If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together crispy textures and rich, cheesy goodness, look no further than this Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe. It’s a deliciously simple one-pan wonder that combines golden hash browns, tender cabbage, and sharp Irish cheddar, all melded together in a skillet to create a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe shines because of its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors you’re after.
- Russet potatoes or frozen hash browns (4 cups shredded): The crispy, golden foundation that gives this skillet its irresistible crunch.
- Cabbage (3 cups thinly sliced): Adds a tender, slightly sweet contrast and a pop of green.
- Irish cheddar cheese (1½ cups grated): Brings sharp, creamy richness that melts beautifully on top.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): For sautéing and creating that luscious, golden crust.
- Small onion (1, diced): Offers savory depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a mild, peppery kick.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons chopped, optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to finish.
How to Make Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping everything so cooking flows smoothly. Peel and shred your russet potatoes if you’re using fresh ones, or thaw your frozen hash browns. Thinly slice the cabbage, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the Irish cheddar cheese. Having all these ready makes the cooking process fun and easy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more to release its fragrant aroma without burning. Next, add the thinly sliced cabbage and cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still holds a slight crunch. This step melds savory flavors and softens the cabbage perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Season
Now it’s time to mix in the shredded or thawed potatoes. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture, then gently fold everything together so each bite has just the right seasoning. Use a spatula to press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet – this ensures you get a beautifully crisp base later on.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy, Then Add Cheese
Turn the heat to medium and let the skillet cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes without stirring. This patience results in a golden, crispy crust forming on the bottom, which is the hallmark of a great hash brown dish. After the crust develops, sprinkle the grated Irish cheddar evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to your oven’s broiler or bake at high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles to a gorgeous golden finish.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the skillet rest for 2 minutes to set the layers. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Slice the skillet into portions and serve it hot – trusting me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
How to Serve Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds that perfect pop of greenery and mild sharpness that complements the rich cheese and crispy potatoes beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy mustard sauce can take this skillet up another level.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a fantastic star, but pairing it with simple, fresh sides elevates your entire meal. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables for a warm, earthy balance. For a heartier brunch, some soft-poached eggs or sizzling bacon make a welcomed addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe straight from the pan, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, cut the hash into neat squares and plate with a side of homemade ketchup or a rich hollandaise sauce. This presentation makes it perfect for entertaining or cozy weekend gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a delicious leftover meal. Just be sure to protect the skillet from moisture to keep that crispness intact as much as possible.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. After cooking and cooling, cut the hash brown skillet into meal-sized pieces and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, remove from the freezer (if applicable) and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly again. To refresh the crispiness, you can finish with a quick broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Irish cheddar?
Absolutely! While Irish cheddar brings a unique sharpness that’s lovely here, you can substitute with sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or even a smoky fontina for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Do I have to use fresh potatoes?
Not at all. Frozen hash browns work wonderfully and save prep time, but fresh shredded potatoes will provide the best texture if you have the extra effort to prepare them.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. Just make sure the butter and cheese you use meet your dietary preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your cheese and any added seasonings do not contain gluten-containing additives.
How do I know when the hash browns are crispy enough?
After cooking on the stovetop for 10 to 12 minutes, gently lift a corner with a spatula – the bottom should be golden brown and crisp, offering a satisfying crunch when you cut and serve. This step is key for texture perfection.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe enough—it’s one of those comforting dishes that you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a flavorful dinner, this skillet offers warmth, richness, and a touch of Irish charm all in one pan. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire.
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Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet is a comforting and savory dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side. Featuring crispy hash browns layered with tender sautéed cabbage, sweet onions, and sharp Irish cheddar cheese, it combines rustic flavors in a simple one-pan recipe that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups shredded russet potatoes or frozen hash browns
- 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Dairy
- 1½ cups grated Irish cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and shred fresh russet potatoes or thaw frozen hash browns. Thinly slice the cabbage, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the Irish cheddar cheese to have all components ready.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add the sliced cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender.
- Add Potatoes and Season: Incorporate the shredded or thawed potatoes into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season the mixture evenly with salt and pepper and gently mix to combine. Press the potato mixture into an even, compact layer in the skillet for even cooking.
- Cook until Crispy & Bake with Cheese: Cook the hash brown layer on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the bottom to develop a crispy crust. Once crisp, sprinkle the grated Irish cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil or bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, slice, and serve the hash brown skillet hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using either fresh shredded potatoes or frozen hash browns works well for this recipe. For fresh potatoes, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- If an oven-safe skillet is not available, transfer the hash browns to a baking dish for the broiling step.
- Broiling adds a beautiful golden crust to the cheese, but baking at 375°F (190°C) until melted and golden also works.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the cabbage sauté.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
