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

There’s something so comforting about a classic Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, isn’t there? This one blends smoky, savory bacon with tender cabbage to create a deliciously simple dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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 honestly can’t get enough of how effortlessly these few simple ingredients come together to make a cozy, flavorful side. It’s a perfect go-to for Saint Patrick’s Day or just when you want a little taste of Ireland at home.

Minimal Ingredients: Only five main ingredients means less fuss and more flavor.
Rich and Comforting: Thick-cut bacon gives a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with cabbage.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or last-minute guests.
Versatile Side Dish: Goes great alongside everything from potatoes to roast meats.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re shopping for this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, stick to fresh, quality ingredients to get the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon and crunchy green cabbage are key — the rest just brings it all together.

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: The star of the show—adds smoky, savory richness that flavors the whole dish.
Green cabbage: Fresh and crunchy, it softens up perfectly when simmered, soaking up all those bacon juices.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the bacon.
Chicken broth: Keeps the cabbage tender and adds a gentle savory backdrop to the dish.
Mustard seeds: A little pop of warmth and mild spice that complements the smoky bacon beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together just right.

📝

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 this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a little extra spice, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or play with textures, there’s room to make this comforting dish truly yours.

Vegetarian twist: Swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or a smoky mushroom mix. It’s a great way to keep that savory depth while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Seasonal swap: In the colder months, try adding a few diced carrots or parsnips to the pot for a heartier feel. They’ll soak up the flavors beautifully as the cabbage simmers.
Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when you add the mustard seeds. It gives a nice warm kick without overpowering the dish.
Mustard lovers unite: Adding whole grain mustard on the side is traditional and delicious, but stirring in a teaspoon or two right at the end of cooking intensifies that tangy pop.

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 Start

Begin by heating a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut your 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into 4 pieces each. Separate the pieces well before adding them to the pot. Stir frequently and let the bacon cook until it’s tender and sizzling, but don’t wait for it to get crispy. This helps release all those smoky flavors that will infuse the cabbage later.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies Just Right

While the bacon is cooking away, peel your large onion and cut it into 8 wedges. For the cabbage, slice it in half, remove the core, and cut each half into 6 wedges — so you have about 12 cabbage wedges total. This size allows them to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious broth without turning to mush.

Step 3: Soften the Onion with Bacon

Once your bacon is mostly cooked but still a bit tender, add the onion wedges to the pot. Sauté them alongside the bacon for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion pieces start to soften and become translucent. You’ll notice the mixture becomes fragrant, a great sign you’re building layers of flavor.

Step 4: Layer in Cabbage and Seasonings

Add your cabbage wedges, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds into the pot. Stir gently to shift the cabbage to the bottom and bring the bacon upward. This arrangement helps the cabbage soak up the broth and cook evenly while the bacon stays tender on top.

Step 5: Cover and Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes. Give the mixture a stir once or twice during cooking to keep things moving and prevent sticking. After 20 minutes, the thickest parts of your cabbage should be perfectly tender — not mushy, but soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Give your skillet a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish warm, and don’t forget the option to offer whole grain mustard on the side for that extra punch. It’s the perfect, cozy Irish side dish that pairs wonderfully with hearty mains or stands beautifully on its own.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, making the cooking process smoother and the flavors shine even brighter.

Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick slices provide a perfect balance of meaty texture and rendered fat to flavor the cabbage beautifully without becoming too crispy or dry.
Don't Rush the Simmer: Let the cabbage simmer gently for the full 20 minutes to ensure it becomes tender without falling apart — patience pays off!
Stir Carefully: Stir just once or twice during simmering to avoid breaking up the cabbage wedges but still keep everything evenly cooked and coated in bacon goodness.
Choose the Right Pot: A large stockpot gives you plenty of room for stirring and even cooking, preventing overcrowding that could lead to soggy or undercooked cabbage.

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

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the bacon. For a tangy kick, serve with a dollop of whole grain mustard on the side — its slight heat and texture enhance every bite.

Side Dishes

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic soda bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. For a hearty meal, offer alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. This makes it super easy to enjoy the flavors again without extra cooking.

Freezing

While refrigeration is best for maintaining texture, you can freeze the dish in a suitable airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best flavor and consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a large skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the bacon flavorful and cabbage tender without becoming soggy or mushy, unlike microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?

Yes, but thick-cut bacon is preferred because it holds up better during cooking, rendering just the right amount of fat without crisping too quickly or drying out.

Is chicken broth necessary, or can I use vegetable broth?

Chicken broth adds a richer flavor, but vegetable broth works well for a lighter or vegetarian-adapted version if you substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative.

What can I substitute for mustard seeds if I don’t have any?

You can replace mustard seeds with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred in toward the end of cooking for a similar tangy note.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a pot large enough to accommodate the extra volume for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe feels like inviting a bit of Irish comfort right into your kitchen. It’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts — hearty, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day or just craving some cozy, flavorful food, this recipe will warm you up and leave you smiling with every bite.