table.