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; 2 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ lb Irish cheddar cheese, shredded; Olive oil (enough to cover skillet bottom plus a drizzle, approximately 3 tablespoons); 3 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed; Kosher salt (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon plus pinches for layers); Toppings: fresh parsley (chopped), minced chives, freshly cracked black pepper, flaky sea salt

If you're craving something truly comforting that sings with classic Irish flavors, you'll adore this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender cabbage, it’s a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

The image shows a cooked creamy dish in a black round skillet. The top layer is made of melted golden-brown cheese, with toasted parts adding a crispy texture. Beneath the cheese, thin slices of light beige potatoes are visible, mixed with caramelized brown onion pieces spread evenly across the surface. The edges of the dish show bubbling cream sauce mixed with cheese, creating a rich and smooth texture. The skillet sits on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture underneath. 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 can’t get enough of how the sharpness of Irish cheddar perfectly contrasts the sweetness of caramelized cabbage and leeks here. It’s not just a side dish — it can easily take center stage for a cozy dinner night.

Classic Irish Flavors: Celebrates the heartiness of potatoes and cabbage elevated by sharp cheddar and herbs.
Simple Ingredients: Uses staples you likely have on hand or can easily find at your market.
Creamy, But Balanced: The layers soak up a gently simmered cream for perfect richness without feeling heavy.
Vegetarian and Versatile: Perfect as a main course or an indulgent side, adaptable to your meal plans.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this dish, fresh quality ingredients make all the difference. Thinly sliced potatoes create tender layers, while caramelized cabbage and leeks build beautiful depth of flavor. Using a good Irish cheddar adds that satisfying sharpness to bring it all together.

Flat lay of thinly sliced leeks, a small pile of thinly sliced green cabbage, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small bunch of minced chives, a small white ceramic bowl filled with olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy cream, three whole russet potatoes with natural skin, a small mound of shredded Irish cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing flaky sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: I love how they add a gentle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Green cabbage: Slices caramelize beautifully, bringing a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese.
Garlic: Adds a little kick and aromatic warmth when cooked with the veggies.
Heavy cream: Brings the whole dish together in a lusciously rich and creamy sauce.
Irish cheddar cheese: Sharp, tangy, and perfect for melting into each bite.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the leeks and cabbage to caramelized perfection.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes them ideal for thin slicing and baking tender.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning layers to highlight all the flavors.
Toppings (parsley, chives, black pepper, flaky sea salt): Fresh herbs and seasoning elevate the final presentation and add brightness to each slice.

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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

One of the joys of this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you're tailoring it for dietary needs or simply mixing in your favorite flavors, this dish invites creativity without losing its comforting Irish soul.

Vegetarian-friendly to vegan adaptations: I love making this dish vegan by swapping heavy cream with a rich coconut cream and using a sharp vegan cheddar alternative. While it changes the flavor slightly, the layers of caramelized cabbage and leeks still shine beautifully.
Seasonal twists: Try adding thin slices of sweet potato or parsnip into the layers during fall for that earthy warmth. I’ve also stirred in sautéed mushrooms to add an umami boost, which makes it even heartier.
Cheese swaps: Irish cheddar is undeniably authentic here, but if you’re after a milder or nuttier note, Gruyère or aged white cheddar make great substitutions. I like to mix in a little smoked cheese to add depth when entertaining guests.

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

A stack of creamy potato gratin is placed in the center of a white plate with a floral pattern, showing several layers of thin, golden-brown baked potato slices covered with melted cheese and small green chopped herbs sprinkled on top. The edges show browned bits of caramelized onion mixed with the creamy sauce. A copper fork rests on the right side of the plate, and a few fresh green parsley leaves are placed for garnish around the gratin. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden texture partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures a nice, steady bake where the layers meld together perfectly, creating that irresistible golden top. While the oven warms, you can get busy with the stovetop prep.

Step 2: Caramelize the Leeks and Cabbage

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, adding enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Once shimmering, add your sliced leeks and cook them for about 5 minutes. You'll notice they soften and start to smell sweet. Next, stir in the cabbage with a drizzle more olive oil and a good pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently so everything caramelizes evenly without burning. Lower the heat to low, add 2 tablespoons of water to create steam, and cook for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender, deeply golden, and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Warm the Cream

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about one minute until fragrant — that garlicky aroma is a sign the base is ready. Remove the cabbage mixture from the skillet to keep warm. Then, pour your heavy cream into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat; warm cream layers better atop the potatoes, blending flavors seamlessly.

Step 4: Thinly Slice the Potatoes

While the cream warms, slice off the ends from each russet potato. Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes very thinly—about ⅛ inch thick—so they cook evenly and remain tender but not mushy. Thin slices give you that tender bite and beautiful layered appearance.

Step 5: Layer It Up in the Skillet

Start by placing two overlapping circular layers of potato slices in the cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle with kosher salt for seasoning. Then drizzle one-fourth of the warm cream evenly over the potatoes. Next, spread an even layer of one-fourth of your cabbage and leek mixture, followed by one-fourth of the shredded Irish cheddar cheese. Repeat this complete layering three more times—potatoes, salt, cream, cabbage mixture, and cheese—until everything has been used up. This build-up ensures every bite is bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered

Cover the skillet tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake covered for 40 minutes to give the potatoes a chance to cook gently and absorb the cream and flavors. After this, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. This step lets the top become irresistibly golden and bubbly, while a paring knife test confirms the potatoes are perfectly tender—soft enough to melt in your mouth, yet retaining shape.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish Before Serving

Let your Irish scalloped potatoes rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Just before plating, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, minced chives, cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt. These final touches add brightness, texture, and just a hint of freshness to each hearty slice.

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures thoughtfully. These tips will help you get that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and caramelized goodness every time.

Perfect Potato Slices: Using a mandolin to slice your russet potatoes about ⅛ inch thick ensures they cook evenly and become tender without falling apart.
Caramelize for Depth: Don’t rush the cabbage and leeks — slow cooking with a little water creates that subtle sweetness and richness that makes this dish special.
Layer with Care: Season each potato layer with a pinch of kosher salt and distribute cream, cabbage, and cheddar evenly to build flavor with every bite.
Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps it set up, making it easier to slice and serve beautifully.

How to Serve Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe

A round black cast iron pan holds one visible layer of thinly sliced potatoes arranged closely to cover the top fully, each slice pale white with light brown edges and sprinkled with coarse salt. Underneath the potato slices, a golden layer of caramelized onions peeks through in a few places, adding depth to the dish. The pan sits on a dark wooden surface that is replaced with white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touches really elevate this dish—sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and minced chives for a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of flaky sea salt add a perfect contrast and extra seasoning to highlight the creamy cheddar and tender cabbage layers.

Side Dishes

This Irish scalloped potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Irish fare such as braised kale or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or slow-cooked Irish stew. The creamy richness of the potatoes balances well with crisp, bright greens or savory mains.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Irish scalloped potatoes with cabbage and cheddar will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days when properly stored.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish ahead of time or freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture and melting cheese, the oven works wonders to revive the dish’s golden top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape and absorb the creamy sauce nicely. However, you can also try Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly waxier texture, but avoid very waxy potatoes as they may become too soft.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?

You can substitute with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version, but the taste and texture will differ from the classic creamy richness of heavy cream.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

How do I know when the scalloped potatoes are done?

The potatoes are tender when a paring knife slides easily through the layers without resistance. Also, the top should be beautifully golden and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Irish Scalloped Potatoes with Cabbage and Cheddar Recipe. It’s a cozy celebration of simple ingredients elevated by care and tradition, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a quiet night. I hope recreating this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. Happy cooking!