White Bean Soup with Bacon

White Bean Soup with Bacon is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this soup combines creamy white beans with savory flavors to create a delightful experience in every spoonful. The unique blend of spices enhances the natural goodness of the ingredients, making this recipe a standout choice for anyone looking to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious soup in no time.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich taste that elevates the humble white bean into something extraordinary.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and wholesome veggies, this soup is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your White Bean Soup with Bacon, ensure you have the right tools on hand to make cooking smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Fine mesh sieve
• Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, allowing your soup to simmer perfectly without burning.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove ingredients like bacon without taking excess fat along, keeping your soup balanced.
• Fine mesh sieve: Perfect for rinsing beans thoroughly, ensuring they are free from any canning liquid before use.
• Blender: Essential for creating that velvety smooth bean puree that adds creaminess to your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 6 slices chicken bacon or 4 thick-cut, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Broth

• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For Creaminess

• 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz each or 540 ml)
• ¾ cup half and half
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Optional Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley or spinach

How to Make White Bean Soup with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Bacon

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bacon and cook until crisp, stirring frequently. Once cooked, remove the bacon using a slotted spoon but leave the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to brown. If there’s too much fat in the pot, carefully dab some out with a paper towel.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic along with salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.

Step 4: Deglaze with Broth

Pour in low-sodium chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits stuck there.

Step 5: Prepare the Beans

Rinse white kidney beans in a fine mesh sieve. In a blender, puree ¾ cup of these beans together with half and half until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add both whole beans and bean puree back into the pot along with cooked chicken bacon. Bring everything to a simmer; then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with optional parsley or spinach. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optional Step: Thickening

For those who prefer a thicker consistency, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cream or water. Stir this mixture into your soup while it simmers.

Enjoy your delightful bowl of White Bean Soup!

How to Serve White Bean Soup with Bacon

Serving white bean soup can be a delightful experience. The rich flavors and creamy texture of the soup make it versatile and perfect for various accompaniments.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup. The contrast in textures adds to your dining experience.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley or spinach for a pop of color and added freshness. It enhances the flavors and makes the dish visually appealing.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. This balance keeps the meal light yet satisfying.

With Cheese Toast

• Serve slices of cheese toast alongside. The melted cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup’s creaminess.

How to Perfect White Bean Soup with Bacon

To elevate your white bean soup, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor. Opt for fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality broth for a richer taste.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go. Feel free to adjust spices like thyme or paprika based on your preference for heat and flavor intensity.

• Blend for Creaminess: Pureeing part of the beans gives a silky texture. This step adds depth to the soup while maintaining some whole beans for texture.

• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Be patient; this step is key to achieving a well-rounded taste.

Best Side Dishes for White Bean Soup with Bacon

Pairing side dishes with white bean soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the soup’s richness and adds a wonderful aroma.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a colorful and nutritious addition.
3. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad offers crispness and tang that balances well against the creamy soup.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon juice provides a light contrast.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains offer heartiness that pairs nicely with the soup.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad acts as a palate cleanser, refreshing your taste buds between bites of rich soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide crunch and comfort alongside the creamy texture of the soup.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can add an exciting zing that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of white bean soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making white bean soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting the dish.

• Using the wrong beans: Stick to white kidney beans or cannellini for the best texture and flavor. Other beans may alter the soup’s consistency.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables first enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this process; it sets a great foundation.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste your soup as you cook. Adjust seasoning with salt, herbs, and spices as needed for balanced flavor.
• Overcooking the veggies: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their vibrant texture.
• Neglecting to blend beans: Pureeing part of the beans creates a creamy texture. Don’t skip this step if you want a rich and satisfying soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover white bean soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Bean Soup with Bacon

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for freezing.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Bean Soup with Bacon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make White Bean Soup with Bacon ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for bacon in White Bean Soup?

You can use turkey bacon or smoked chicken for a similar flavor without using traditional bacon.

How do I thicken White Bean Soup with Bacon?

For a thicker texture, blend part of the beans with cream or water before adding them back into the pot.

Is there a vegetarian version of White Bean Soup?

Yes! You can omit meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This white bean soup is not just comforting; it’s versatile too! You can customize it by adding different vegetables or herbs based on your taste. Try making this delicious recipe today!