Description
The Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet is a comforting and versatile one-pan meal combining crispy golden hash browns, tender sautéed cabbage and onions, and melted sharp Irish cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish balances crunchy textures with gooey, savory flavors and fresh garden ingredients, delivering a hearty, satisfying experience with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Frozen Hash Browns – 4 cups
- Green Cabbage – 2 cups, thinly sliced
- Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
- Irish Cheddar Cheese – 1 ½ cups, grated
Cooking Essentials
- Butter or Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Diced Jalapeños – to taste (for spicy variation)
- Cooked Bacon or Smoked Paprika – to taste (for smoky flavor)
- Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, or Zucchini – ½ cup, diced (for vegetarian boost)
- Alternative Cheeses (Sharp White Cheddar, Gruyère) – as desired
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary – 1 teaspoon, chopped (for herb infusion)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the green cabbage into thin strips and finely dice the onion. Grate the Irish cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. Have your frozen hash browns ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Cabbage: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cabbage and continue cooking until tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook the Hash Browns: Push the cabbage and onions to the side or remove briefly. Add a bit more butter or oil if needed. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until equally crisp.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Mix the cabbage and onions back into the crispy hash browns, stirring gently to combine. Lower the heat, sprinkle the grated Irish cheddar evenly over the top, and cover the skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly and bind the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic and hearty meal experience.
Notes
- Patience with Crisping: Avoid stirring hash browns frequently to develop a deep golden crust.
- Use Sharp Cheese: Opt for a sharp, aged Irish cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
- Fresh Cabbage: Use green cabbage for its mild sweetness and crisp texture.
- Cover to Melt Cheese: Covering the skillet traps heat to melt cheese evenly without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Irish cheddar, cabbage, hash browns, skillet, comfort food, vegetarian, gluten free, easy one-pan meal