1. Can I make Colcannon Puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also form the puffs, freeze them on a tray, and transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Are Colcannon Puffs gluten-free?

Absolutely. The recipe uses potato or corn starch as a binder, and there are no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check that your plant milk and other add-ins are certified gluten-free if needed.

3. What’s the best way to reheat Colcannon Puffs?

To keep them crispy, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

4. Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Yes, spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard all work well in place of kale. Just be sure to cook and chop them finely to maintain a smooth, cohesive texture in your puffs.

Colcannon Puffs – Best Crispy Vegan Side Dish

Name: Colcannon Puffs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds potatoes: cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 6 ounces kale: stems removed, leaves sliced into strips; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: adds umami and cheesy flavor; 2 teaspoons salt: enhances overall flavor; 1 teaspoon onion powder: provides mild sweetness and depth; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: adds aromatic warmth; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: adds earthy herbal note; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds a light kick; 2 tablespoons plant milk (such as soymilk): adds moisture; 2 tablespoons potato starch or corn starch: binds the mixture and aids crispiness; 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid: used to soften the kale during processing

Description

Colcannon Puffs are a crispy, oven-baked twist on the traditional Irish colcannon, made with mashed potatoes and kale. These vegan-friendly bites are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds potatoes: cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 ounces kale: stems removed, leaves sliced into strips
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: adds umami and cheesy flavor
2 teaspoons salt: enhances overall flavor
1 teaspoon onion powder: provides mild sweetness and depth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: adds aromatic warmth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: adds earthy herbal note
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds a light kick
2 tablespoons plant milk (such as soymilk): adds moisture
2 tablespoons potato starch or corn starch: binds the mixture and aids crispiness
1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid: used to soften the kale during processing

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add kale to the same boiling water and cook for 6 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a food processor with 1/4 cup of cooking liquid. Pulse until finely chopped.
Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add in the chopped kale, nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, plant milk, and starch.
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using a rounded tablespoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone mat.
Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully turn each puff over and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Serve warm as a side dish or snack, optionally with vegan gravy.

Notes

Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Do not over-mash the potatoes to avoid a gummy texture.
Mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 128
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 733mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg