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 a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with classic Irish flavors, this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is a no-brainer. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect any time you want a taste of Ireland right in your own kitchen.

A close-up of a purple pot filled with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces. The cabbage layers are soft, light green and pale yellow with a slightly glossy texture, mixed with crispy, small, reddish-brown bacon strips scattered evenly throughout. Small black mustard seeds are sprinkled on top, adding texture variation, all inside the pot placed 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 absolutely adore this dish because it brings together simple ingredients in such a surprisingly flavorful way. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comfort food at its finest.

Rich, savory taste: Thick-cut bacon renders a luscious, smoky fat that infuses the cabbage beautifully.
Easy to make: Just a handful of ingredients and about half an hour on the stove—you can't beat that.
Versatile side: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day but equally great alongside any roast or stew year-round.
Comfort food classic: Brings a genuine taste of Irish tradition straight to your dinner table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this recipe, I always start with fresh, quality ingredients that really let the natural flavors shine through. When shopping, look for thick-cut bacon with a good balance of meat and fat, and a firm, fresh green cabbage to hold up during cooking.

Flat lay of thick-cut bacon strips with natural fat marbling, a large halved green cabbage with crisp fresh leaves, a whole large onion with smooth papery skin, a small white bowl filled with golden mustard seeds, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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 a rich, smoky base and enough fat to gently cook the cabbage.
Green cabbage: The star vegetable here—its sweetness softens perfectly, soaking up all the bacon goodness.
Onion: Adds depth and a touch of natural sweetness when sautéed with the bacon.
Chicken broth: Keeps the cabbage moist and tender while lending a savory undertone.
Mustard seeds: Give a subtle, tangy pop of flavor that complements the smokiness of bacon.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together beautifully.

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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

One of the best things about the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to personalize to your taste. Whether you're aiming for a vegetarian twist or looking to enhance the flavors, a few simple tweaks can make this classic dish your own.

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping out the bacon for smoked tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It adds a lovely smoky depth without sacrificing the comforting nature of the dish.
Seasoning Boost: For an extra punch, try adding a bit more mustard seeds or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. It really brightens up the flavors and wakes up the palate.
Seasonal Twist: In late autumn, I like to add some diced carrots or parsnips along with the cabbage for a sweeter and earthier side, which pairs beautifully with roasts.

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

A close-up image shows a silver spoon lifted with a mix of cooked cabbage and reddish-brown pieces of bacon. The cabbage layers are pale green and soft with slight browning, showing a tender texture. The bacon pieces are crispy with a rich, deep reddish hue, mixed in with the cabbage. The spoon is held above a large white bowl filled with more of the same cabbage and bacon mixture, all in a warm, cozy setting. The background surface has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon to Render the Flavorful Fat

Start by placing a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut your 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into 4 pieces each, separating them to allow even cooking. Add the bacon to the pot and stir occasionally as it cooks. Your goal here is to gently render the fat and cook the bacon through, but not to crisp it fully. You’ll notice the pot filling with that irresistible smoky aroma — that’s your flavor foundation building!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies for Perfect Simmering

While the bacon does its thing, peel one large onion and slice it into 8 wedges. Next, halve the large green cabbage, remove the core, and cut each half into 6 wedges, giving you 12 wedges total. Having your cabbage and onions prepped makes the cooking process seamless and ensures even tenderness later on.

Step 3: Soften the Onion in the Bacon Fat

Once your bacon is mostly cooked but not crispy, add those onion wedges straight into the pot. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll want the onions to soften and start to become translucent — this adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky bacon perfectly.

Step 4: Introduce Cabbage, Broth, and Mustard Seeds

Carefully add your cabbage wedges, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds to the pot. Give everything a gentle stir to coax the cabbage toward the bottom and lift those bacon pieces upward. This layering helps the cabbage absorb all the wonderful flavors as it simmers.

Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection

Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir once or twice during cooking to promote even tenderness. You’ll know it’s ready when the thickest parts of the cabbage are soft and inviting, soaking up the savory broth and bacon goodness.

Step 6: Season and Serve Warm

Give your skillet dish a taste test before plating — season with salt and pepper as needed to brighten everything up. Serve it warm, and don’t forget to offer whole grain mustard on the side for that extra tangy kick that complements this hearty Irish classic beautifully.

Top Tip

These handy tips will help you master the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe with ease and confidence, making your cooking experience smooth and your dish extra delicious.

Choosing the Bacon Wisely: I recommend going for thick-cut bacon to get that perfect balance of meaty chew and rendered fat, which really infuses the cabbage with flavor.
Timing the Simmer: From experience, simmering the cabbage for a full 20 minutes ensures it’s tender but not mushy—keep an eye on those thickest wedges!
Mustard Seeds Magic: Toast the mustard seeds lightly before adding to the pot for an extra layer of warmth and aroma—it makes a noticeable difference.
Avoid Overcrowding: Give your cabbage room in the pot so it cooks evenly and absorbs all those bacon flavors instead of steaming unevenly.

How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A silver pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small crispy pieces of cooked bacon. The bacon pieces vary in shades of dark red and brown with some areas showing a shiny, oily texture. Golden brown cooking oil pools around the bacon, creating a glossy effect. A silver slotted spoon rests on the right side of the pan, holding some bacon pieces. The pan’s surface shows browned spots where the food was fried. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the skillet just before serving. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side adds that comforting tang that cuts through the richness of the bacon and complements the soft cabbage perfectly. Some like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright pop—definitely worth trying!

Side Dishes

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is versatile as a side dish itself but pairs wonderfully with hearty mashed potatoes, soda bread, or even colcannon. For a protein boost, serve alongside pan-seared sausages or a simple roast chicken, keeping your meal comforting and hearty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer your leftover Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it again without losing that comforting flavor.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, I suggest avoiding it for this recipe because cabbage tends to get a bit watery when thawed. If you must freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 2 months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To preserve the texture and flavors, reheat your leftovers in a large skillet over medium heat. This method helps refresh the cabbage’s tenderness and crisps up the bacon pieces nicely. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the cabbage soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular sliced bacon instead of thick-cut?

Absolutely, but thick-cut bacon holds up better during the simmering process and releases more flavorful fat, giving the dish a richer texture and taste.

What if I don't have chicken broth on hand?

You can use vegetable broth instead, especially if you want a lighter flavor or prefer a vegetarian version (just substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or a similar alternative).

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dish entirely and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet before serving to maintain texture.

How do mustard seeds enhance the dish?

Mustard seeds add a subtle earthy spice and slight crunch that balances the richness of the bacon and the mild sweetness of the cabbage, giving the dish a distinctive traditional Irish touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the simplicity and warmth of this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe. It’s a dish that brings a little piece of Ireland right to your kitchen table, perfect for sharing with loved ones on St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a hearty, soulful side. Enjoy the ease of its preparation and the satisfying blend of flavors—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved staple in your home cooking repertoire!