Hearty Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup Recipe

Warming irish bacon cabbage and potato soup whispers comfort through every spoonful of this classic dish.

Generations of cooks have perfected this hearty recipe across rural kitchens.

Potatoes, crisp bacon, and tender cabbage create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Humble ingredients merge into something magical when simmered with care and simple seasonings.

Rich broth carries memories of cozy winter evenings and shared meals.

Simple yet profound, this soup connects you to traditional irish cooking with its rustic charm.

You will want to savor each bite slowly, letting the robust flavors tell their delicious story.

FAQs on Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Is Irish bacon different from regular bacon?

Irish bacon comes from pork loin and is meatier and leaner compared to American streaky bacon, which is cut from pork belly and contains more fat.

• Can I use a different type of bacon if Irish bacon is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute with pancetta, Canadian bacon, or regular bacon, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• What makes this soup traditional in Irish cuisine?

The combination of bacon, potatoes, and cabbage reflects classic Irish ingredients and represents a hearty, resourceful approach to cooking found in traditional Irish farmhouse meals.

• Do I need to prepare any ingredients in advance?

Chop potatoes, slice cabbage, dice onions, and mince garlic beforehand to make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Why Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Warms the Soul

• Create Hearty Comfort: This Irish-inspired soup delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, the recipe offers a balanced meal that supports overall wellness without complicated preparation.
• Flexible Flavor Profile: Adaptable ingredients allow home cooks to customize the soup by adjusting spices, adding cream, or switching protein options to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Prepared entirely in a single pot, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Ingredients for Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

• Irish Bacon: A traditional meat that provides a rich, smoky flavor to the soup and adds crispy texture when used as a garnish.

• Potatoes, Cabbage, Carrots, Onion, Garlic: These hearty vegetables create a robust and nutritious base for the soup, offering a variety of textures and complementary flavors.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup and helps cook the vegetables.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy richness to the soup's texture.
• Bay Leaf, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile and provide depth to the soup.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used as a bright, colorful garnish that adds a mild, fresh flavor.

How to Prepare Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Grab your large pot and cook diced Irish bacon over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a separate plate, leaving behind those delicious drippings for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Drop chopped onions into the bacon drippings and saute until they become soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the kitchen fill with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Watch the potatoes start to soften and become tender.

Step 4: Introduce Vegetables

• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper

Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are perfectly tender and flavors dance together.

Step 5: Enhance Creaminess

For a luxurious touch, swirl in heavy cream. Gently warm the soup without allowing it to boil to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Pluck out the bay leaf to ensure smooth spoonfuls.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped parsley on top for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Soup

• Opt for high-quality Irish bacon to enhance the soup's authentic flavor and richness.
• Select fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and vibrant green color in your soup.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness and allow for better seasoning control.

Variations to Customize Your Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Irish bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until golden. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Spicy Celtic Kick: Add chorizo sausage for heat and depth. Incorporate red pepper flakes and a dash of paprika to elevate the soup's warmth and complexity.
• Seafood Celtic Fusion: Swap bacon for smoked salmon or cod pieces. Introduce fresh dill and lemon zest to complement the fish and brighten the soup's profile.
• Green Goodness Boost: Stir in kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Mix in nutritional yeast for extra protein and a subtle cheesy undertone.

Suggested Pairings for Irish Bacon Soup

• Pair with Crusty Irish Soda Bread: Complement the hearty soup with thick slices of traditional Irish soda bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth and adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Enhance with Crisp Irish Ale: Select a light, crisp Irish ale like Smithwick's or Harp Lager to cut through the soup's richness and refresh the palate with its subtle malty undertones.
• Match with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Serve a side of aged Irish cheddar, whose tangy, sharp flavor beautifully balances the soup's creamy and smoky bacon notes, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Proper Storage for Leftover Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing, as it can separate when thawed.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Pour into a pot and reheat slowly, stirring to restore original consistency.

Irish Bacon Cabbage and Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish bacon cabbage and potato soup brings comfort straight from Ireland’s rustic kitchens. Creamy, savory ingredients blend perfectly, delivering a warming embrace that celebrates traditional culinary heritage while satisfying hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 slices Irish bacon or thick-cut bacon, diced

Vegetables:

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté onions in the bacon drippings for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and introduce diced potatoes. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are partially tender.
4. Fold in shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper. Continue simmering for 15-18 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and flavors to harmonize.
5. If desired, incorporate heavy cream and gently warm the soup without allowing it to boil, which could cause the cream to separate.
6. Eliminate the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Distribute the soup into serving bowls, topping each portion with the reserved crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains similar smoky flavors.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and customize the soup’s seasoning to personal taste preferences.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Rinse cabbage thoroughly before shredding to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring a clean and fresh taste in the final soup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg