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Irish Cabbage & Bacon
Simple, hearty and proper comfort food. This is one of those no-fuss side dishes that tastes like home... buttery cabbage, crispy bacon and a little kick of mustard. Perfect with sausages and mash.
SERVES
8
COOKING TIME
15 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
What is Irish cabbage & bacon?
Irish Cabbage & Bacon is a traditional Irish recipe and classic comfort food. It combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon, a touch of butter, and a hint of mustard for extra flavour. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect as a side to sausages and mash or other homely meals.
How do you make Irish cabbage & bacon?
Start by frying diced bacon until crispy, then add chopped cabbage and sauté in the bacon fat with a little butter. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard for a subtle kick. Cook until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.
What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
White cabbage is traditional for Irish recipes like this. It softens nicely when cooked but retains some texture. Savoy cabbage works too if you prefer a slightly sweeter, more tender leaf.
Can I make Irish cabbage & bacon ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and gently reheat on the stove. For best results, add a little butter or a splash of water when reheating to keep the cabbage moist and tender.
Is this dish healthy?
This recipe is a balance of hearty flavours and wholesome ingredients. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins, while bacon adds protein and flavour. Using moderate amounts of butter keeps it lighter without compromising taste.
Can I add extra flavourings?
Absolutely. Mustard is an option – but you can also add garlic, black pepper, or a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the taste.
What can I serve with Irish cabbage & bacon?
It pairs perfectly with classic Irish comfort food like sausages and mash, roast pork, or even steak and potatoes. It also works well alongside other roasted or mashed vegetables for a homely meal.
Why is cabbage so popular in Irish recipes?
Cabbage has long been a staple in Irish recipes because it’s affordable, easy to cook, and pairs beautifully with meats like bacon and sausages. It’s simple, filling, and gives meals that classic home-cooked comfort.
Method
Step 1
Chop the cabbage into small pieces and set aside. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add most of the butter along with the bacon lardons and cook for a few minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
Step 2
To the same pan, add a little extra butter if needed, then stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 3
Add the cabbage, salt, pepper, wholegrain mustard and chicken stock. Stir well, cover with a lid and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
Step 4
Return the crispy bacon to the pan and mix everything together. Serve with creamy mash and sausages for the ultimate comfort dinner.
Ingredients
1 white cabbage, chopped
½ onion, finely chopped
200g smoked bacon lardons
100g butter
100ml chicken stock
1 tsp wholegrain mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
Salt & pepper
