Comforting White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe: A Cozy Blend

Crisp winter days call for a comforting white bean soup with bacon that warms you from the inside out.

Smoky bacon adds depth to this hearty classic, creating layers of rich flavor in every spoonful.

Tender white beans mingle with savory pork, creating a rustic and satisfying meal.

Earthy herbs and aromatic vegetables dance together in this simple yet elegant soup.

Nutritious and filling, this recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

The combination of creamy beans and crispy bacon delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Serve this soul-warming soup and watch as everyone around the table asks for seconds.

Why You’ll Want to Cozy Up with White Bean Soup and Bacon

• Dive into a soul-warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick culinary hug.
• Packed with protein-rich white beans, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a balanced dish that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
• Swap ingredients, adjust spices, or add extra greens to make this versatile soup your own personal kitchen masterpiece without complicated cooking techniques.
• Requires basic cooking skills and standard kitchen tools, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Hearty White Bean Soup with Bacon

• White Beans: A hearty legume that provides the soup's creamy base and protein-rich foundation.
• Bacon: A savory and crispy meat that adds rich flavor and texture to the soup.
• Broth: The liquid base that helps develop the soup's depth and overall taste profile.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: A classic flavor-building trio that creates a delicious aromatic base for the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.

• Herbs, Spices, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavor profile.
• Half-and-Half: A creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth and rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and tangy cheese that adds depth and richness to the final dish.
• Fresh Greens: A fresh element that provides color and additional nutrition to the soup.

Soup-Making Essentials for a Bacon Bean Bowl

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for creating and simmering the hearty soup.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables and bacon.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice carrots, celery, onions, and bacon.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Blender or Food Processor: Crucial for creating the creamy bean mixture.
• Colander: Useful for rinsing beans thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Making White Bean Soup with Bacon, Made Easy

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat a large soup pot over medium flame.

The goal is to create a warm base for your delicious soup adventure.

Step 2: Crisp Up The Bacon

Drop bacon pieces into the pot and cook until they turn golden and crunchy.

Remove the bacon, but keep those flavorful drippings hanging around in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Foundations

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions

Cook these until the onions become translucent and develop a light golden color, releasing their sweet aromatics.

Step 4: Awaken The Aromatics

Introduce garlic and your favorite herbs and spices.

Stir quickly to prevent burning, letting the fragrance bloom and fill your kitchen with mouth-watering scents.

Step 5: Liquid Gold Splash

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom – that’s where the flavor lives!

Step 6: Bean Transformation

• Rinsing thoroughly
• Blending a portion with half-and-half until smooth and creamy

Set the bean mixture aside for later magic.

Step 7: Soup Symphony

Combine remaining whole beans, crispy bacon bits, and your creamy bean blend into the pot.

Cover and simmer on low heat until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped greens like parsley or spinach.

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy your comforting creation!

Soup Tips for Savory Perfection

• Save some crispy bacon bits for topping to add extra crunch and smoky flavor right before serving.
• Partially blending some beans creates a creamy texture without using heavy cream, making the soup richer and more luxurious.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the soup's flavor profile, bringing depth and aromatic warmth to each spoonful.
• Taste carefully before adding salt since bacon drippings are naturally salty, preventing an overly seasoned dish.
• Swap bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, smoky essence.

White Bean Soup Add-Ons and New Ideas

• Vegetarian White Bean Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains a rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and any added seasonings to make the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Style Soup: Swap bacon for chorizo, add roasted red peppers, and incorporate fresh oregano to create a Spanish-inspired white bean soup with deeper Mediterranean notes.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to accommodate dairy-free dietary requirements while keeping the soup creamy and flavorful.

Presenting White Bean Soup at the Table

• Rustic Bread Companions: Slice crusty sourdough or country bread, toast until golden, and serve alongside the soup for delightful dipping and texture contrast.
• Hearty Topping Delights: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh parsley, or additional grated Parmesan cheese on top to enhance flavor and add visual appeal.
• Tangy Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, creamy dish.
• Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Serve in deep ceramic bowls to keep the soup warm, garnishing with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh cracked black pepper for extra sophistication.

Soup Storage Enjoyment

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute dried beans with canned white beans. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup, and reduce the cooking time since they’re already cooked.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check your bacon and broth labels to confirm.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika for depth, and use vegetable broth instead of regular broth. Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor and protein.

White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean soup with bacon brings rustic Italian comfort to your kitchen. Simmered with smoky bacon, herbs, and creamy beans, this soul-warming dish delivers rich flavors you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans white kidney beans (540 ml or 19 ounces each)
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick cut), chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Fresh chopped parsley or spinach (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium flame, preparing the foundation for a rich, aromatic white bean soup.
2. Render bacon in the pot until golden and crisp, then remove the pieces while preserving the flavorful drippings.
3. Sauté chopped carrots, celery, and onions in the bacon fat until the onions become translucent and develop a light caramelization.
4. Introduce minced garlic, thyme, and seasonings, stirring quickly to release their fragrant essence without burning.
5. Deglaze the pot with broth, carefully scraping the bottom to incorporate all the delicious browned bits.
6. Drain and rinse the white beans, then partially puree a portion with half-and-half to create a creamy thickening base.
7. Combine whole beans, reserved bacon pieces, and the creamy bean mixture into the pot, reducing heat and covering to simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables become tender.
8. Finish the soup by folding in grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs, adjusting seasoning to taste before serving hot.

Notes

• Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a lighter, leaner version of the soup that still delivers incredible smoky flavor.
• Bean Boost: Mash some beans directly in the pot to create a thicker, more luxurious texture without needing extra cream or blending steps.
• Dietary Flexibility: Make this soup gluten-free by ensuring your broth and bacon are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetable Variations: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips or fennel to add unexpected depth and complexity to the soup’s base flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg