The savory depth of bacon paired with creamy white beans creates a classic soup that’s rich in flavor and soul-soothing warmth. This one-pot wonder is loaded with wholesome veggies and herbs, making it as nutritious as it is comforting. Perfect for cold nights, quick weekday meals, or when you’re craving something hearty yet simple. The subtle herbiness of thyme and the aromatic base of garlic, onion, and carrots bring old-school comfort with every spoonful. Serve it with a crusty slice of bread and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that never fails.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
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Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until softened.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Add white beans, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot for a creamier texture, leaving some beans whole for a hearty consistency.
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Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a little for garnish. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and reserved bacon.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
White Bean Soup with Bacon: A Comforting Classic Reimagined
A Hearty Dish with Deep Roots
White Bean Soup with Bacon is a dish that holds a special place in traditional comfort food. Rooted in European and American home cooking, this soup combines humble pantry staples like beans, vegetables, and bacon into a deeply satisfying meal. Its popularity is due to more than just flavor—it’s a recipe steeped in frugality, versatility, and timeless comfort. While versions of white bean soups have appeared in French, Italian, and Southern American cuisines, the addition of bacon brings a smoky richness that elevates it into a true comfort food classic.
White beans—commonly cannellini or Great Northern—are creamy and absorbent, making them the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory, smoky notes from bacon and aromatics like garlic and thyme. This recipe is an example of how simple, budget-friendly ingredients can come together to create a nourishing meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Nutritional Benefits of White Beans
One of the standout benefits of this dish is the nutrient density of white beans. These legumes are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making this soup especially satisfying and supportive of healthy digestion. Just one cup of white beans can provide nearly 15 grams of protein and more than 10 grams of fiber.
In addition to helping stabilize blood sugar levels and promoting satiety, white beans also contain essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. This makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to support heart health, bone strength, and energy levels.
Why Bacon Makes All the Difference
Let’s be honest—bacon adds magic to everything it touches. In this soup, chopped thick-cut bacon is first rendered until crisp, infusing the pot with its fat and flavor. That bacon fat becomes the base in which we sauté our onions, carrots, and celery—often referred to as a mirepoix in French cooking. This technique creates a flavor foundation that is both savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the caramelized vegetables.
By folding the crispy bacon back into the soup just before serving, you preserve its texture and deliver that perfect bite of crunch and smokiness. The result is a beautifully balanced soup that layers creamy and crisp, salty and sweet.
Easy to Make, Hard to Forget
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. It all comes together in a single pot with everyday ingredients. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques—just basic chopping, sautéing, and simmering. It’s beginner-friendly but impressive enough to serve guests.
And because it’s naturally thickened by blending some of the beans, you don’t need any cream or flour to achieve that luxurious, velvety texture. This also makes the recipe gluten-free and easy to adapt to other dietary needs.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully. In fact, many people find that the flavor improves the next day as the ingredients continue to meld. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or for packing into lunches. You can double the batch and freeze half for a rainy day—it reheats like a dream.
Just portion it into airtight containers, let it cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove.
How to Serve It
This soup shines all on its own, but you can elevate it even more with thoughtful pairings. Serve with a rustic slice of crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe even a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. It also pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic toast, or roasted vegetables on the side.
For a heartier version, stir in chopped cooked greens like kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Or add a parmesan rind to the simmering pot for an extra layer of umami depth.
Customizable for Every Kitchen
Don’t have bacon? Use pancetta or smoked turkey. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the meat and add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Prefer a chunkier texture? Don’t blend it. Craving creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
This recipe is forgiving and flexible. It’s a template that adapts to what you have on hand—making it perfect for both planned meals and last-minute cooking.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Every Season
Though it’s most often enjoyed in cooler weather, White Bean Soup with Bacon can be served year-round. In spring, pair it with bright herbs like dill or chives. In fall and winter, lean into the smoky warmth with extra thyme and a side of buttery cornbread. Its neutral, creamy base also makes it a great dish to build seasonal flavors upon.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a snowy day or meal prep for a busy week, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
- Balanced flavors: A savory, slightly smoky broth with creamy beans and crisp bacon.
- Minimal effort: Made with everyday ingredients in one pot.
- Nutritious: High in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Flexible: Easily adaptable to vegetarian or dairy-free diets.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for freezing, reheating, and batch cooking.
- Satisfying: A wholesome, full-bodied meal that leaves you full and comforted.
Conclusion
This is not just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding your family, cooking for friends, or just nourishing yourself after a long day, White Bean Soup with Bacon is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Would you like me to help you format this into your site’s WordPress editor or prepare a downloadable version?