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White Bean Soup with Bacon

Featured in Inspiring Dinner Ideas.

Cook bacon, sauté veggies, add beans and seasonings, blend some beans for creaminess, simmer 15 minutes. Quick, hearty dinner ready in 35 minutes.
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Sarah
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:05:59 GMT
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White Bean Soup with Bacon | kitchenscroll.com

A comforting bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon combines creamy beans, smoky bacon, and tender vegetables in a rich, hearty broth. This soul-warming soup transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing meal that's perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly cold winter when comfort food was essential. The way the bacon infuses the entire pot with its smoky essence while the beans create a creamy base makes this soup absolutely unforgettable.

Choosing Your Ingredients

  • Bacon: Select thick-cut for optimal flavor and texture
  • White beans: Cannellini beans offer perfect creaminess
  • Fresh vegetables: Creates essential flavor foundation
  • Herbs and spices: Enhances depth and complexity
  • Chicken broth: Use low-sodium for better control
  • Half and half: Adds luxurious richness

Creating Your Soup

Base Development:
Crisp bacon until perfectly done. Reserve for garnish. Sauté vegetables in bacon fat. Build aromatic foundation.
Bean Preparation:
Blend portion for creaminess. Keep some whole for texture. Rinse thoroughly. Season thoughtfully.
Soup Assembly:
Combine ingredients gradually. Simmer until vegetables tender. Adjust seasoning carefully. Add cream at finish.
White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe Pin it
White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

My Italian grandmother taught me to save a bit of bacon fat for sautéing garlic bread - it adds an incredible depth to the entire meal.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and extra crispy bacon bits. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Flavorful Variations

Transform this soup using different beans, add kale or spinach for extra nutrients, or incorporate Italian sausage for a heartier version. Create a vegetarian option by using smoked paprika for depth.

Storage Solutions

Keep in airtight container for up to four days in refrigerator. Freezes beautifully for up to three months. Reheat gently, adding broth if needed to adjust consistency.

This White Bean Soup has become my ultimate comfort food recipe. The way it fills the kitchen with warming aromas and brings people together around the table makes it more than just a meal - it's a celebration of home cooking at its finest.

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Easy White Bean Soup with Bacon | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dried beans?
Yes, but cook them first. You'll need about 4 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned ones.
→ How do I make it thicker?
Blend more beans with the half and half, or use the cornstarch slurry mentioned in the recipe.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze before adding the cream. Add dairy after thawing and reheating.
→ What can I use instead of half and half?
Heavy cream for richer soup, or whole milk for a lighter version.
→ Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Creamy White Bean Bacon Soup

A warming soup combining creamy white beans with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and herbs in a rich broth.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut), chopped
02 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery ribs, sliced
04 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Seasonings

06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 1 teaspoon dried parsley
10 ¼ teaspoon paprika
11 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
12 ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Liquid and Dairy

13 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
14 2 cans (19 oz each) white kidney beans
15 ¾ cup half and half
16 ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
17 Fresh parsley or spinach for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Cook chopped bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving fat in pot

Step 02

Cook carrots, celery, and onion in bacon fat for 4-5 minutes until onion softens. Remove excess fat if needed

Step 03

Stir in garlic and all seasonings. Cook 1 minute to bloom spices

Step 04

Rinse beans. Blend ¾ cup beans with half and half until smooth. Add broth, whole beans, bacon, and bean puree to pot

Step 05

Simmer covered for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in Parmesan and optional herbs

Notes

  1. For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cream or water and stir into simmering soup

Tools You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot
  • Blender
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy