This warm and hearty Bean With Bacon Soup is a cozy favorite! Packed with tender beans and crisp bacon, it’s perfect for chilly days when comfort food is calling your name.
You can’t go wrong with bacon, right? I love how easy it is to whip up this soup, and it just fills the house with a delicious smell. Serve it with crusty bread for a meal that warms your heart!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon brings a delicious smoky flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or chopped ham can be used instead. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for flavor.
White Beans: Great northern and cannellini beans are perfect for their creaminess. If you don’t have these, navy beans or even chickpeas will do just fine. You can also use dried beans; just remember to soak and cook them beforehand!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds deep flavor, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. You can even use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery make a great base for flavor. Feel free to swap them out for leeks, bell peppers, or any leftover veggies you have in your fridge.
How Do I Get My Soup Creamy Without Over Blending?
To achieve a creamy texture without completely pureeing the soup, try using an immersion blender. Simply blend just a portion, keeping some beans whole for added texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a regular blender. Blend and then return it to the pot.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then remove it while leaving drippings in the pot.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Don’t rush this step; it builds great flavor!
- Add garlic and spices for a fragrant kick before adding broth and beans.
- Simmer gently to let flavors meld, and adjust thickness as needed with water.
Following these tips will help you get the ideal creamy consistency without losing the hearty feel of your Bean With Bacon Soup!
Bean With Bacon Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked white beans (such as great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed if canned
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)
Garnishing and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty toasted bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bean With Bacon Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you should expect to spend about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for dinner or a cozy lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once it’s crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and place them on paper towels to drain any excess fat. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot to add flavor to the soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the drippings in the pot. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a lovely base for the soup!
5. Bring in the Beans and Bacon:
Now, add the cooked beans and the crispy bacon back to the pot. If you’d like to save some crispy bacon for garnish, set a small amount aside before adding it to the pot.
6. Simmer to Combine Flavors:
Let the soup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Blend for Creaminess:
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, ensuring some beans remain whole for a nice body. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend half the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
8. Final Touches:
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary based on your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces, freshly chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve hot alongside slices of grilled or toasted crusty bread for a delightful meal!
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Bean With Bacon Soup as a satisfying, comforting meal!
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Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a time-saver and work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup to reduce excess sodium and improve the flavor.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika for that delicious smoky flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I Freeze Bean With Bacon Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
