Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet

Irish cheddar and cabbage hash brown skillet transforms humble ingredients into a golden, bubbly masterpiece that perfectly celebrates the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. This satisfying one-pan wonder combines crispy hash browns, tender cabbage, and rich Irish cheddar cheese in a harmonious blend that pays homage to traditional colcannon while creating something uniquely delicious. Whether you're serving it alongside corned beef, using it to soak up a pint of Guinness, or simply enjoying it as a comforting weekend side dish, this skillet delivers Irish-inspired flavors in a convenient, crowd-pleasing package.

I first made this recipe for a St. Patrick's Day gathering where I needed something more interesting than plain potatoes but less complicated than traditional Irish dishes. It was such a hit that guests kept returning for seconds, and now I make it throughout the year whenever I need a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any protein.

Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Irish Cheddar: Typically made from grass-fed cows' milk for exceptional richness; Kerrygold is a readily available brand
• Green Cabbage: Look for firm heads with crisp leaves; pre-shredded saves time but shredding your own ensures freshness
• Frozen Hash Browns: A convenient shortcut that maintains excellent texture; choose plain, not seasoned varieties
• Irish Butter: Has higher butterfat content than American butter for superior flavor; worth seeking out for this dish
• Onions: Yellow onions provide the best flavor foundation; dice them uniformly for even cooking

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), giving it plenty of time to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures your skillet will start baking immediately when it goes in, creating that perfect golden top.

Step 2:

Place a large oven-safe skillet (preferably a 12-15 inch cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of Irish butter. Allow it to melt completely until it becomes slightly frothy but not browned, which should take about 1 minute. The butter's rich flavor forms the foundation of this dish.

Step 3:

Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, to the melted butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This initial cooking releases the onion's sweetness and builds the first layer of flavor in your skillet.

Step 4:

Add 4 cups of shredded green cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sautéed onions. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, which helps draw out moisture from the cabbage and enhances its natural flavor. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and begins to develop light golden spots. This caramelization adds depth of flavor.

Step 5:

Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic (more if you're a garlic lover) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can create bitterness. Reduce the heat to medium-low at this point to prevent scorching as you continue building your dish.

Step 6:

Add 4 cups of frozen hash browns (no need to thaw) and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Irish cheddar to the skillet, gently folding everything together until well combined. Use a spatula to create an even surface, which ensures consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation when finished.

Step 7:

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. During this time, the hash browns will cook through, absorbing the flavors of the butter, cabbage, and onions while developing a golden crust on top. The long baking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 8:

After the initial baking period, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Irish cheddar evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble around the edges, creating an irresistible golden crown.

Step 9:

Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve while ensuring it stays hot.

Step 10:

Just before serving, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh flavor contrast and a festive touch of green. The vibrant color and mild onion flavor provide the perfect finishing touch to this golden, bubbling skillet.

I discovered these tips through my own experimentation with this recipe. The first time I made it, I rushed the cabbage cooking step and ended up with undercooked cabbage in the final dish. Now I make sure to give the cabbage enough time to soften properly before adding the potatoes, which makes a world of difference in the final texture.

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The first time I served this dish at a potluck brunch, people were skeptical about the combination of cabbage and hash browns. After the first bite, those doubts vanished! What makes this recipe special is how it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels both comforting and special. The way the Irish cheddar creates pockets of rich, melty goodness throughout the crispy potatoes and tender cabbage makes every forkful a perfect bite. While it's wonderful for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, this versatile skillet has become one of my go-to side dishes year-round – proving that good food knows no season. Whether paired with a simple protein for a weeknight dinner or served alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast, this skillet brings a touch of Irish comfort to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the vegetable mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, mix in the frozen hash browns and cheese, then proceed with baking. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting with cold ingredients. Alternatively, you can fully bake the dish, refrigerate, and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

→ What type of Irish cheddar should I use?

Kerrygold Aged Cheddar or Dubliner are excellent choices and widely available. They have a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully. If you can't find Irish cheddar, any good quality sharp cheddar will work well as a substitute.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, though it will require more prep work. Grate about 4-5 medium russet potatoes, then rinse them well and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery. You may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes if using fresh potatoes.

→ What main dishes pair well with this skillet?

This versatile side pairs wonderfully with corned beef, Irish stew, or roasted lamb for a St. Patrick's Day feast. For everyday meals, it complements grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or even fried eggs for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner option.

→ Can I make this dish in something other than a cast-iron skillet?

Absolutely! While a cast-iron skillet provides excellent heat retention and a rustic presentation, you can use any oven-safe skillet or transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish after sautéing the vegetables. Just make sure whatever you use has enough capacity for all the ingredients.