Perfect White Bean And Bacon Soup Recipe To Satisfy Your Cravings

by Julia
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July 14, 2023

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Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of our white bean and bacon soup recipe, a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This delicious soup combines creamy white beans with crispy, savory bacon, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The addition of fresh herbs and vegetables adds a touch of brightness, while the smoky broth brings everything together in a delightful harmony. It’s a rustic, homestyle dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

As a passionate food lover and a dedicated blogger, homemade soups hold a special place in my heart. I can vividly recall my grandmother’s kitchen. Her hands skillfully weaved together a rich tapestry of flavors. The white bean and bacon soup recipe was always the star of the show.

This was not merely a meal. It was a celebration of family heritage and culinary tradition. A timeless recipe passed down through generations. With every simmering pot, I am transported back to my childhood.

To the comforting scent of garlic and onions mingling with the smoky aroma of crispy bacon. The hearty white beans add a delightful textural contrast.

For my grandmother, this soup was her way of wrapping us in love, warmth, and flavor. And now, I extend an invitation to you, inviting you to join me in our collective effort to recreate this cherished family recipe.

Together, let us craft a remarkable soup and forge a memory that will be savored and treasured for years to come.

What Is White Bean And Bacon Soup?

White bean and bacon soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any season. It’s a flavorful blend of creamy white beans, savory bacon, and a mix of vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery. This soup gets its rich taste from slow-cooked bacon and aromatic spices.

Its texture is beautifully thick and satisfying, with the white beans lending a creamy quality. The result is a nourishing, filling, and wonderfully warming soup, a true taste of home in every spoonful.

Can You Vary The White Bean And Bacon Soup With Other Ingredients?

Absolutely! You can adapt the White Bean and Bacon Soup to fit different dietary preferences:

Vegetarian Skip the bacon with a vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add smoked paprika to bring in a smoky flavor similar to bacon.
Vegan Besides the vegetarian changes, replace the cheese with a vegan substitute or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.
Gluten-Free Ensure that the broth you’re using is gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten. Replace the pasta with a gluten-free variant, or omit it entirely and add in more beans or veggies for bulk.
Other Variations You can mix and match other ingredients as you like. Try adding different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, use different beans like chickpeas or black beans, or throw in some diced chicken or turkey for a meaty twist.

Recipe Directions

Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over low heat. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Discard most bacon fat, leaving 1 teaspoon. Combine with olive oil.
Sauté onion in the mixture until soft and browned.
Add beans, thyme, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree.
Return to heat. Add feta, noodles, and crumbled bacon. Cook for 5 minutes.
Adjust consistency. Cook for thicker soup or add stock for thinner.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook for 1 more minute.
Serve the homemade white bean and bacon soup. Enjoy!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh.
For added spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno.

Add-Ons

Try adding other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or kale.
You can also include proteins such as chicken, sausage, or turkey.

Toppings

Croutons or a sprinkle of parsley can provide a pleasing crunch and color.
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy tang.

Cheese

Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or parmesan.

Herbs

Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or basil for an added depth of flavor.

Spices

A dash of cumin or coriander can introduce a new dimension to your soup.

Can I Make White Bean And Bacon Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Start by browning your bacon in a skillet and sautéing the onion in the bacon fat and olive oil.
Transfer these to the slow cooker, along with beans, thyme, and chicken stock.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving, puree the soup, then add feta, noodles, and crumbled bacon, allowing them to cook in the residual heat.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function for browning bacon and onions, then add beans, thyme, and stock.
Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
After pureeing, switch back to sauté, add feta, noodles, and bacon, cooking until the noodles are done.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

You can absolutely use store-bought broth for your White Bean and Bacon Soup. It’s a great time-saving option and will still yield a tasty soup.

However, if you have the time and ingredients, making your own broth can add an extra depth of flavor. Homemade broth often has less sodium and no preservatives, making it a healthier choice.

If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium version. This allows you to control the salt content of your soup better. Remember, the bacon and cheese will also add saltiness.

How To Serve ?

White Bean and Bacon Soup can be served as a hearty main course or as a warm starter. Here are some tips to serve it best:

Temperature: Serve the soup hot. It’s most comforting when it’s warming and steaming.
Garnish: Top the soup with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or some extra crumbled bacon for presentation and added flavor.
Side Dishes: Pair the soup with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
Serve Ware: Serve it in a deep bowl to keep it hot longer. You can also use a soup tureen for family meals.
Accompaniments: A squeeze of lemon juice or a few drops of hot sauce can brighten up the soup and make it more customizable for individual tastes.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement Recipe

White Bean and Bacon Soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting choice. Try a chicken panini or a Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fancier option.
Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the hearty, creamy soup. A classic Caesar salad or a Greek salad would also work well.
Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup. For a twist, try garlic bread or rosemary focaccia.
First Course: If you’re serving the soup as a main, a light first course like bruschetta, a caprese skewer, or a simple antipasto platter can whet the appetite without being too filling.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: After preparing white bean and bacon soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until heated to desired temperature.
Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenience. Simply follow the recipe, cool completely, and refrigerate or freeze until needed. Reheat when ready to serve for a quick and satisfying meal.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Reheat and Eat: The simplest way is to reheat it on the stove or microwave and enjoy as is. You may need to add a little water or broth if it has thickened in the fridge.
Pasta Sauce: Use it as a hearty sauce for pasta. Just cook your pasta, toss it with the reheated soup, and add a sprinkle of cheese.
Baked Potato Topping: Warm the soup and use it as a rich, flavorful topping for a baked potato.
Rice Mix-In: Stir it into cooked rice for a quick, flavorful dish.
Bread Bowl: Serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and delicious meal.

TIPS

For a creamy texture without heavy cream, puree a portion of the cooked beans and vegetables before adding them back to the soup.
Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse a fragrant and aromatic essence into the soup.
Enhance the umami taste by stirring in a tablespoon of miso paste or a dash of soy sauce.
Finish each bowl with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious mouthfeel and added richness.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping and soaking up every last bit of deliciousness.
Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor and a hint of heat.
Experiment with different types of white beans such as cannellini, navy beans, or Great Northern beans to vary the texture and taste of the soup.