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Creamy White Bean Bacon Soup

Featured in: Comforting Soups That Warm the Soul

This comforting Creamy White Bean Bacon Soup starts with crispy bacon, creating a flavorful base for sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. The combination of whole and pureed white beans provides a naturally creamy texture, enhanced by half and half and Parmesan cheese. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add depth, while a blend of herbs and spices including thyme, oregano, and paprika create a well-balanced flavor profile. The soup comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be easily adjusted to your preferred thickness by using the optional cornstarch slurry.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:45:22 GMT
White Bean Soup with Bacon Pin it
White Bean Soup with Bacon | tastelikemagic.com

This hearty white bean soup combines the smoky richness of bacon with creamy beans and tender vegetables, creating a comforting bowl that warms both body and soul. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of flavors, from the savory bacon to the subtle herbs and velvety finish.

I've made this soup countless times during cold winter months, and I've found that the key lies in properly rendering the bacon fat. This creates a flavorful foundation that elevates every other ingredient in the soup.

Essential Ingredients

  • Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for meatier bits and more flavorful fat. The quality of your bacon will significantly impact the final taste.
  • White Kidney Beans: Look for firm, whole beans without any broken pieces. Their creamy texture makes them perfect for both pureeing and leaving whole.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Choose firm carrots, crisp celery, and fresh onions. Their natural sweetness balances the salty bacon.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor - avoid pre-minced varieties which can be bitter.
  • Herbs and Spices: Use fresh dried herbs for the most potent flavor. Old dried herbs can be dusty and flavorless.

Instructions

Step 1 - Cooking the Bacon:
Place a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy (8-10 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2 - Preparing the Vegetables:
Add diced carrots, celery, and onion to the bacon fat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove excess bacon fat if desired.
Step 3 - Adding Aromatics:
Add minced garlic and all dried herbs and spices. Cook for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly. Watch carefully to prevent garlic from burning. The spices should become fragrant.
Step 4 - Building the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from bottom. These contain concentrated flavor. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5 - Creating the Creamy Element:
In a blender, combine 3/4 cup beans with half and half. Blend until completely smooth. This mixture will help thicken the soup naturally. Set aside until needed.
Step 6 - Finishing the Soup:
Add remaining whole beans to the pot. Pour in the pureed bean mixture. Return reserved bacon to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Yummy White Bean Soup with Bacon Pin it
Yummy White Bean Soup with Bacon | tastelikemagic.com

My Italian grandmother taught me to always save a Parmesan rind to add to soups like this. The rind slowly melts into the broth, adding an incredible depth of flavor that can't be achieved any other way.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've learned that the key to exceptional soup lies in building layers of flavor from the very beginning. Taking time to properly render the bacon fat and allowing the vegetables to caramelize creates a depth that makes this soup truly memorable. While it might be tempting to rush the process, each step contributes to the final, soul-warming result that makes this soup a staple in my kitchen throughout the colder months.

easy White Bean Soup with Bacon Pin it
easy White Bean Soup with Bacon | tastelikemagic.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this white bean soup?
Yes, freeze without the cream for up to 3 months. Add cream when reheating for best results.
→ What can I substitute for half and half?
You can use heavy cream for a richer soup or whole milk for a lighter version.
→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, cook dried beans separately until tender before adding to the soup. Use about 4 cups cooked beans.
→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Creamy White Bean Bacon Soup

This hearty white bean soup combines crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and creamy beans in a rich broth seasoned with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Hearty Soups

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (8 cups)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut slices), 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 Protein

13 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
14 2 cans (19 oz/540ml each) white kidney beans
15 ¾ cup half and half

→ Finishing Touches

16 ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
17 Fresh parsley or spinach for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, keeping the flavorful rendered fat in the pot.

Step 02

Add carrots, celery, and onion to the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and starts to brown. If there's too much bacon fat, carefully remove some with a paper towel.

Step 03

Mix in garlic and all seasonings (salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes). Cook for 1 minute to release their fragrances.

Step 04

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Rinse the beans, then blend ¾ cup of them with the half and half until smooth.

Step 05

Add the whole beans, crispy bacon, and bean puree to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables become tender.

Step 06

Stir in grated Parmesan and optional fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cream or water and stir into the simmering soup.

Notes

  1. This hearty soup can be made thicker by using the cornstarch slurry method mentioned in the final step

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 (half and half, Parmesan)
  • Contains pork (bacon)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 18 g