Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup on a chilly evening. The combination of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage creates a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a way to use up leftover cabbage after making colcannon. With a few tweaks, it quickly became a family favorite, filling our home with the irresistible aroma of simmering bacon and broth.

This simple, satisfying soup comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You'll Love This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Get ready to add this classic Irish-inspired soup to your regular rotation. With just a few staple ingredients, it delivers big on flavor and comfort.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a rich and satisfying meal ready to serve.

The smoky, salty bacon infuses the broth with deep, savory flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy potatoes and tender cabbage. Each spoonful offers a balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

This soup is also budget-friendly. Made with affordable ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and bacon, it’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying a delicious homemade meal.

Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Irish flavors any time of the year—not just on St. Patrick’s Day. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comforting experience.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a rich, flavorful broth and a satisfying texture.

Bacon is the backbone of this recipe, providing a smoky depth that infuses the entire soup. Traditional Irish bacon, also known as back bacon, is ideal, but thick-cut American bacon or pancetta work well too.

Potatoes add creaminess and body to the soup. Russet potatoes break down slightly for a thicker texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better for a chunkier bite.

Cabbage gives this soup its signature Irish touch. Green cabbage is the best choice, as it softens beautifully while maintaining a slight sweetness. Slice it thinly for the best texture.

Broth brings everything together. A combination of chicken broth and water allows the flavors to shine without overpowering the dish. For an extra boost, homemade broth adds even more depth.

A touch of onion and garlic rounds out the flavors, creating a well-balanced base. Be sure to sauté them in the bacon drippings for maximum flavor.

For equipment, all you need is a large pot or Dutch oven to bring everything together in one easy dish.

How To Make This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, and most of the cooking happens in one pot, which means easy cleanup.

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden brown. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Next, sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until softened and fragrant. This step builds a rich, aromatic base for the soup.

Add the potatoes, along with the chicken broth and a bit of water. Let everything simmer until the potatoes are tender. If you prefer a creamier soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.

Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the cabbage and let it cook for about 10 minutes. It should be tender but still slightly crisp, adding texture to the soup.

Finally, return the bacon to the pot, reserving a little for garnish. Give everything a good stir, season to taste with salt and pepper, and let the flavors meld for a few more minutes before serving.

This soup is best enjoyed hot, with a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top and a slice of buttered soda bread on the side.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully for easy meals throughout the week.

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that potatoes can change texture slightly after freezing, becoming a bit grainy. If you’re planning to freeze a batch, consider slightly undercooking the potatoes to help them hold their shape.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

For a heartier version, add diced carrots and celery for extra vegetables. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds a hint of natural sweetness.

If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk just before serving. This gives the soup a richer texture without making it too heavy.

For a smoky twist, swap the bacon for smoked sausage or ham hock. Both will lend a slightly different but equally delicious depth of flavor.

Want to make it vegetarian? Leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a dash of smoked paprika for that hint of smoky flavor without the meat.

No cabbage on hand? Try using kale or Swiss chard instead. Both hold up well in soups and provide a slightly different but equally delicious texture.

Feel free to get creative and make this soup your own. However you tweak it, one thing’s for sure—this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup will warm you up from the inside out.

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