Name: Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 24 ounces thick-cut bacon; 1 large green cabbage; 1 large onion; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving something hearty yet simple, this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is just the thing to make you feel warm and cozy. It’s a classic Irish dish that combines thick-cut bacon with tender cabbage and a touch of mustard seeds, simmered gently in chicken broth for a truly comforting side.

The image shows a deep purple pot filled with cooked cabbage and bacon. The dish has roughly three layers: a base of soft, wilted pale green and yellow cabbage leaves, a middle mix of tender white cabbage with some light green pieces, and crispy small chunks of reddish-brown bacon scattered evenly throughout. There are small black mustard seeds sprinkled on top, adding a speckled texture to the dish. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Irish bacon and cabbage skillet countless times, especially around Saint Patrick’s Day—it always hits the spot, and the kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma. It’s so straightforward but undeniably satisfying!

Minimal ingredients: Only 5 main ingredients needed, making it a quick pantry-friendly recipe.
Perfect balance: The salty richness of thick-cut bacon pairs beautifully with the mild, slightly sweet cabbage.
Comfort food classic: A traditional Irish dish that’s ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
Easy to scale: Feeds up to 8 servings, perfect for family or gathering friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about letting a handful of fresh, simple ingredients shine. When shopping, look for thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor, and choose a large, crisp green cabbage that’s vibrant and fresh, since it’s the star vegetable here.

Flat lay of thick-cut raw bacon strips arranged loosely, a large fresh green cabbage cut in half showing crisp leaves, a whole large yellow onion peeled with natural skin texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, and a small white ceramic bowl containing whole mustard seeds, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Thick-cut bacon: Provides meaty flavor and renders enough fat to gently cook the veggies without extra oil.
Green cabbage: Holds up well to simmering and adds a pleasant crunch and slight sweetness.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness that softens when sautéed and complements the bacon perfectly.
Chicken broth: Infuses depth and moisture, enriching the cabbage and bacon as they cook.
Mustard seeds: Bring a delicate, warm pungency that lifts the whole dish with a subtle kick.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing out all the natural flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you're tweaking it for dietary needs or adding seasonal touches, there are plenty of ways to keep this classic dish feeling fresh and exciting.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this dish using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. While it’s not quite the traditional Irish take, the hearty cabbage and mustard seeds shine through beautifully.
Seasonal Touch: Adding a handful of diced potatoes or carrots can stretch the dish and add some natural sweetness. It made for a wonderful, more filling meal during colder months.
Mustard Twist: For an extra pop of flavor, I sometimes drizzle whole grain mustard on top just before serving—it’s the perfect tangy contrast to the smoky bacon and tender cabbage.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

The image shows a spoon lifted above a deep white bowl with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces inside. On the spoon, there are layers of soft, light green cabbage leaves with a slightly glossy texture mixed with small, crispy, reddish-brown bacon bits. The cabbage looks tender and juicy, and the bacon has a slightly crunchy appearance. In the background, the dish inside the bowl has a similar mix of cabbage and bacon, with steam rising, giving a warm and fresh feel. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon Just Right

Start by placing a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into 4 pieces each—this helps them cook evenly. Separate the pieces and add them to the pot. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks through without getting too crispy. You want the bacon to be cooked but still a bit tender because it’ll continue simmering with the cabbage later. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The smell at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies Like a Pro

While the bacon is working its magic, peel one large onion and slice it into 8 wedges. Then, cut a large green cabbage in half, remove the core, and cut each half into 6 wedges for a total of 12 wedges. These wedges are perfect for simmering because they hold their shape but soften nicely. Having your vegetables ready at this stage makes the next steps seamless.

Step 3: Sauté Onions to Sweet Perfection

Once the bacon is mostly cooked but not fully crisped, add the onion wedges right to the pot. Let them sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. You’ll notice the onions mellowing out and adding a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly with the smoky bacon.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Next, add your cabbage wedges, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds into the pot. Give everything a good stir to settle the cabbage at the bottom and let the bacon float to the top. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure everything softens evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the thickest parts of the cabbage are tender and perfectly infused with the smoky, tangy flavors.

Step 5: Taste, Season, and Serve

Give your skillet a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy—seasoning elevates the dish! Serve warm, and if you like, place some whole grain mustard on the side for dipping or drizzling. It adds a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the rich bacon and earthy cabbage.

Top Tip

Getting the best out of your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is all about balancing textures and flavors, so these tips should help you enjoy every bite!

Perfect Bacon Texture: Cook the bacon until it’s tender but not fully crispy. This allows it to release flavor without becoming tough, which complements the soft cabbage beautifully.
Even Cabbage Wedges: Cut the cabbage into evenly sized wedges to ensure they cook through uniformly during the simmer, avoiding any tough or undercooked spots.
Mustard Seed Magic: Toast the mustard seeds lightly before adding if you want a nuttier aroma and slightly enhanced flavor — it really wakes up the dish.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low during simmering so the cabbage becomes tender but retains a pleasant bite, steering clear of mushiness.

How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A silver pan filled with small pieces of cooked bacon that are crispy and reddish-brown, sizzling with some bubbling grease around them. A silver slotted spoon is resting inside the pan, lifting some bacon pieces. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with browned bits stuck to the pan's base, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely bright color and a hint of freshness that balances the savory richness. If you love a little kick, serve with a dollop of whole grain mustard on the side—it’s a classic partner that complements the bacon and cabbage perfectly.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with traditional Irish sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttered boiled potatoes. If you prefer something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables also make lovely companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe has cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 5 days, making this dish a convenient option for busy days.

Freezing

While this recipe freezes okay, the texture of the cabbage may soften after thawing. If you want to freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a large skillet over medium heat. This method helps maintain the cabbage’s texture and revives the bacon’s flavor better than microwaving, which can sometimes make the cabbage soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bacon?

Absolutely! Thick-cut bacon is traditional and holds up well in this recipe, but you can use regular sliced bacon if that's what you have. Just watch the cooking time as thinner bacon may crisp up faster.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a meat-free version, but keep in mind it won’t be the traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe.

How do I know when the cabbage is tender enough?

After 20 minutes of simmering, pierce the thickest part of a cabbage wedge with a fork. It should slide in easily without resistance but not be falling apart.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavors actually deepen when it sits overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a simple, hearty Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe that brings a little taste of Ireland to your table. Whether it’s for Saint Patrick’s Day or just a cozy night in, this dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and warms the soul. So gather your ingredients, follow along, and enjoy the delicious traditions of Irish cooking right at home.