Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet

This Irish cheddar and cabbage hash brown skillet transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, cheesy delight that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of tender cabbage, crispy potatoes, and melty Irish cheddar creates a dish that celebrates humble ingredients in the most delicious way.

I first made this skillet when hosting a St. Patrick's Day brunch, but it quickly became a year-round favorite. My family now requests it on lazy Sunday mornings, and I love how it brings everyone to the table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Butter: Creates the perfect base for sautéing and adds rich flavor throughout the dish
• Yellow onion: Provides aromatic sweetness as it softens and caramelizes
• Green cabbage: Becomes tender and slightly sweet when cooked properly
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors look for flaky sea salt for best results
• Garlic cloves: Add depth and warmth use fresh for the most pronounced flavor
• Frozen hash browns: Save significant prep time while still crisping beautifully
• Irish cheddar: Brings authentic flavor with its rich, slightly sharp taste
• Green onions: Provide a fresh finish and pop of color choose bright, firm stalks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Skillet:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and melt butter in a large cast iron skillet until it becomes slightly frothy. The butter should coat the entire surface to prevent sticking and add flavor to every bite.

Build The Aromatic Base:

Add diced yellow onion to the melted butter and sauté until they become fragrant and start turning translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. The onions should soften but not brown at this stage, creating a sweet foundation.

Cook The Cabbage:

Add shredded cabbage to the onions and season with sea salt. Combine everything thoroughly and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the cabbage softens and begins developing golden spots. The cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks and release delicious flavor.

Incorporate Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly become bitter. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Create The Hash Brown Mixture:

Add frozen hash browns and 1½ cups of shredded Irish cheddar to the slightly cooled vegetable mixture. Combine everything thoroughly until well integrated, then smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.

Initial Bake:

Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating the hash browns are crisping up nicely.

Add Final Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the hash brown mixture and return to the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. The cheese should melt completely and become slightly bubbly at the edges.

Finish And Serve:

Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately top with freshly chopped green onions. The residual heat will slightly wilt them while maintaining their fresh flavor. Serve while hot and enjoy.

The humble cabbage truly shines in this recipe, transforming from an often overlooked vegetable into something truly delicious. My grandmother always said cabbage develops sweetness when cooked with respect, and this skillet proves her right every time. The way it melds with the Irish cheddar creates a flavor combination that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences or what's available in your kitchen. For a heartier version, add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham along with the hash browns. Vegetarians might enjoy adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor. If Irish cheddar isn't available, any good quality sharp cheddar will work beautifully, though the slightly earthy notes of Irish cheddar do add authentic character.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile skillet works beautifully alongside many accompaniments. For breakfast, pair it with fried or poached eggs and some crusty bread. As a dinner side, it complements roasted sausages or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. I often serve it with a dollop of sour cream and hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their portion.

The Cast Iron Advantage

Using a cast iron skillet for this recipe provides superior heat distribution and retention, resulting in perfectly crispy edges and bottom. If you don't have cast iron, any oven safe skillet will work, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly. The beauty of cast iron is how it creates those irresistible crispy bits that everyone fights over when serving.

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This hash brown skillet is the perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor, ensuring it will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cabbage works best for this skillet?

Green cabbage is recommended for its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. You can also use savoy cabbage as a substitute.

→ Can fresh potatoes be used instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before using them as a substitute for frozen hash browns.

→ Which cheese pairs well with Irish cheddar?

Sharp white cheddar or gouda can complement the flavors of Irish cheddar if you'd like to mix cheeses.

→ Is it necessary to bake this dish in the oven?

Baking helps achieve a golden, crispy top, but you can finish the dish entirely on the stovetop if preferred. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat to melt the cheese.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.