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 to taste; Black pepper to taste

There’s something so cozy and comforting about a dish that brings together simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal. This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe does exactly that, marrying tender cabbage with savory thick-cut bacon and just a touch of mustard seeds for that classic Irish charm.

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 first tried this Irish bacon and cabbage skillet recipe on a chilly evening, and it quickly became a go-to comfort side dish for me. The aroma alone fills your kitchen with warmth, and every bite tastes like a gentle hug from an Irish grandmother.

Simple & Quick: Only five main ingredients and about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Hearty Comfort: Thick-cut bacon gives a smoky richness that perfectly complements the tender cabbage.
Traditional Flavor: Mustard seeds add just the right hint of spice and depth without overpowering.
Versatile Side: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re grabbing ingredients for this skillet dish, pick fresh, crisp cabbage and thick-cut bacon with good marbling. These small details make a world of difference in the final flavor and texture.

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: Adds rich, smoky flavor and a meaty texture without crisping completely, which keeps it tender alongside the cabbage.
Green cabbage: The star vegetable here, it softens beautifully when simmered and soaks up all the savory juices.
Large onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the bacon’s saltiness.
Chicken broth: Gives moisture and depth to the skillet, enhancing the overall flavor.
Mustard seeds: They subtly spice the dish and add a little zing that brightens the rich flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the ingredients together.

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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 is how adaptable it is to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you want to keep it traditional or make it your own, there are plenty of delicious tweaks to explore!

Vegetarian Option: Swap the thick-cut bacon for smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a smoky, meaty texture without the pork. I’ve tried this and found it surprisingly satisfying, especially with a splash of soy sauce to boost umami.
Broth Swap: Using chicken broth adds wonderful depth, but I often use vegetable broth for a lighter, earthy flavor. It’s an easy substitute that keeps things flavorful if you prefer to go meat-free.
Mustard Seed Alternatives: If you prefer a gentler tang, stirring in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard after cooking gives you that subtle kick without overpowering the dish. This version is great if you’re serving kids or picky eaters.
Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sliced carrots or pearl onions with the cabbage for extra sweetness and texture. It’s a lovely way to stretch the recipe and add a bit of color.

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 Just Right

Start by placing your large stockpot over medium heat and preparing the bacon. I cut each thick-cut bacon strip into 4 pieces, which helps them cook evenly. Toss the bacon pieces into the pot and stir occasionally as they cook. The goal here is to warm them through and render some fat without making them crispy — think tender, savory bites that will infuse the whole dish. This takes around 5 to 7 minutes depending on your stove.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies While Bacon Cooks

While the bacon sizzles, peel your large onion and slice it into 8 generous wedges. Cutting the cabbage takes a bit more care — first, halve your large green cabbage, then remove the tough core from each half. Finally, cut those halves into 12 wedges total. Keeping the wedges sturdy helps them hold together during the simmer without falling apart.

Step 3: Soften the Onion

Once the bacon has cooked through but isn’t crisped up yet, add your onion wedges to the pot. Stirring occasionally, sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re softened and just starting to get sweet and translucent. This step builds a lovely flavor base before adding the cabbage.

Step 4: Combine Cabbage, Broth, and Mustard Seeds

Now, add your cabbage wedges along with the 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and a tablespoon of mustard seeds. Give everything a good stir to arrange the cabbage on the bottom and the bacon floating on top. Cover the pot with a lid to seal in all the steam and flavors.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Let the skillet simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, stir once or twice to keep things cooking evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the thickest parts of the cabbage are tender but still intact—soft enough to melt in your mouth but holding their shape beautifully. This is the comforting heart of the dish.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Before serving, taste your creation and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. If you like an extra tang, whole grain mustard served on the side is a brilliant addition. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Irish side that pairs perfectly with corned beef or roasted meats!

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is all about a few smart tricks that make cooking easy and delicious every time.

Balance Bacon Texture: Cook the bacon until it’s cooked through but not fully crispy. This keeps it tender and flavorful, blending perfectly with the cabbage rather than overpowering it.
Layer Flavors Thoughtfully: Adding the cabbage to the bottom and bacon on top before simmering lets the veggies soak up the smoky bacon flavor without becoming greasy.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: The 20-minute covered simmer is key to tender cabbage—stirring once or twice helps even cooking and keeps everything juicy.
Season Last: Taste after cooking before adding salt or pepper. The bacon and chicken broth provide saltiness already, so you want to avoid over-salting.

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

To elevate your skillet dish, try a few simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side adds a delightful tang that complements the savory bacon and mellow cabbage beautifully. For a little extra crunch, some toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top can be irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe shines as a hearty side dish, especially alongside traditional mains like corned beef or Irish stew. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty soda bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up those wonderful pan juices. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed carrots or roasted root vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Bacon and Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. This helps keep flavors fresh and ensures the cabbage stays tender without turning mushy.

Freezing

While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a large skillet over medium heat. This method preserves the texture of the cabbage and bacon far better than a microwave, keeping your dish as close to freshly made as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version of Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian dish.

What can I substitute for mustard seeds?

If you don’t have mustard seeds on hand, you can stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard after cooking to achieve a milder mustard flavor that still complements the cabbage and bacon.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

The cabbage is perfectly done when the thickest parts are tender when pierced with a fork—usually after about 20 minutes of simmering covered. It should be soft but still hold its shape.

Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, chicken broth adds depth and a savory richness, but vegetable broth works great for a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s a warm, comforting charm to this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Skillet Recipe that goes beyond just food—it’s about tradition, simplicity, and enjoying the moment. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a hearty side, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it. Sláinte!