Potatoes are versatile and can be prepared in so many ways.

One of the favorite ways potatoes are enjoyed is as mashed potatoes; a preparation where the potatoes are mashed until they are smooth and fluffy. 

The mashed potatoes can also be mixed with different vegetables including cabbages. 

Cabbages and mashed potatoes are such a delicious combination that it is enjoyed widely in different recipes 

Colcannon is a well-known Irish recipe that consists of mashed potatoes and cabbages 

Bubble and squeak is a British dish that is made using similar ingredients as colcannon but differs slightly  

In this post we discuss the differences between these dishes  

Difference between Colcannon & Bubble and squeak

Apart from being from different regions, there are a few other differences between these two dishes.

Both colcannon and bubble and squeak consist of mashed potatoes and cabbages, however, in bubble and squeak, the mixture is also pan fried until browned.

In colcannon, melted butter is often poured into the center of the dish unlike bubble and squeak.

Also, colcannon is often made from freshly prepared vegetables while bubble and squeak is traditionally made using leftover ingredients.

What is colcannon

A traditional Irish dish where mashed potatoes is mixed together with cabbages, greens scallions, butter and cream.  

The name of this dish colcannon comes from the Gaelic term “Cal ceannann,” which means “white-headed cabbage”.

Colcannon is commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day, it is also popular on Halloween nights 

This dish is quite inexpensive and the ingredients are readily available. 

There are many regional variations of this staple dish, and it can be eaten as a side dish or a main dish together with ham or bacon 

Colcannon is often served with a depression in the middle of the mashed potatoes which is filled with melted butter

Colcannon Main ingredients

This dish consists of four main ingredients; The potatoes, cabbage, cabbage and milk.

Fluffy potato varieties are perfect for this dish. The potatoes are cooked until they become tender, drained and then mashed with milk.

Although cabbages are traditionally used in this dish, other green including kale may be paired with the mashed potatoes 

The cabbages could be boiled or sautéed in a saucepan until soft. Then the cabbages are shredded

Mashed potatoes are mixed with the shredded cabbage, the mixture is seasoned with salt and also a wide range of herbs and spices.

A depression is often made in the center of the mashed potatoes and cabbage mixture, and melted butter is poured into the well made in the dish   

Bacon, ham, corned beef and any other meat can be thoroughly browned and served alongside this dish  

What is bubble and squeak

Bubble and squeak is a British dish made from cooked potatoes and cabbage 

This dish has been in existence as far back as the 18th century.

Earlier versions of this dish were made with beef . However, modern recipes are made with cabbage. 

Bubble and squeak are often referred to as the English version of colcannon. Traditionally it was made from leftover vegetables from Sunday lunch and eaten for lunch or dinner on Monday  

They ingredients are mixed together and fried.  

The name of this dish is a reference to the noise made during frying the dish is named for the sounds made by the ingredients being pan fried.

Mashed potatoes forms the base of the dish and holds the other ingredients together. It is made with a wide variety of vegetables including cabbages and kale.

The mixture spread out on a skillet and made into one big patty. Then browned on the bottom. 

Bubble and squeak is often eaten with fried egg, bacon or meat as a side dish  

It could also be served as an appetizer.