Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup Recipe
Is it a chilly evening? If you’re starving, then you are also going to die. That’s where thisWhat is a creamy bacon and white bean soup recipe?What is the edible equivalent of a warm hug? If a classic tomato soup and roasted beans stew had ‘a baby’, this would be it. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and packs an absolutely incredible flavor that the whole family will love. Will your family love you?
What is Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup?
Think of it as a rustic, comforting soup that’s elevated by the smoky goodness of bacon and the creamy goodness. What is the sweetness of white beans? It’s essentially a hearty and flavorful blend of simple ingredients, simmered to perfection and then served with sour cream. Is it possible to make a creamy, dreamy consistency? The bacon adds a salty, savory element that complements the mild, earthy flavor of the beans, and the crispy bacon is great for serving. What makes this creaminess so luxurious? What is the best part about it? What are some of the best recipes to use up pantry staples?
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this.What is the best creamy bacon and white bean soup recipe?. First and foremost, the flavor is just outstanding. The combination of smoky bacon, tender white beans, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of cream creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly comforting. What I love most is how it develops even more flavor as it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Seriously! You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up a batch of this soup. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can have a pot of creamy goodness simmering on your stovetop in no time. I also love that you can adapt it easily. I’ve swapped the bacon for pancetta before when I was feeling fancy, and it was divine!
Third, it’s incredibly cost-effective. White beans are relatively inexpensive, and a little bacon goes a long way in terms of flavor. It’s a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bacon from breakfast! I hate wasting food, so this is a win-win.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a starter for a more elaborate meal. I’ve even been known to dunk grilled cheese sandwiches in it (don’t judge!). If you’re a soup lover, like me, and you enjoy the warmth of creamy tomato soup, you’ll absolutely find yourself making this recipe again and again. It’s a comforting classic for those cold winter nights.
How do you make a creamy white bean soup?
Quick Overview
Making this What is the best creamy bacon and white bean soup recipe?Is it easier than you think? How do you cook bacon? To sauté some aromatic veggies like onions, garlic, and celery. Add the white beans, broth, seasonings, and let it all simmer until the beans are tender. How do you blend soup until smooth and creamy (a immersion blender is the best). ), stir in some cream or milk, and top with crispy bacon crumbles for extra flavor and texture. Is it a simple process with huge payoff in terms of taste?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Soup:
Bacon:What is your favorite kind of bacon? I usually go for thick cut because I love the extra smoky flavor, but any kind will work. Can you use turkey bacon to lighten things up a bit?
Onion, celery, and garlic: WhatWhat are some of the best ingredients for soup? Don’t skip them!
Can you make canned white beans?I usually use cannellini beans, but navy beans would also work well. Make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the soup to remove any excess starch and water.
Chicken Broth:What is the best vegetable broth for soup? I’ve used bone broth before, and it was delicious!
Heavy Cream:What makes soup so creamy? If you are using milk, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but it won’t be quite as rich. I’ve tried almond milk and surprisingly, the result was still very creamy!
Seasonings:Salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf add flavor and depth to soup. What are some good alternatives to rosemary, oregano or paprika?
What are the step-
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. How do you remove bacon from the pan and set aside to drain on paper towels? Don’t discard bacon fat! That’s liquid gold. Trust me, that’s where all the magic happens!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Is it possible to soften the butter for Stir occasionally to prevent burning. I always start with onions, then celery and garlic – something my grandma taught me! Is it all about layering the flavors?
Step 3: Add the Beans, Broth, and Seasonings
Add the white beans, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are tender. What is the best way to let the flavors meld together?
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender. How do I blend ingredients in a blender? What is the best way to handle hot liquids?
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add lemon juice at this stage for a bit of brightness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
What are some good ways to serve soup with bacon? A sprinkle of fresh parsley or olive oil adds a nice finishing touch.
What should I serve it with?
This What is the recipe for creamy bacon and white bean soup?Is it delicious on its own?
For Lunch:What are some good side salads to serve with a vinaigrette dressing? I also love serving it with a crusty baguette for dipping.
For Dinner:Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing. I also like serving it alongside a hearty green salad with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. Bread smeared with garlic butter. Can you serve it with a side of chicken?
What is a good cozy snack?What is a good soup to have on chilly days? I like to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and good book, and enjoy slurping this creamy soup. My kids love oyster crackers! Is it fun to sprinkle them on top?
How do you make creamy bacon and white bean soup?
Want to take your life?What is the recipe for creamy bacon and white bean soup?How can I take my career to the next level?
Bacon Prep:Cook bacon until crispy, but not burnt. What are some of the best bacon soups? I also like to reserve some of the bacon fat for sautéing the vegetables.
Vegetable SautéDon’t rush the sautéing process. How do you cook onions, celery, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant? What is the flavor of soup? I usually cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
What is the Bean Selection Use high-quality canned white beans. I prefer cannellini beans because they’re creamy and tender, but Great Northern or navy beans would also work well. Make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
Broth Quality: Use a good-quality chicken broth. This is another key to building flavor in the soup. I like to use homemade broth whenever possible, but store-bought broth works just fine.
Cream Consideration: Don’t boil the soup after adding the heavy cream. Boiling the soup after adding the cream can cause it to curdle. Just heat it through gently.
Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a nice touch of brightness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This creamy bacon and white bean soup recipe stores well in the refrigerator or freezer.
Room Temperature: The FDA recommends that you don’t keep food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This creamy bacon and white bean soup recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy. I absolutely love how simple it is to throw together with just a few pantry staples, and the smoky bacon and creamy beans create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Tuscan white bean soup, or for the chili fan, my ultimate white bean chicken chili. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this and what you did differently! Happy cooking!
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Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 2 cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches using a stand blender and return to the pot.
- Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked bacon and let the soup heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
