Name: Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 24 ounces thick-cut bacon; 1 large green cabbage; 1 large onion; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

If you love the comforting charm of traditional Irish dishes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe. It’s a cozy, hearty side that brings together thick-cut bacon and soft cabbage in the best way possible.

A close-up of a purple pot filled with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces. The cabbage layers are soft, light green and pale yellow with a slightly glossy texture, mixed with crispy, small, reddish-brown bacon strips scattered evenly throughout. Small black mustard seeds are sprinkled on top, adding texture variation, all inside the pot placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how simple this skillet recipe is, yet it tastes so rich and satisfying. Perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day or any night when you want something both comforting and a little special.

Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of kitchen staples for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Time-Saving: From start to finish, it only takes about 35 minutes — quick enough for busy weeknights.
All-in-One Pot: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks right in the same skillet or pot.
Perfect Balance: The crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful cabbage for a delightful texture combo.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping and sizzling, here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients I love for this dish—and a few tips to help you pick out the best ones.

Flat lay of thick-cut bacon strips with natural fat marbling, a large halved green cabbage with crisp fresh leaves, a whole large onion with smooth papery skin, a small white bowl filled with golden mustard seeds, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Thick-cut bacon: You want these meaty slices to render fat slowly and get just the right amount of chew—thinner slices won’t hold up as well.
Green cabbage: Crisp and mild, it softens wonderfully with cooking, soaking up all those bacon-infused flavors.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that deepens the overall flavor.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base that keeps the cabbage moist and tender without watering down the taste.
Mustard seeds: A little pop of spice that brings a unique, slightly tangy note to the skillet.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to adjust to your taste, especially since bacon already adds some saltiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe is how wonderfully customizable it can be. Whether you prefer your cabbage softer or your bacon extra crispy, there’s room to make this classic Irish dish your own!

Variation: I love adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme at the end for a bright, herby twist. It gives the dish a fresh pop that balances the smoky bacon beautifully.
Vegetarian swap: Substitute the thick-cut bacon with smoked tempeh or a smoky plant-based bacon alternative and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a veggie-friendly version that still delivers tons of flavor.
Seasonal boost: In colder months, stir in some diced carrots or parsnips with the onions for extra sweetness and heartiness.
Spice it up: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled in while simmering really wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A close-up image shows a silver spoon lifted with a mix of cooked cabbage and reddish-brown pieces of bacon. The cabbage layers are pale green and soft with slight browning, showing a tender texture. The bacon pieces are crispy with a rich, deep reddish hue, mixed in with the cabbage. The spoon is held above a large white bowl filled with more of the same cabbage and bacon mixture, all in a warm, cozy setting. The background surface has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the bacon just right

Start by placing a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut your 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into fours. This helps the bacon render fat evenly and cook more quickly. Add the bacon pieces to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook until the bacon is nicely browned but not totally crispy—this stage gives you a balance of tender, fatty texture and smoky flavor. You’ll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen—always a good sign!

Step 2: Prep the veggies

While the bacon cooks, peel your large onion and cut it into 8 even wedges. Then, halve one large green cabbage, remove the core, and slice it into 12 wedges. This size allows the cabbage to cook evenly and hold its shape well during simmering.

Step 3: Sauté the onions to soften

Once your bacon is mostly cooked, toss in the onion wedges. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes in the bacon fat. You want the onions to soften and release their sweet flavor without browning too much. This step layers in flavor and helps tenderize the onions so they blend beautifully with the cabbage later.

Step 4: Add cabbage, broth, and mustard seeds

Next, gently add in your cabbage wedges, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds. Give everything a good stir to position the cabbage towards the bottom and bring the bacon towards the top. This positioning helps the cabbage soak in the flavorful broth while allowing the bacon to crisp a little at the surface during simmering.

Step 5: Simmer to tender perfection

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir once or twice during this time to keep the cabbage coated and cooking evenly. You’re looking for the thickest parts of the cabbage to become tender but still hold their shape. This slow, gentle cooking is key to tender cabbage with plenty of bacon flavor.

Step 6: Season and serve warm

Give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—remember, the bacon adds plenty of saltiness, so adjust carefully. Serve this comforting skillet side warm, with a dollop of whole grain mustard on the side if you like a little tang. It’s perfect alongside traditional Irish fare or any hearty meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the perfect balance of crispy bacon and tender cabbage, making your Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe truly shine every time.

Don’t Overcook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s cooked through but not fully crispy before adding the veggies. This preserves its fat for flavor and helps it stay deliciously chewy alongside tender cabbage.
Cut Evenly: Cut the cabbage and onion into similar-sized wedges. This ensures the cabbage cooks evenly and everything softens at the same pace for a perfect skillet texture.
Stir Gently: When simmering, stir just once or twice to avoid breaking up the cabbage wedges. This keeps the presentation beautiful and the texture intact.
Season Last: Since bacon adds saltiness, always taste before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning your dish.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A silver pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small crispy pieces of cooked bacon. The bacon pieces vary in shades of dark red and brown with some areas showing a shiny, oily texture. Golden brown cooking oil pools around the bacon, creating a glossy effect. A silver slotted spoon rests on the right side of the pan, holding some bacon pieces. The pan’s surface shows browned spots where the food was fried. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your skillet dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side adds tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon and mellow cabbage. A few cracks of black pepper on top right before serving brighten the flavors as well.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a hearty side for roasted or grilled meats like pork chops, corned beef, or even a juicy steak. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or a simple buttered rye bread complement the comforting flavors perfectly and round out a satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 5 days, making for easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, store it in a freezer-safe airtight container and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a large skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method restores some crispness to the bacon and warms the cabbage evenly, preserving the delightful textures of the Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bacon for this recipe?

Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon works best for that perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness, you can use regular cut bacon too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid over-crisping or drying out the bacon.

Is chicken broth necessary or can I substitute it?

Chicken broth adds savory depth, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water with a pinch of salt. Just remember the broth helps soften the cabbage nicely during simmering.

How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?

The cabbage wedges should be tender when pierced with a fork, especially the thickest parts, but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 20 minutes of simmering covered, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will differ but still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon and Tender Cabbage Skillet Recipe is such a heartwarming dish that brings a little taste of Ireland right to your table. Whether you’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting side, it’s easy to make and full of cozy flavors. I hope these tips and serving ideas help you feel confident making it your own — enjoy every delicious bite!