Delicious White Bean Soup with Bacon: A Cozy Recipe

There’s something magical about a bowl of white bean soup with bacon, especially on a crisp autumn evening. The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen is not just a scent; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, where stories and laughter blend seamlessly with the comforting warmth of this dish. As the beans simmer gently, they absorb all those delightful flavors, creating a symphony of taste that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

I remember the first time I made this white bean soup with bacon. It was one of those chilly days when you can practically see your breath in the air. My friends dropped by unexpectedly. With only a few ingredients on hand, I whipped up this soup, and they couldn’t get enough! The smiles on their faces were worth every stir of the pot as we shared memories and savored each spoonful together.

My friends still rave about that day whenever we meet up for dinner parties; it’s become our go-to comfort food that never fails to impress.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Dried White Beans: Look for Great Northern or cannellini beans; soak them overnight for better texture.

• Thick-Cut Bacon: Use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor; it adds richness and smokiness to the soup.

• Onion: A medium yellow onion works best; sauté until soft for a sweet base flavor.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; dice them evenly for consistent cooking.

• Celery: Celery enhances freshness; chop finely so it blends well into the soup’s texture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; mince them finely to release their aromatic oils.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better flavor control; it forms the soup’s flavorful base.

• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds earthy notes; use sprigs during cooking and remove before serving.

• Bay Leaves: Add 1-2 bay leaves while simmering; they provide depth without overpowering the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste at the end to enhance all flavors wonderfully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare the Beans: Begin by soaking your dried white beans in water overnight. Rinse them well before adding them to your pot for optimal softness.

Sauté the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon until crispy. Save some drippings in the pot for added flavor while you set aside the bacon bits.

Add Aromatics: Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery into the pot with leftover bacon fat. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant—about 5-6 minutes will do.

Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with fresh thyme and bay leaves. Let everything mingle together until aromatic—around 1-2 minutes will fill your kitchen with enticing scents.

Add Beans and Broth: Pour in soaked beans and chicken broth, then bring everything to a simmer. Ensure all ingredients are submerged before covering with a lid.

Simmer Until Tender: Let your soup simmer gently on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours or until beans are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to keep flavors melding beautifully.

Serve this delightful white bean soup with bacon steaming hot in bowls topped with crispy bacon bits. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or crusty bread alongside will elevate this comforting meal even further. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the bacon until crispy, then add onions and garlic for depth. Once fragrant, incorporate the beans and broth, simmering until everything melds beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bacon for turkey or add greens like kale for extra nutrition. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of cozy nights spent with loved ones around the table, enjoying hearty bowls of soup while laughter filled the air.

FAQ

Can I make white bean soup with bacon vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and replace bacon with smoked paprika for flavor.

How long does white bean soup last in the fridge?

It lasts about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What type of beans are best for this soup?

Cannellini or navy beans work wonderfully due to their creamy texture and mild flavor.

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White Bean Soup with Bacon

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

White bean soup with bacon is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This hearty recipe combines creamy white beans with the rich smokiness of bacon, creating a deliciously warming dish perfect for sharing with friends and family. With its enticing aroma and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion, this soup can be served as an appetizer or a filling main course.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup dried Great Northern or cannellini beans
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1–2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight in water; rinse before use.
2. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy; reserve drippings.
3. Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook until fragrant.
5. Add soaked beans and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 20mg