Cozy Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket in this hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup.

Memories of dublin’s cozy kitchens dance through each spoonful of rich, creamy goodness.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky depth that makes taste buds sing with delight.

Chunky potatoes and tender cabbage create a rustic symphony of flavors that speak directly to your soul.

Generations of Irish cooks have perfected this simple yet magical recipe passed down through whispered kitchen secrets.

Winters feel gentler, and hunger melts away when you savor this traditional, soul-warming meal that connects you to ireland’s culinary heritage.

Grab a ladle and let this soup tell you a story of home and heart.

Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and cabbage, this soup delivers rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Requires minimal prep work and cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Appeals to all ages with its simple, classic ingredients and customizable texture – kids and adults will love the crispy bacon and creamy broth combination.
• Cultural Culinary Journey: Celebrates traditional Irish cooking by using classic ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and cabbage, offering a taste of authentic comfort food with every spoonful.

Ingredients List for Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Irish Bacon: Traditional cured pork meat that adds rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the soup's base.

• Potatoes, Carrot, Onion, Cabbage: Fresh vegetables that create hearty texture and nutritional depth.
• Garlic, Green Onions: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme: Classic herbs and spices that season and complement the soup's core ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds creamy richness and smooth texture to the final dish.

How to Prepare Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping the delicious bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Drop diced onions and minced garlic into the bacon grease. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped carrots
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Simmer Potatoes

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.

The potatoes will become tender and start to break down slightly, creating a creamy texture.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Bacon

Stir in shredded cabbage and the previously cooked bacon.

Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes until the cabbage softens but retains a slight crunch.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Swirl in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for a bright, fresh finish.

Helpful Advice on Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon to create a lighter version of this hearty soup, perfect for those watching fat intake.
• Enhance the soup's richness by adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for deeper flavor complexity.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating on the stovetop to maintain soup's creamy consistency.
• For a gluten-free option, verify that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use appropriate seasoning alternatives.

Flavor Variations for Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using olive oil instead of bacon grease. Add nutritional yeast for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and comfort.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during sautéing to bring a warming heat to the traditional Irish soup recipe.

Serving Ideas for Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Cozy Winter Warmer: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls, letting the steam rise and warm your kitchen on chilly evenings.
• Irish Pub Style: Present the soup with a side of crusty sourdough bread and a cold Irish stout, creating a classic pub-inspired meal that transports you to Ireland.
• Rustic Farm Lunch: Pair the soup with a simple green salad and sharp cheddar cheese, highlighting the soup's rich, comforting flavors and traditional countryside feel.
• Health Boost Bowl: Top the soup with extra crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped parsley, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy twist.

Proper Storage for Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing the soup with cream, as dairy can separate and change texture when thawed.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore original consistency.
• Microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Do not reheat more than once to maintain food safety and quality.
• Discard any leftovers that have been stored for more than 4 days or show signs of spoilage.

FAQs

• Is Irish bacon different from regular bacon?

Irish bacon comes from pork loin and is leaner, with more meat and less fat compared to American-style streaky bacon. It has a ham-like texture and is typically cut in round slices.

• Can I use other types of bacon for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute with pancetta, streaky bacon, or even ham. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still work well in the recipe.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

To reduce calories, skip the heavy cream or use a low-fat milk alternative. You can also add more vegetables like celery or increase the proportion of cabbage to boost nutritional value.

Hearty Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup brings comfort from traditional Irish kitchens. Creamy potatoes, salty bacon, and tender cabbage combine for a warming meal that connects you to Ireland’s culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, creating a flavorful base for the soup. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme. Elevate heat to bring the mixture to a robust boil.
4. Reduce temperature to low, allowing the soup to gently simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender and vegetables soften.
5. Introduce shredded cabbage and previously crisped bacon into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook for an additional 10 minutes until cabbage wilts and flavors meld.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, velvety texture. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut Irish bacon for maximum flavor and authentic texture, ensuring a rich, smoky base for the soup.
• Keep bacon crispy by draining on paper towels before adding back to the soup, preventing soggy pieces.
• Slice cabbage thinly for quicker cooking and better integration with other ingredients, creating a more harmonious soup texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or skip dairy entirely to make the recipe more diet-friendly and heart-healthy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg