Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

Here's a rich and hearty take on Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup—a dish that embodies comfort in every spoonful. The smoky aroma of bacon mingling with tender potatoes and sweet cabbage creates an irresistible warmth, perfect for chilly evenings.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to use up leftover cabbage after St. Patrick’s Day. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a staple in our home, thanks to its satisfying flavors and easy one-pot preparation.

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

Get ready to enjoy a soul-warming bowl of goodness that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe delivers rich flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen.

First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you can have a comforting meal on the table in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s also budget-friendly. Bacon, potatoes, and cabbage are inexpensive pantry staples, making this an affordable way to feed a family without compromising on taste.

Another reason to love this soup? It’s naturally gluten-free. No need for fancy thickeners—just hearty vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth.

Best of all, this dish is deeply satisfying. The combination of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and creamy potatoes creates a well-balanced meal that’s both filling and nourishing.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, hearty ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering authentic flavor and texture.

Bacon is the heart of this dish, providing that signature smoky richness. Traditional Irish bacon (back bacon) is ideal, but thick-cut American bacon or pancetta works well too. Cook it until crisp to render the fat, which adds depth to the broth.

Potatoes give the soup its creamy, velvety texture. Russet potatoes break down slightly as they cook, thickening the broth naturally. If you prefer a chunkier soup, Yukon Golds hold their shape better.

Cabbage brings a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky bacon. Green cabbage is the classic choice, but Savoy cabbage works if you want a milder flavor. Shred it thinly so it softens beautifully in the broth.

Leeks and onions form the aromatic base of this soup. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of leeks complements the richness of the bacon, while onions add depth. Be sure to wash leeks thoroughly to remove any grit.

A good-quality broth is key. Chicken or vegetable broth both work well, but for an extra layer of flavor, a homemade stock infused with bay leaves and thyme will elevate the dish.

A large Dutch oven or soup pot is all you need to bring everything together, making cleanup a breeze.

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

This hearty soup comes together in just a few simple steps, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas along the way.

Start by crisping up the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s golden and slightly crispy, remove it from the pot, leaving behind the flavorful drippings. This rendered fat will serve as the base for the rest of the soup.

In the same pot, sauté the leeks and onions until soft and fragrant. Cooking them in bacon fat enhances their natural sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful foundation for the broth. Add a touch of garlic for an extra boost of warmth.

Toss in the potatoes and let them cook for a couple of minutes, allowing them to absorb the aromatic flavors. Then, pour in the broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and start to break down slightly, thickening the soup naturally.

Add the shredded cabbage and let it wilt into the broth. It only takes a few minutes for the cabbage to become soft and tender while still maintaining some texture. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. A final touch of fresh thyme or a splash of cream can enhance the richness, though the soup is already packed with comforting flavors. Let it simmer a bit longer to allow all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a steaming pot of Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, top with the reserved crispy bacon, and enjoy every spoonful of this cozy, comforting dish.

Storage Options

This soup stores exceptionally well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

For refrigeration, store the soup for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious. Simply reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Since potatoes can become grainy when frozen, consider slightly undercooking them if you plan to freeze a batch. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

If the soup thickens too much upon storing, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to restore its velvety texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This soup is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak it based on what you have on hand.

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use butter or olive oil to sauté the aromatics. A splash of smoked paprika can help mimic that rich, smoky depth.

If you prefer a creamier texture, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before stirring it back in. A dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream adds even more richness.

Swap out bacon for ham or sausage if you want to change up the protein. Smoked sausage, in particular, pairs beautifully with the cabbage and potatoes.

For an extra boost of greens, add a handful of kale or spinach in the final minutes of cooking. This adds both color and nutrition without altering the flavor too much.

Try using sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-packed variation. The contrast of smoky bacon with naturally sweet potatoes is absolutely delicious.

No matter how you make it, this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is guaranteed to be a cozy, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

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