White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

“`html

If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty, and incredibly flavorful dish, then this White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a cozy bowl of creamy white beans enriched with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon and the fragrant lift of thyme and garlic. Every spoonful combines smooth texture with crispy bacon bites, making it a soul-soothing treat perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave something nourishing and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and heartwarming appeal. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory bacon bringing crunch and depth, to the creamy white beans that form the rich base, and the aromatic herbs that tie everything together.

• Bacon (6 slices): Adds smoky flavor and a satisfying crisp texture that contrasts with the creamy soup.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness to the onions and garlic.
• Onion (1, diced): Provides a sweet, mellow base note that balances the savory elements.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a fragrant pungency that elevates the overall taste.
• White beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed): The star of the soup, delivering creaminess and a mild, nutty backdrop.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): Offers a savory, umami-rich liquid that ties all ingredients together and adds depth.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy, herbal notes that complement the beans and bacon perfectly.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor at the end.

How to Make White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Begin by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes golden and crispy. This step not only renders out delicious bacon fat that will flavor the soup, but also gives you those irresistible bacon crumbles for garnish and texture.

Step 2: Set Aside the Bacon

Remove the crispy bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess fat. This prevents the bacon from becoming greasy and ensures each bite remains delightfully crunchy.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Next, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and toss in the diced onion. Cook it over medium heat until translucent and soft, releasing its sweetness and building a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it releases its mouthwatering aroma, taking care not to burn it. Garlic infuses the broth with that irresistible savory boost.

Step 5: Combine Beans and Broth

Now, add the drained white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir to marry the ingredients and start a delicious, hearty simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors deepen and develop beautifully while the beans soften even more.

Step 7: Puree for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot until it reaches your preferred consistency—somewhere between chunky and creamy. This adds luscious texture while still leaving some beans intact for a pleasant bite.

Step 8: Incorporate Crispy Bacon

Crumble most of the cooked bacon and stir it into the soup, making sure the flavor permeates every spoonful while reserving some for garnish. That smoky crunch is what makes this White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles on top along with fresh parsley. This final touch adds vibrant color and an herbal brightness to balance the rich flavors.

How to Serve White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect garnish for this soup is a combination of crispy bacon pieces and fresh parsley. The bacon crumbs provide a satisfying crunch and smoky pop, while the vibrant parsley adds freshness and a lovely visual contrast that makes the soup even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread for dipping, a crisp green salad to lighten the meal, or even roasted vegetables for an extra dose of wholesome goodness. The creaminess of the soup complements these sides effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also offer toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes so everyone can customize their bowls just how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. For best results, leave out the bacon garnish before freezing and add fresh bacon crumbles when reheating to maintain that satisfying crispness.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid burning or separating. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Finish off by adding fresh bacon crumbles and parsley for that fresh-from-the-kitchen experience.

FAQs

Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak the dried beans overnight and cook them thoroughly before using them in this recipe, which will require a bit more time but adds a wonderful fresh-bean taste.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

The base recipe includes bacon and chicken broth, so to make it vegetarian, substitute the broth with vegetable stock and omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.

Can I freeze the soup with the bacon included?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the bacon bits to maintain their texture. Add freshly cooked bacon when you reheat the soup to keep that crisp, smoky flavor intact.

How thick should the soup be?

The texture can be adjusted to your liking by blending more or fewer beans. Aim for a creamy, hearty consistency that is neither too thin nor overly thick.

What other herbs can I add?

Rosemary or sage work beautifully alongside thyme, adding a fragrant and earthy dimension that pairs exceptionally well with the bacon and beans.

Final Thoughts

There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe that warms both your heart and your soul. Its perfect balance of creamy beans, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs makes it an absolute winner any day of the year. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—it’s truly a delicious way to bring friends and family around the table for a cozy meal full of love and flavor.

“`

Print