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White Bean Soup Bacon

Category: Comfort in a Bowl

Sear bacon, cook veggies, season beans, blend partway, simmer 15 minutes. A cozy meal in no time.
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Ranah
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 11:55:00 GMT
White Bean Soup Bacon Pin
White Bean Soup Bacon | chefemmakitchen.com

A soothing dish of White Bean Soup with Bacon blends velvety beans, crisp bacon, and soft veggies in a deep, filling broth. This comfort-filled soup turns basic items into a wholesome meal that's ideal for cold nights or anytime you're craving a bowl of simple goodness.

I stumbled upon this soup during an extra chilly winter when I needed warm, filling food. The way the bacon spreads its smoky flavor throughout while the beans form a smooth base makes this soup completely memorable.

Smart Ingredient Picks

  • Bacon: Go for thick-cut pieces for better taste and bite
  • White beans: Try cannellini for the smoothest texture
  • Fresh vegetables: Forms the key flavor base
  • Herbs and spices: Adds richness and layers
  • Chicken broth: Pick low-sodium so you can adjust salt yourself
  • Half and half: Brings a touch of creaminess

Putting It All Together

Starting Off:
Cook bacon till it's nice and crispy. Save it for topping. Cook veggies in the bacon drippings. Build your flavor base.
Working with Beans:
Mash some for smoothness. Leave others whole for texture. Wash them well. Add salt and pepper carefully.
Mixing Everything:
Mix things in bit by bit. Let it bubble until veggies soften. Taste and tweak. Put cream in last.
Warm Bean Soup topped with Crispy Bacon Pin
Warm Bean Soup topped with Crispy Bacon | chefemmakitchen.com

My nonna always told me to keep some bacon fat aside for toasting garlic bread - it really makes the whole meal taste amazing.

Tasty Companions

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

Mix It Up

Switch things around by trying other beans, tossing in some kale or spinach for health, or adding Italian sausage to make it heartier. Make it veggie-friendly with a bit of smoked paprika instead of bacon.

Keeping It Fresh

Store in a sealed container up to four days in your fridge. It freezes really well for up to three months. Warm it slowly, adding some broth if it gets too thick.

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

Homemade White Bean Soup with Bacon Pieces Pin
Homemade White Bean Soup with Bacon Pieces | chefemmakitchen.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I swap canned beans?
Sure, just prep dried beans beforehand. About 4 cups of cooked beans equals the canned amount.
→ How can I make it thicker?
Blend extra beans with your half and half, or try a cornstarch mix to thicken it up.
→ Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but don't freeze with cream. Add the dairy after thawing and reheating for best results.
→ What’s a good half and half substitute?
Use heavy cream for a richer flavor or whole milk for something lighter.
→ Can I make it without meat?
Leave out the bacon and go for veggie broth. A bit of smoked paprika can add a smoky twist.

White Bean Bacon Soup

A rich soup with white beans, crunchy bacon, fresh herbs, and a veggie-filled broth.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
By: emma

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Base

01 3 carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
02 6 slices of bacon (or 4 thick ones), diced
03 1 onion, chopped up small
04 2 celery stalks, chopped
05 4 garlic cloves, minced finely

→ Seasonings

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

→ Liquid and Dairy

13 2 cans of white kidney beans (19 oz each)
14 Fresh spinach or parsley as topping (optional)
15 5 cups of chicken broth, low in salt
16 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh
17 ¾ cup of half-and-half cream

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon bits until crispy. Scoop them out but leave the grease behind.

Step 02

In the bacon grease, sauté the carrots, onions, and celery for 4-5 minutes till the onion turns soft. Remove leftover grease if needed.

Step 03

Toss in the garlic and seasonings, letting them heat for 1 minute to enhance the aroma.

Step 04

Wash the canned beans. Blend ¾ cup of these beans with the cream until smooth. Add the smooth mix, remaining beans, chicken broth, and bacon back into the pot.

Step 05

Cover and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until your veggies soften. Stir in Parmesan and fresh herbs if you want to.

Additional Notes

  1. Want it thicker? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cream or water and stir into the soup while it cooks.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big Dutch oven or pot
  • Blender to puree beans
  • Fine sieve
  • Slotted spoon for scooping

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Has dairy in it