Name: Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 leeks, thinly sliced; 1 lb thinly sliced green cabbage; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced ⅛ inch; 2 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ lb Irish cheddar cheese, shredded; Olive oil, enough to cover skillet bottom and additional drizzle; Kosher salt, to taste; Toppings: fresh parsley, minced chives, freshly cracked black pepper, flaky sea salt

There’s something downright irresistible about a cozy, bubbling dish straight from the oven, isn’t there? This Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe brings together tender russet potatoes, caramelized cabbage, and sharp Irish cheddar in a way that feels like a warm kitchen hug on a plate.

A round dish in a black pan filled with a creamy baked casserole topped with a golden brown melted cheese layer mixed with caramelized brown onions spread unevenly across the surface. Thin, light beige potato slices are visible under the cheese and onions in some spots, creating a textured top layer with slightly crispy edges. The dish sits on a rustic white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. It’s perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or any time you want a side that feels special without being complicated.

Hearty and comforting: The combination of potatoes, cabbage, and sharp cheddar creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile that sticks to your ribs in the best way.
Simple ingredients, impressive results: With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up this Irish favorite that feels like a labor of love.
Perfect for crowd-pleasing: Yields 8 servings, making it an ideal side dish for family meals or festive gatherings.
Vegetarian-friendly: A deliciously hearty option that excludes meat but includes all the lush, creamy goodness you crave.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we get to the kitchen, here’s the scoop on the ingredients you’ll be working with. Picking the right potatoes and cheese really elevates this dish, and fresh cabbage adds that vibrant, caramelized sweetness you’ll love.

Flat lay of thinly sliced leeks in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with minced garlic cloves, a fresh head of green cabbage with some loose leaves, whole uncracked brown russet potatoes, a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white bowl heaped with shredded pale yellow Irish cheddar cheese, a small bunch of bright green parsley sprigs, a small pile of finely chopped chives, a small white bowl with coarse flaky sea salt, a small white bowl holding freshly cracked black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Leeks: They bring a subtle, mild onion flavor that’s softer and sweeter than regular onions, setting a gentle savory base.
Green cabbage: When cooked slowly, it becomes tender and caramelized, infusing the dish with a wonderful earthy sweetness.
Garlic: Adds warmth and a hint of bite, perfectly balancing the dish’s richness.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is ideal for slicing thin and baking into tender, creamy layers.
Heavy cream: Creating that luscious, creamy sauce where all the flavors meld beautifully together.
Irish cheddar cheese: The star of the show—sharp, tangy, and melting beautifully to add depth and richness.
Olive oil: Essential for cooking the veggies gently and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
Kosher salt: Key for seasoning at every layer, bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Fresh parsley, minced chives, cracked black pepper, flaky sea salt (toppings): These finishing touches brighten and add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy bake.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to put your own spin on it! Whether you want to lighten it up or add extra savory touches, there’s plenty of room to customize this cozy dish to your taste.

Vegetarian twist: I love using a sharp Irish cheddar that’s certified vegetarian-friendly, making this dish perfect for meatless meals without losing any richness.
Lighter cream option: For a less indulgent version, swapping out half of the heavy cream for half-and-half works well—just keep in mind it won’t be quite as creamy and decadent.
Nutmeg nuance: My go-to secret addition is a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg in the cream before pouring it over the layers. It adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the cabbage and cheese.
Seasonal swaps: Sometimes I mix in sautéed mushrooms or swap green cabbage for savoy in fall to add seasonal depth while keeping that classic Irish comfort vibe.
Different cookware: While a cast-iron skillet gives even heat and a gorgeous crust, if you don’t have one, a 10-inch oven-safe baking dish works just fine—just watch the baking time closely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe

The dish is a layered potato gratin placed in the center of a white plate with floral patterns on the edges. The gratin has multiple thin layers of golden-brown baked potatoes and melted cheese, topped with small green chive pieces and larger parsley leaves for garnish. The surface has a slightly crispy cheese crust with some browned, caramelized onions adding texture and color contrast. A rose gold fork is placed vertically to the right of the gratin on the plate. The plate sits on a dark rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Leeks and Cabbage to Perfection

Start by heating a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and adding enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your thinly sliced leeks and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to release their sweet aroma. Next, add the thinly sliced green cabbage along with a drizzle more olive oil and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Stir frequently as it cooks for 8 to 10 minutes until the cabbage starts to caramelize and develop that gorgeous golden color. Lower the heat to low, add 2 tablespoons of water, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender and perfectly caramelized—this step brings out the sweetest flavors.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Prepare the Cream

Stir minced garlic into your cabbage mixture, cooking for about one minute to release that fragrant garlic essence without burning it. Then, transfer this flavorful cabbage mixture onto a plate and set aside. Now, pour your heavy cream into a small saucepan and gently warm it over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer—this warmth helps evenly distribute creaminess when assembling.

Step 3: Thinly Slice Your Potatoes

While the cream warms, prep your potatoes by trimming off the ends and slicing them paper-thin—about ⅛ inch thick—using a mandolin. This thinness is key for tender, layered potatoes that meld beautifully with cabbage and cheese. The slices should be flexible enough to overlap comfortably during assembly.

Step 4: Layer Your Potatoes, Cabbage, Cheese, and Cream

Arrange two layers of potato slices in your skillet in a circular, overlapping pattern. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over them, then pour one-fourth of the warmed heavy cream evenly on top. Next, spread one-fourth of the caramelized cabbage mixture and sprinkle one-fourth of the shredded Irish cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process three more times—potatoes, salt, cream, cabbage, and cheddar—until you have four beautiful, rich layers filled with flavor.

Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Bake Uncovered for Golden Perfection

Cover your skillet tightly with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes. This initial covered baking gently cooks the potatoes and melds flavors. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. During this final stage, the top develops a gorgeous golden crust, and the potatoes become tender—you can check doneness by piercing a slice with a paring knife.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish Before Serving

Once out of the oven, allow your Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving. Just before bringing it to the table, sprinkle fresh parsley, minced chives, freshly cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt over the top. These fresh toppings add brightness and texture, elevating this comforting classic even more.

Top Tip

These tips can make your Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe absolutely shine, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender, creamy, and full of flavor.

Mandolin Magic: Using a mandolin to slice your potatoes uniformly about ⅛ inch thick guarantees even cooking and the perfect creamy texture every time.
Low and Slow Cabbage: Caramelizing the cabbage slowly over low heat with a splash of water brings out its natural sweetness and prevents it from turning bitter.
Layering Love: Don’t rush assembling the layers — overlapping the potatoes thoughtfully and seasoning each layer with salt helps build depth in every forkful.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving; it helps the scalloped potatoes set and makes slicing or scooping a breeze without falling apart.

How to Serve Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with one main layer of thin, round potato slices that almost cover the whole pan. The potato slices are pale cream colored with light brown edges, and they are lightly sprinkled with coarse salt, giving a bit of sparkle on top. Underneath the potatoes, there is a hint of a warm, cooked filling, possibly caramelized onions or a similar ingredient, seen through small gaps between the slices. The pan sits on a dark wooden surface, which should be imagined as a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs really brighten up this rich dish—sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and minced chives on top just before serving. A crack or two of freshly ground black pepper and a few flakes of sea salt add that last touch of sophistication and help balance the creamy cheddar flavors.

Side Dishes

This scalloped potato dish pairs beautifully with hearty Irish staples like corned beef or roast lamb. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans. It also makes a perfect side for any roasted chicken or pork dish, adding a cozy, comforting element to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe cools, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish again without a lot of extra effort.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely! Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and crispy on top again. This helps revive the golden crust and maintains the delicious texture you love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp Irish cheddar gives the dish its classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like aged cheddar, Gruyère, or even a milder cheese depending on your preference.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness, though the dish will be less creamy and indulgent. Using less cheese or a reduced-fat variety can also lighten the dish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

You sure can! Assemble the layers in the skillet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

No problem. Use any oven-safe baking dish of a similar size — just be mindful of adjusting the layering to fit the shape. The dish might cook slightly differently, so keep an eye on the doneness.

Final Thoughts

Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe is a warm, satisfying dish that brings the comforting spirit of Irish cooking right to your table. The combination of tender potatoes, caramelized cabbage, and sharp Irish cheddar creates a beautiful harmony of flavors you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a hearty family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy cooking and Sláinte!