Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

There's something special about a pot of Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup simmering on the stove. The savory aroma of smoky bacon, the sweetness of tender cabbage, and the creamy texture of potatoes come together in a bowl of pure comfort.

I first made this soup on a chilly evening when I was craving something both nourishing and simple. Inspired by traditional Irish ingredients, this soup quickly became a family favorite. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it's also budget-friendly and perfect for leftovers.

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

Get ready to fall in love with this cozy, rustic soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cold nights or when you need a little comfort food.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this soup comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s also budget-friendly. Cabbage, potatoes, and bacon are all affordable staples, meaning you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Not to mention, this soup is deeply flavorful. The bacon adds a smoky richness, the cabbage turns buttery-soft, and the potatoes create a velvety texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Lastly, it’s versatile. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have, making it perfect for using up leftovers or adjusting for dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this soup lies in its simple, yet hearty ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature comforting flavor.

Bacon is the star of this dish, providing a rich, smoky depth that infuses every spoonful. Traditional Irish bacon, also known as back bacon, is preferred for its meaty texture, but thick-cut American bacon or pancetta works well too.

Cabbage adds a slight sweetness and melts beautifully into the broth as it cooks. Green cabbage is the best choice for its mild flavor and tender texture, though Savoy cabbage is another great option.

Potatoes bring a creamy, thick consistency to the soup. Russet potatoes break down more, giving a velvety feel, while Yukon Golds hold their shape slightly for a bit more texture.

Broth and Seasonings make up the backbone of this soup. Chicken or vegetable broth adds richness, while simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. A bay leaf can also add a subtle earthiness.

A splash of cream at the end isn’t traditional, but it adds a luxurious touch, making the soup extra comforting.

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

This soup comes together easily in just a few simple steps. The key is layering the flavors to get that deep, rich taste.

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving behind all that flavorful bacon fat.

Next, add chopped onions and garlic to the same pot. Sauté them until soft and fragrant, picking up all those delicious brown bits from the bacon. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Stir in the potatoes and cabbage, tossing them in the onion mixture for a couple of minutes. This helps the cabbage wilt slightly and lets the potatoes absorb some of the rich flavors.

Pour in the broth and add seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. Drop in a bay leaf for extra depth. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is buttery-soft.

Return the crispy bacon to the pot, stirring it into the soup. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning to taste. If you like a slightly creamy soup, stir in a small splash of heavy cream.

Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and deeply satisfying bowl of goodness.

Storage Options

This soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store in the refrigerator, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to customize it to your liking.

For a heartier version, add sliced carrots and celery when sautéing the onions. This gives the soup extra texture and a slightly sweeter flavor.

To make it vegetarian, swap the bacon for butter or olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add white beans for extra protein.

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup while keeping some chunks intact.

Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of whole-grain mustard for extra depth and heat.

For a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt levels.

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

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