Irish Bacon Cabbage And Potato Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. The savory aroma of smoky bacon mingling with tender cabbage and creamy potatoes is enough to make anyone feel at home. This rustic, comforting dish has deep roots in Irish cooking, bringing together simple, humble ingredients in the most satisfying way.

I first fell in love with this soup during a trip to Ireland, where it was served as a hearty meal after a long day of exploring. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen—perfect for those nights when I crave something nourishing, easy to prepare, and full of old-world charm.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is everything you want in a cold-weather dish—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade soup simmering on the stove in under an hour. No complicated techniques, just classic flavors coming together effortlessly.

It's also budget-friendly. This recipe uses affordable ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and bacon, making it a great choice when you need a comforting meal without breaking the bank.

Not to mention, it's nutritious and filling. The combination of potatoes and cabbage provides fiber and essential vitamins, while the bacon adds protein and rich flavor. This is one soup that truly satisfies.

Plus, it's incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add carrots for a touch of sweetness, use ham instead of bacon, or even swap in vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating its rich, comforting flavor.

Bacon is the star of the show, adding a smoky depth to the broth. Traditional Irish bacon (or back bacon) is ideal, but thick-cut American bacon works well too. If using American bacon, drain excess fat to keep the soup balanced.

Potatoes give the soup its hearty, creamy texture. Russet potatoes break down slightly while cooking, adding thickness, while Yukon Golds stay firmer, offering a buttery bite. A mix of both is a great option!

Cabbage brings a mild sweetness that complements the savory bacon. Green cabbage is the classic choice, but savoy cabbage works beautifully if you want a more delicate texture.

Chicken or vegetable broth forms the flavorful base of the soup. Opt for a good-quality broth or homemade stock for the best depth of flavor.

A touch of heavy cream rounds out the soup, giving it a silky richness. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even leave it out for a brothier consistency.

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

Creating this heartwarming soup is easier than you might think. Here’s how to bring it to life in your kitchen.

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Let it render its fat and crisp up nicely—this will infuse the entire soup with a smoky depth. Once crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Next, sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon drippings. Stir them occasionally until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire soup.

Now, it's time to add the potatoes and broth. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the potatoes to cook until fork-tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato chunks.

Once the potatoes are nearly done, stir in the cabbage. It wilts quickly, so it only needs about 5 minutes to become tender while still retaining some texture. If you like your cabbage extra soft, let it simmer a few minutes longer.

To finish, stir in the heavy cream and return the crispy bacon to the pot. Give everything a good stir, season to taste with salt and pepper, and let the flavors meld together for another couple of minutes before serving.

This soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or slow, cozy weekends at home.

Storage Options

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious!

To freeze, skip the cream (as dairy can separate when frozen) and store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove, and stir in cream just before serving.

For reheating, warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

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

Want a vegetarian version? Simply leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth instead. You can add a touch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.

For an extra protein boost, try adding diced cooked ham or shredded chicken instead of bacon. Both options work beautifully and make the soup even heartier.

Prefer a thicker soup? Mash some of the potatoes with a fork before adding the cream, or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup while still keeping some chunks.

Looking for a low-carb option? Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets. They provide a similar texture while keeping the carb count down.

Want to add more vegetables? Try tossing in carrots, leeks, or even parsnips for a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor profile.

However you make it, this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is sure to be a hit. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

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