When it comes to soul-warming comfort food, this Irish bacon, cabbage, and potatoes recipe is an absolute classic. Think tender cabbage, fluffy potatoes, and thick-cut Irish bacon simmered together in a savory broth—it’s simple, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fuss-free dinner with farmhouse vibes, this dish delivers all the hearty goodness with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with every buttery, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling—the perfect one-pot wonder!
- Simple, rustic ingredients with big flavor payoffs.
- Rich, savory broth that brings everything together.
- Easy prep—ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
- Authentic Irish comfort food with zero fuss.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | Irish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | ~55 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Focus Keyword | Irish bacon, cabbage, and potatoes recipe |
Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, sear the Irish bacon over medium heat until golden. Remove and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the chopped onion in the rendered fat until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped potatoes and cabbage wedges to the pot. Return the bacon to the pot, placing it on top. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in broth to just cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 35–40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cabbage is soft.
- Stir in butter before serving for added richness. Let sit for 10 minutes off heat to let flavors meld.
Notes
How to Make Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Step 1: Sear the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, sear your Irish bacon until golden and just starting to crisp. Set aside but keep all that gorgeous rendered fat in the pan—it’s liquid gold!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Layer in the Veggies
Add chopped potatoes and wedges of cabbage to the pot. Nestle the bacon back on top. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour in enough broth to barely cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 35–40 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is silky soft.
Step 5: Finish with Butter (Optional)
Just before serving, stir in a knob of butter for that final, rich finish. Trust me—it takes the flavor up a notch!
Pro Tips for the Best Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potatoes
- Use a mix of cabbage leaves—some thick, some thin—for varied texture.
- Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking; the flavors deepen beautifully.
- Prefer a smoky flavor? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of smoked paprika.
Flavor Variations
- Add carrots or parsnips for a sweet, earthy twist.
- Stir in whole-grain mustard for a tangy bite.
- Swap bacon for corned beef if you’re craving something heartier.
If you’re a potato lover (same here!), you’ve got to check out our rich and creamy Smothered Potatoes Recipe Guide. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Irish bacon, cabbage, and potatoes recipe with:
- A slice of warm soda bread slathered in butter
- A pint of Irish stout or a cup of strong black tea
- A dollop of grainy mustard or horseradish cream on the side
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
You can prep the cabbage and potatoes a day ahead. Store chopped veggies in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leftovers:
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. The flavor gets even better the next day!
Freezing:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.
Craving more cozy one-pot comfort? Don’t miss our ultra-savory Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes—it’s packed with flavor and practically melts in your mouth. Total weeknight winner!
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of Irish bacon?
Yes! Just choose thick-cut bacon for a similar texture and smoky flavor. Or try ham steak if you want a meatier bite.
What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is the classic choice, but Savoy works too. Just avoid red cabbage—it’ll bleed color into the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yep! As long as your broth is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Layer everything in your slow cooker, pour in the broth, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. The bacon will be ultra tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about simple, rustic meals that feed both body and soul. This Irish bacon, cabbage, and potatoes recipe is old-school comfort at its finest—warm, buttery, and packed with the kind of flavor that just makes you sigh with happiness. Whether you’re channeling your Irish roots or just need a cozy meal after a long day, this one’s a keeper. Grab your pot, slice up some cabbage, and let the magic happen.