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White Bean Bacon Soup

Category: Comforting Bowls for Every Season

Brown the bacon, sauté veggies, stir in beans, season, blend some for a thicker texture, and simmer 15 minutes. Dinner's ready in no time.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:39:08 GMT
White Bean Soup with Bacon Highlight
White Bean Soup with Bacon | cookwithcarla.com

A heartwarming White Bean Soup with Bacon blends silky beans, crispy bacon, and soft veggies in a thick, filling broth. This cozy soup turns basic ingredients into a fulfilling dish that's ideal for cold nights or anytime you're craving a bowl of homemade goodness.

I stumbled upon this dish during an extra frosty season when I needed something comforting. The way bacon's smoky taste spreads through the whole soup while the beans form a velvety base makes this meal totally memorable.

Picking Fresh Components

  • Bacon: Go for thick slices to get the best taste and bite
  • White beans: Cannellini beans give you the perfect smoothness
  • Fresh vegetables: Builds the key flavor base
  • Herbs and spices: Adds richness and layers
  • Chicken broth: Pick low-sodium to manage salt better
  • Half and half: Brings a touch of creaminess

Putting Your Soup Together

Flavor Foundation:
Cook bacon till crispy. Save for topping. Cook veggies in the bacon drippings. Create tasty base.
Working with Beans:
Mash some for creaminess. Leave others whole for texture. Wash them well. Add salt carefully.
Final Mixture:
Mix everything bit by bit. Cook until veggies soften. Check taste as you go. Stir in cream last.
Bacon and White Bean Soup Dish Highlight
Bacon and White Bean Soup Dish | cookwithcarla.com

My nonna always told me to keep some bacon fat for cooking garlic bread - it brings an amazing flavor to the whole meal.

Tasty Companions

Enjoy with a chunk of rustic bread for soaking up goodness, some chopped fresh herbs, and extra bacon crumbles on top. A basic green salad with lemony dressing cuts through the richness just right.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up using other beans, toss in some kale or spinach for health benefits, or add Italian sausage for a meatier meal. Make it veggie-friendly by using smoked paprika for that smoky taste.

Keeping It Fresh

Store in a sealed container up to four days in your fridge. Freezes well for three months max. Warm it up slowly, adding extra broth if it's too thick.

This White Bean Soup has turned into my go-to comfort dish. The way it fills your home with lovely smells and gets everyone gathered at the table makes it more than just food - it's what home cooking is all about.

Homemade White Bean Soup with Bacon Highlight
Homemade White Bean Soup with Bacon | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use dried beans?
Of course! Just cook them beforehand. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked beans instead of canned.
→ How do I make it thicker?
Blend more of the beans with the broth, or mix in a quick cornstarch slurry.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Totally! But leave out the cream before freezing. Add it later when reheating.
→ What can I use instead of half and half?
You can swap it with heavy cream for a richer taste or whole milk if you want it lighter.
→ Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and pick vegetable broth. Toss in some smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness.

White Bean Bacon Soup

A rich soup with tender white beans, crisp bacon, flavorful veggies, and aromatic herbs in a delicious broth.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 4 thick-cut or 6 regular bacon slices, chopped small
02 1 medium onion, diced finely
03 2 celery stalks, sliced up
04 3 big carrots, peeled and cut
05 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasonings

06 1 tsp parsley, dried
07 1 tsp oregano, dried
08 1 tsp thyme, dried
09 1 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 1/4 tsp paprika
12 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

→ Liquid and Dairy

13 2 cans (19 oz each) cannellini beans
14 5 cups chicken broth, low sodium
15 1/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
16 3/4 cup half & half
17 Optional: spinach or chopped parsley for topping

Steps

Step 01

Fry the bacon bits in a big heavy pot till crispy. Scoop it out but leave the drippings behind.

Step 02

Toss carrots, onion, and celery into those bacon drippings. Cook until the onion softens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain extra fat if it's too much.

Step 03

Add garlic and seasonings. Stir it around and let everything warm up for a minute.

Step 04

Rinse off the beans. Blend a 3/4 cup of them with the half & half till it's smooth. Toss the puree, broth, whole beans, and bacon into the pot.

Step 05

Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes till the veggies get tender. Stir in Parmesan and top with spinach or parsley if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Want it thicker? Mix 2 tbsp water or cream with 1 tbsp cornstarch and stir it into your soup as it boils.

Required Equipment

  • Big heavy soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Blender
  • Small mesh strainer
  • Spoon with holes

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Has milk products