The Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet is your go-to dish when you’re craving comfort with a hint of Irish charm. Combining crispy hash browns, buttery sautéed cabbage, and rich, creamy cheddar, this skillet bakes to golden brown perfection in the oven.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for a hearty side, this dish delivers on both flavor and convenience. It comes together in one skillet with minimal prep and leaves your kitchen smelling divine. Customize it with spinach, sausage, or corned beef or serve as-is for a vegetarian masterpiece. Warm, cheesy, and oh so satisfying!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons butter (preferably Irish)
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1 cup diced yellow onion
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10 ounces shredded green cabbage
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½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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20-ounce bag frozen hash browns
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2½ cups shredded Irish cheddar cheese, divided
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2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred), melt the butter over medium-high heat.
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Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Stir in the shredded cabbage and sea salt, cooking for 5-6 minutes until cabbage is softened and golden in spots.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the frozen hash browns and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is well combined. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, then return to the oven for another 4-5 minutes until bubbly and melted.
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Remove from oven, top with chopped green onions, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: Approx. 340 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Celebrating Comfort: The Story Behind Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet
Comfort food doesn’t always have to mean complicated, and in the case of the Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet, simplicity is exactly what makes this dish so timelessly appealing. With its golden crust of crispy potatoes, tender cabbage, and rich Irish cheddar melting through every bite, this rustic skillet bake manages to feel both nostalgic and novel at the same time. It’s rooted in old-world charm yet built with the busy home cook in mind.
This dish draws clear inspiration from Colcannon, a beloved Irish recipe that blends mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale. But unlike traditional Colcannon, which can be a multi-pot affair, this skillet version condenses everything into a single pan, making it an ideal option for modern kitchens. By swapping out mashed potatoes for frozen hash browns, the recipe takes a practical leap without losing its soul. And the choice of Irish cheddar sharp, creamy, and unmistakably rich transforms an otherwise humble side into a dish worthy of the spotlight.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration or simply want a hearty accompaniment to your weekday dinner, the Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet offers layers of satisfaction. It’s a side dish that can easily become the main event, depending on how you serve it and what you pair it with.
A Nod to Irish Tradition (With a Twist)
At its core, this skillet dish pays tribute to Irish culinary traditions while embracing the convenience of modern cooking. Cabbage has long held a place of significance in Irish cuisine, often showing up in soups, stews, and of course Colcannon. Cabbage is hardy, affordable, and nutritious, making it a staple in Irish households for generations. The same can be said of potatoes, whose importance in Irish culture and history cannot be overstated.
But this recipe doesn’t aim for authenticity as much as it aims for comfort with character. By using frozen hash browns, you’re eliminating peeling, grating, and prepping raw potatoes saving time without sacrificing texture or flavor. The end result is a dish that still celebrates its heritage while fitting neatly into the rhythm of a weeknight kitchen.
What Makes Irish Cheddar Special?
You might be wondering: why Irish cheddar? Can’t I just use regular cheddar?
Yes, technically you could use any sharp white cheddar, but Irish cheddar brings something uniquely robust to the table. Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, Irish cheddar often boasts a more pronounced, almost buttery tang. The texture is creamy yet crumbly, with a depth of flavor that balances beautifully against the mild sweetness of sautéed onions and the earthiness of cooked cabbage.
Brands like Kerrygold have popularized Irish cheeses in the U.S., and their aged cheddar is perfect for this recipe. The cheese not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also provides visual appeal melting into pockets of creamy indulgence and creating that golden crust we all love in baked dishes.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Skillet Bake
Even though this recipe is simple, a few pro tips can take it from good to unforgettable:
1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet retains heat exceptionally well and encourages even browning, especially on the bottom of the hash browns. It helps develop that crispy, almost caramelized crust that gives the dish its irresistible texture. If you don’t have cast iron, any oven-safe skillet or even a baking dish will work, though results may vary.
2. Don’t Overcrowd
When you’re cooking the cabbage and onions, give them space to cook down and slightly caramelize. This deepens the flavor. Overcrowding can cause the vegetables to steam rather than brown, which might result in a soggier texture.
3. Layer the Cheese
Reserving some cheese for the final few minutes in the oven helps create that bubbly, melted top that visually signals “dig in.” Layering cheese both within the mix and on top gives the dish structure and rich pockets of flavor.
4. Let It Rest
After removing from the oven, let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
Creative Variations to Try
The basic recipe is flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of dietary preferences or creative spins. Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:
Add Protein
To turn this side into a main dish, add cooked ground sausage, crumbled bacon, or diced ham. Browning the meat first in the skillet before adding the vegetables ensures it’s nicely integrated and flavorful.
Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free
Substitute plant-based butter and a good quality vegan shredded cheddar. Several brands now offer cheeses that melt well and taste surprisingly close to the real thing. Add a pinch of nutritional yeast or smoked paprika to boost umami if you’re skipping the cheese entirely.
Go Green
Add spinach, kale, or even leeks to the mix. These veggies complement cabbage well and add nutritional value. If using kale, be sure to cook it long enough to soften it before baking.
Kick Up the Flavor
Add spices or herbs like thyme, caraway seeds, mustard powder, or a dash of cayenne for heat. You could even stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or horseradish for an unexpected zing.
Serve with Sauces
Pair this skillet with sour cream, horseradish cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. For a more savory presentation, drizzle with brown butter or a mustard-based sauce.
How to Serve It
This dish is incredibly versatile and works well in a variety of settings. Here are a few ideas:
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Brunch Table Centerpiece: Serve it with fried or poached eggs and a simple arugula salad.
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Holiday Side Dish: It’s a perfect addition to Easter, Thanksgiving, or St. Patrick’s Day feasts.
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Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pair it with roasted chicken or a bowl of hearty soup for a no-fuss dinner.
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Leftover Hero: Reheat leftovers in the oven or skillet to bring back the crispiness. You can even slice into squares and serve as part of a savory breakfast.
Conclusion:
The Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet isn’t just another cheesy casserole it’s a dish with roots, heart, and adaptability. It combines the comfort of potatoes, the wholesomeness of cabbage, and the indulgence of melty cheddar in a way that’s approachable for any home cook. And while it may nod to Irish traditions, it fits beautifully into everyday meals year round.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance between rustic charm and contemporary ease. One skillet, a handful of accessible ingredients, and you have something that’s golden, gooey, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to elevate a weekday dinner, this skillet bake has you covered deliciously.