Irish Bacon, Cabbage, & Potato Soup ☘️🥣

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

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🌿 Introduction

Warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying — this Irish Bacon, Cabbage, & Potato Soup is comfort food at its finest. A traditional Irish-inspired dish, it brings together smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and creamy potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth.

Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something rustic and homey, this soup embodies the essence of Irish farmhouse cooking — simple ingredients turned into something truly delicious. Serve it with a slice of warm soda bread or crusty rolls for the ultimate cozy meal.

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🥓 Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for flavor.

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Cabbage and Potatoes

Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced potatoes. Let them sauté for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.

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Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is soft.

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Step 5: Add Milk and Bacon

Stir in the milk or half-and-half and return the cooked bacon to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through — do not boil, or the milk may curdle.

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Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra bacon on top.

Serve hot with Irish soda bread, crusty baguette, or buttered rolls for a complete, comforting meal.

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🍀 Tips for Success

• Thick vs. thin soup: For a creamier texture, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot with a fork before serving.
• Extra flavor: Add a splash of cream or a knob of butter right before serving for a rich finish.
• Meat options: Substitute the bacon with Irish back bacon, ham hock, or smoked sausage for a heartier twist.
• Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon — add a bit of smoked paprika for that signature smoky flavor.

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🥄 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (leave out the milk before freezing and add it fresh when reheating).
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

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🇮🇪 Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Inspired by traditional Irish flavors.
• Hearty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
• Family-approved comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• One-pot recipe for easy cleanup.

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🍲 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Irish Bacon, Cabbage, & Potato Soup with:

• Warm Irish Soda Bread — for soaking up every drop.
• Sharp Irish cheddar on the side.
• A pint of Guinness or a cup of hot tea for the full Irish experience.

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💚 Fun Fact

In Ireland, cabbage and potatoes (often called “colcannon”) have been staples for centuries, representing simple yet hearty rural cooking. Adding bacon or ham was a treat for special occasions, turning a humble vegetable soup into something truly comforting and celebratory.

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✨ Final Thoughts

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage, & Potato Soup is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rustic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — perfect for celebrating your Irish roots or just embracing cozy comfort on a cold evening.

Whether served on St. Patrick’s Day or any day of the year, this creamy, smoky, and hearty soup will make you fall in love with classic Irish cooking all over again. 🍀🥣💚

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