Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty irish bacon, cabbage, and potato soup warms every corner of your kitchen with comfort.

Rustic ingredients dance together in a classic pot, creating magic that speaks to generations.

Crisp bacon adds smoky depth while tender potatoes melt into creamy broth.

Cabbage brings earthy crunch and subtle sweetness to this traditional dish.

Memories of irish countryside kitchens flood back with each spoonful of rich, soul-satisfying soup.

A perfect meal awaits you, promising warmth and pure culinary joy.

Savor this recipe and let simple ingredients tell their delicious story.

Why Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Is a Favorite

  • Celebrate Traditional Comfort: Dive into a hearty Irish-inspired soup that brings generations of culinary heritage right to your kitchen, offering a warm embrace of classic flavors.
  • Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein from bacon, fiber-rich cabbage, and filling potatoes, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and nourished.
  • Simplify Cooking Adventure: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delicious one-pot wonder without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you crave a quick and filling dish that impresses with minimal cooking skills required.

Essential Ingredients for Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Irish Bacon: A flavorful, lean cut of pork that adds a rich, smoky taste to the soup.
  • Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that provides a subtle sweetness and nutritious base for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Creamy and starchy root vegetables that make the soup thick and satisfying.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid and Garnish:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavor-packed liquid that forms the soup's base and adds depth to the recipe.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that provides a pop of color and light herbal note to the finished soup.

Preparation Instructions for Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Cook the bacon pieces until they turn golden and crisp. Transfer the crunchy bacon to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Drop chopped onions and minced garlic into the bacon grease. Stir and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Pour and Simmer Broth

Gently pour chicken broth into the pot. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, creating a warm base for the soup.

Step 4: Add Hearty Vegetables

Introduce the ingredients into the simmering broth:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Diced potatoes

Let the vegetables cook until they become tender and soft, approximately 20 minutes. The potatoes will become creamy, and the cabbage will turn silky.

Step 5: Season and Enhance Flavors

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with the crispy bacon pieces and scatter fresh parsley over the surface. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips to Make the Best Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

  • Choose thick-cut Irish bacon for richer flavor and authentic taste.
  • Drain excess bacon fat if you prefer a lighter soup consistency.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Rinse cabbage thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before shredding.
  • Add a splash of cream or milk for extra richness and smoothness if desired.

Flavor Variations for Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

  • Smoky Mountain Soup: Replace Irish bacon with smoked turkey bacon for a leaner protein option with rich, woodsy flavor.
  • Green Goddess Version: Add chopped kale and spinach alongside cabbage for extra nutritional punch and vibrant green color.
  • Creamy Celtic Blend: Stir in heavy cream or buttermilk during final cooking stage to create a richer, more luxurious soup texture.
  • Spicy Hibernian Brew: Include red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to introduce a warm, tangy kick that complements the traditional ingredients.

What to Serve with Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

  • Pour Irish Stout: Complement the hearty soup with a creamy Guinness, enhancing the rich bacon and potato flavors with its robust malty profile.
  • Serve Crisp White Wine: Select a light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright, acidic notes.
  • Pair Herbal Tea: Brew a warm chamomile or sage tea to echo the soup's comforting warmth and earthy vegetable undertones.
  • Add Fresh Apple Cider: Introduce a slightly sweet, tangy apple cider that balances the salty bacon and brings a delightful autumn-like essence to the meal.

Storage Tips for Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months maximum.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, warm over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup FAQs

  • What kind of bacon works best for this soup?

Irish bacon or back bacon is ideal due to its leaner, meatier texture compared to American-style bacon. It provides a richer flavor and less grease while maintaining a perfect crispy texture when cooked.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon alternatives. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the soup completely vegetarian while maintaining a similar smoky flavor profile.

  • How can I make the soup creamier?

To create a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or blend a portion of the cooked potatoes to naturally thicken the soup. Another option is to stir in some grated cheddar cheese just before serving.

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Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe

Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 37-38 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup celebrates classic comfort from Ireland’s culinary landscape. Creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and tender cabbage meld together, inviting you to savor each spoonful of rich, warming goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 slices irish bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Introduce shredded cabbage and diced potatoes to the simmering broth, ensuring vegetables are fully submerged. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and cabbage softens.
  5. Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and fine-tuning the flavor profile.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, generously garnishing with the reserved crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut Irish bacon for authentic flavor and extra crispy texture.
  • Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked turkey bacon to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize seasoning.
  • Consider adding a splash of cream or milk for a richer, more luxurious soup consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27-28 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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