White Bean Soup with Bacon: An Organized Chaos 🥣🥓✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comfort soup recipe that combines hearty flavors with a creamy, savory texture, then the White Bean Soup with Bacon is your new best friend. This homemade bean with bacon soup offers an irresistible flavor profile that perfectly balances smoky bacon and tender white beans, making it a classic choice for chilly days or whenever you crave something satisfying. Not only is this bean bacon soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, whether you prefer cooking on your stovetop or using a slow cooker for convenience. Embrace this creaminess and hearty goodness with every spoonful.
2. Ingredients Needed for White Bean and Bacon Soup
- 1 pound dried white beans (or 3 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, shredded cheese, croutons
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Perfect Homemade Bean with Bacon Soup
Preparation of Beans
If using dried white beans, soak them overnight and then rinse well before cooking. Alternatively, use canned beans for a quicker option. For the canned version, simply drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before adding to the soup.
Cooking Bacon and Preparing the Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add olive oil or bacon drippings if needed, then sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Adding Beans and Broth
Stir in the white beans, cooked bacon, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 45 minutes if using dry beans, or 15 minutes if using canned beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or leave it chunky for more hearty bites.
Final Touches and Serving
Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning as necessary, and serve hot topped with the crispy bacon and optional garnishes like chopped parsley or shredded cheese. Pair this comfort soup recipe with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for White Bean and Bacon Soup
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot. The flavors develop even more after a day or two, making leftovers a tasty treat.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Bean and Bacon Soup Experience
Enhance your bowl of white bean soup with bacon by topping it with freshly chopped herbs. Serve with a side of Hungarian mushroom soup or some crunchy croutons to add texture. This creamy bacon and white bean soup pairs wonderfully with a loaf of warm crusty bread or a simple green salad for a comforting and hearty meal.
6. FAQs About White Bean Soup with Bacon
What are the best beans to use for this soup?
While dried navy or cannellini beans are excellent choices, canned white beans like Great Northern or cannellini beans are perfect for quick prep. They add a smooth, creamy texture essential for this homemade bean with bacon soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth to create a hearty vegetarian version. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky bacon flavor if desired.
Is this a good soup for meal prep?
Yes, this slow cooker creamy bacon and white bean soup is ideal for meal prep. It reheats well and keeps its flavor intact, making it a popular choice among comfort soup recipes.
7. Related Recipes for a Well-Rounded Meal
8. Why Choose This White Bean Soup with Bacon?
This Bean and Bacon Soup stands out because of its comforting, rich flavor and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky bacon, creamy beans, and savory herbs, making it a must-try in your collection of comfort soup recipes. Moreover, incorporating simple pantry ingredients makes it budget-friendly and customizable.
9. Conclusion
In summary, the White Bean Soup with Bacon is an ideal choice for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make bacon soup. Its rich, creamy texture paired with smoky bacon delivers a satisfying experience perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and accompaniments to make it uniquely yours. For more delicious soup ideas, check out our Hungarian Mushroom Soup or Meatball Soup Recipe pages to discover new comfort food favorites. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this delightful homemade bean with bacon soup!
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White Bean Soup with Bacon – An Organized Chaos
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon – a hearty, creamy, and savory soup perfect for chilly days. Combining tender white beans with smoky bacon, herbs, and a rich broth, this homemade soup offers a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family. Easy to prepare on stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s the ultimate comfort food to warm you up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried white beans (or 3 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, shredded cheese, croutons
Instructions
- Soak dried white beans overnight, then rinse well. Alternatively, use canned beans, drained and rinsed.
- Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy; remove and set aside. Leave rendered fat in the pot.
- Add olive oil or bacon drippings if needed, sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in white beans, cooked bacon, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes if using dried beans or 15 minutes for canned; season with salt and pepper.
- Puree part of the soup with an immersion blender for creaminess or leave chunky for texture.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot topped with crispy bacon and optional garnishes.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup; for more hearty bites, leave it chunky.
- You can add additional herbs or seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until steaming hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
