White Bean Soup with Bacon
This White Bean Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and weeknight meals. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup combines smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and wholesome beans. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick family meal, this soup brings warmth to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The smoky bacon adds depth, while the blend of herbs enhances the overall taste.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep, making it great for busy weekdays.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside a salad; it’s sure to satisfy any appetite.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious white bean soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your cooking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Slotted spoon
- Blender
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or soup pot: Provides even heat distribution for perfect cooking.
- Blender: Helps achieve the creamy consistency by pureeing the beans effortlessly.
- Slotted spoon: Makes it easy to remove cooked bacon without excess grease.
Ingredients
This hearty white bean soup is packed with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and creamy blended beans for a rich, comforting bowl. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it blends savory seasonings with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying, cozy soup.
For the Soup Base:
- 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut), chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
For Seasoning:
- 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
For Liquid and Creaminess:
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz / 540 ml each)
- ¾ cup half-and-half
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh chopped parsley or spinach (optional)
How to Make White Bean Soup with Bacon
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious White Bean Soup with Bacon.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to brown. If there is excess bacon fat, carefully dab out some with a paper towel.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the garlic along with salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate those flavors into your soup.
Step 5: Prepare the Beans
Rinse the beans thoroughly. In a blender, puree about ¾ cup of the beans with half-and-half until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add both whole beans and bean puree back into the pot along with cooked bacon. Bring everything to a simmer then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with optional parsley or spinach for added flavor. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Step 8: Optional Thickening
For a thicker consistency in your soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cream or water then stir into your simmering soup until combined well.
Now you have an irresistible bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon ready to warm your heart!
How to Serve White Bean Soup with Bacon
Serving white bean soup with bacon can elevate your meal to a new level of comfort and satisfaction. This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: A slice of warm sourdough or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra kick, serve it with toasted garlic bread, which complements the smoky flavors of the bacon.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Chives or Green Onions: Thinly sliced chives or green onions give a mild onion flavor that brightens the soup.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the richness.
- Crumbled Feta: For a tangy twist, add crumbled feta cheese to each bowl.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the soup’s warmth.
- Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad with vinaigrette can lighten up the meal.
How to Perfect White Bean Soup with Bacon
To make your white bean soup with bacon even better, consider these expert tips. They will help enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
- Ingredients: Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for a richer smoky flavor that stands out in every bite.
- Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh carrots and celery instead of frozen to keep the texture crisp and vibrant.
- Balanced Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices during cooking for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Texture Variations: Blend some beans but leave others whole for a creamier texture with added substance in each spoonful.
- Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have time; this melds the flavors beautifully.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!
Best Side Dishes for White Bean Soup with Bacon
Pairing side dishes with your white bean soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to complement your dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes of the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the rich flavors in the soup; serve it warm!
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette offers freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and cheese can be a hearty addition that rounds out your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze creates a refreshing appetizer before your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making white bean soup with bacon can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using regular bacon instead of thick-cut: Thinner bacon may not provide enough flavor and texture. Opt for thick-cut bacon for a richer taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook the vegetables too long, they can become mushy. Aim for just softening them to retain their texture.
- Neglecting to rinse the beans: Skipping rinsing canned beans can lead to a salty soup. Always rinse and drain them before adding.
- Forgetting to adjust seasoning: Tasting before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Using high-sodium broth: High-sodium chicken broth can overpower the dish. Choose low-sodium options to control the salt level in your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing White Bean Soup with Bacon
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.
Reheating White Bean Soup with Bacon
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in intervals of 1–2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making white bean soup with bacon.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute other beans like navy or cannellini, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve with white bean soup with bacon?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, kale, or even potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
White bean soup with bacon is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. This cozy dish is perfect for any occasion and will surely satisfy your cravings. Give it a try!
White Bean Soup with Bacon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
White Bean Soup with Bacon is a cozy and satisfying dish that brings warmth to any meal. This creamy soup features the smoky flavor of bacon, hearty white beans, and tender vegetables, making it perfect for chilly evenings or quick weeknight dinners. With its rich texture and delicious taste, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alone for a comforting bowl or pair it with crusty bread for a complete experience. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 large carrots
- 2 celery ribs
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white kidney beans
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- salt
- thyme
- oregano
- parsley
- paprika
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp; remove and set aside.
- Sauté sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion in the rendered fat for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and spices; cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pot.
- Rinse beans; blend some with half-and-half until smooth.
- Stir in whole beans and bean puree with cooked bacon; simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and optional herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
