Recipe

Irish Buttered Cabbage with Bacon

Savory Delight: Irish Buttered Cabbage with Crispy Bacon

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Irish cuisine with this traditional dish of Irish Buttered Cabbage. This recipe combines tender cabbage leaves with rich butter and crispy bacon, creating a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Irish meal.

Side Dish› Irish Buttered Cabbage

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› Irish cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Paleo, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute)

Allergens

Dairy (butter), Pork (bacon)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat: 14g (7g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 9g (4g sugars)
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Drain well.
2.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked cabbage and toss to coat evenly in the butter.
3.
Season with salt and black pepper, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
5.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside your favorite Irish meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cabbage — Make sure to thinly slice the cabbage to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.
Bacon — Crisp up the bacon before crumbling it over the cabbage to add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with crispy fried onions or smoked tofu for a similar smoky flavor.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the cabbage while cooking for a tangy twist.
Serve the Irish Buttered Cabbage with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness.
Experiment with different types of cabbage, such as Savoy cabbage, for a unique flavor profile.
Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day and make a delicious addition to sandwiches or salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Irish Buttered Cabbage as a side dish alongside traditional Irish mains like corned beef and potatoes. It also pairs well with roasted meats, grilled sausages, or as a filling for a hearty Irish-style sandwich.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Irish Buttered Cabbage with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic bowl or on a platter to showcase its comforting and homely appeal.