White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that tastes like it’s been bubbling away on Grandma’s stove all afternoon, White Bean Soup with Bacon is about to become your new cold-weather favorite. This creamy, savory classic brings together smoky bacon, tender white beans, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs all swirling in a rich, velvety broth. With each spoonful, you’ll discover why this soup has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation — it’s unbelievably satisfying, simple to pull together, and makes your kitchen smell downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for truly unforgettable White Bean Soup with Bacon. Each ingredient shines on its own, but together they create the perfect harmony of flavors, heartiness, and that signature creamy texture you crave in homemade soup.
- Bacon: The hero of the soup, adding smoky, meaty flavor and a touch of indulgence — either standard or thick-cut works beautifully!
- Carrots: Sweet and colorful, carrots mellow out the saltiness of the bacon and add lovely pops of orange.
- Celery: Classic for soups, bringing subtle earthiness and a bit of crunch to the base.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it melts into the soup and builds a rich aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Four cloves go a long way in deepening the savoriness of the entire pot.
- Salt: Essential for balancing out all the other flavors — start with a little, taste, and adjust!
- Dried Thyme: Warm, woodsy notes make the soup distinctly comforting.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a punchy, herbal dimension that mingles beautifully with the beans.
- Dried Parsley: Brings a fresh, grassy aroma that brightens up each bite.
- Paprika: Just a hint of smokiness and color — regular or smoked both add something special.
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat to round out all the mellow flavors in the bowl.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For the brave, a whisper of spice to wake up your tastebuds.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms a savory backbone without overpowering the delicate flavor of white beans.
- White Kidney Beans (Cannellini): Two big cans add protein, creaminess, and that signature chunky texture.
- Half and Half: Lends a luxurious touch, giving the soup its silky body and lovely pale color.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts in for a cheesy, umami finish.
- Fresh Parsley or Spinach (optional): For garnish or a boost of greens — totally up to you!
How to Make White Bean Soup with Bacon
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your chopped bacon and cook, stirring often, until the pieces are a deep golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Scoop the bacon out onto a plate lined with paper towels, but don’t even think about discarding that rendered bacon fat! It’s liquid gold that will infuse your White Bean Soup with Bacon with irresistible depth.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Keep your soup pot on the heat and add carrots, celery, and onion straight into the bacon drippings. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and starting to pick up a bit of color. If you notice a slick of fat pooling in the pot, carefully blot out the excess with a paper towel so your soup doesn’t turn out greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about a minute — this brief sauté helps the garlic mellow and “blooms” those dried herbs and spices so your White Bean Soup with Bacon tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those caramelized morsels are pure flavor! This step creates the base for your soup’s savory, silky body.
Step 5: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse your canned white beans thoroughly. Then, take about 3/4 cup of the beans and blend them together with the half and half until perfectly smooth. This simple trick thickens your soup and adds luscious creaminess without the need for heavy cream. The remaining whole beans get added later for texture.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the whole beans, the crispy bacon (reserve a bit for topping if you wish!), and the bean puree into the simmering pot. Stir well, bring everything back to a gentle simmer, then cover and lower the heat. Let the soup bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes so the vegetables become tender and all those fabulous flavors meld. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan along with the optional fresh parsley or spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. If you like a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cream or water, then stir that in as the soup simmers. Serve piping hot, garnished with that reserved bacon and a sprinkle of herbs for the prettiest bowl ever.
How to Serve White Bean Soup with Bacon
Garnishes
When it comes to serving White Bean Soup with Bacon, a little flourish goes a long way. Scatter extra crispy bacon bits on top, add a generous grating of fresh Parmesan, or shower the bowl with fresh parsley or baby spinach for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of black pepper can make every bowl look restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
This soup plays well with all sorts of sides — try it with thick slices of crusty bread, pillowy dinner rolls, or a simple green salad to round out the meal. If you love some crunch, bake up a small batch of homemade croutons or serve with garlic toast for scooping and dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, ladle White Bean Soup with Bacon into oven-safe mugs and add a crostini or a puff-pastry disk on top for an extra-special touch. Hosting brunch? Serve it in small bowls as a cozy starter, or dish up “soup shooters” in mini glasses for fun party fare. Let your presentation be as inviting as the flavors inside!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Bean Soup with Bacon stores like a dream! Let any extras cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making lunchtime the next day easy and tempting.
Freezing
White Bean Soup with Bacon also freezes well, though the dairy in the soup may change texture slightly. Simply allow the soup to cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your soup into a pot and warm it over gentle heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of half and half to restore that silky, just-cooked consistency. Stir well, taste, and enjoy all over again!
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak and cook dried white beans ahead of time (about 2 cups cooked beans equals the canned amount). The flavor is even more rustic and hearty, but preparation takes a little longer.
Is there a dairy-free version of White Bean Soup with Bacon?
You can easily swap the half and half for unsweetened oat or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The blended beans still keep the soup creamy and satisfying!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté your veggies. For smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What other toppings work with White Bean Soup with Bacon?
Try topping with crispy fried shallots, toasted pine nuts, fresh lemon zest, or a swirl of pesto for extra flavor and crunch. Feel free to get creative with your favorite soup toppings!
Will this soup thicken as it sits?
It will! The starches from the beans make the soup thicker as it cools. If it gets too thick, just stir in a little more broth or water when reheating to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with the warmth, simplicity, and unbelievable comfort packed into every bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon. Give it a try the next time you want a cozy meal — and don’t forget to share it with someone you love!
Print
White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This White Bean Soup with Bacon is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for colder days. Creamy white beans, savory bacon, and aromatic herbs come together in a flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut, chopped)
Vegetables:
- 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery ribs (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Other:
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz each or 540 ml)
- ¾ cup half and half
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh chopped parsley or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cook carrots, celery, and onion in the pot until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse and puree a portion of the beans with half and half.
- Combine Ingredients: Add beans, bacon, and puree to the pot. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan and optional parsley/spinach. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Optional Thickening: Dissolve cornstarch in cream/water and stir into the soup while simmering for a thicker consistency.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like spinach or kale.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: White Bean Soup, Bacon Soup, Comfort Food, Winter Recipe
