Why You’ll Love this Bacon & White Bean Soup
Although I’ve tried countless soup recipes over the years, this Bacon & White Bean Soup stands out as a true comfort food champion. The combination of smoky bacon and creamy beans creates a perfect harmony that warms you from the inside out.
What makes this soup special? The depth of flavor from rendering the bacon fat, then using it to sauté aromatics. Those tender beans soaking up all that savory goodness. Plus, the fresh herbs—rosemary and thyme—add brightness that balances the richness.
It’s hearty enough for dinner, yet simple enough for a weeknight. Can you imagine a better way to end a chilly day?
What Ingredients are in Bacon & White Bean Soup?
This soul-warming bacon and white bean soup relies on simple, quality ingredients that transform into something magical when combined. The foundation begins with bacon—not just any bacon, but thick-sliced strips that provide substantial bites of smoky goodness throughout the soup. Paired with creamy white beans and aromatic vegetables, this ingredient list might look humble on paper, but trust me, the result is anything but basic.
- 1/4 pound thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 fresh bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons chopped thyme
- 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
- 1 pound great northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 10 cups chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. The bacon provides the foundational flavor, so choose a good brand with a nice balance of meat and fat. For the beans, while the recipe calls for great northern beans, you could substitute cannellini or navy beans in a pinch. And don’t skip the overnight soaking—it’s essential for achieving that perfect tender texture without the beans falling apart. The fresh herbs make a world of difference compared to dried, though dried will work if that’s what you have on hand. Might I suggest doubling the herbs if using dried? The aromas alone will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
How to Make this Bacon & White Bean Soup
The magic of this soup begins with the bacon, which sets the stage for every other flavor to follow. Start by cooking 1/4 pound of thick-sliced bacon (cut into 1/4-inch strips) in a large soup pot over moderate heat for about 7 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect crispness—not too soft, not burned.
Once it’s done, drain and separate the bacon from its fat, saving both. The rendered bacon fat is liquid gold that we’ll use to build layers of flavor.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in the same pot and add your mirepoix—that’s the fancy French term for the holy trinity of 1 finely chopped red onion, 1 large finely diced carrot, and 2 finely diced celery ribs. Cook these vegetables for about 8 minutes until they’ve softened but not browned.
Your kitchen should already be filling with amazing aromas, but just wait until you add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 fresh bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon each of chopped thyme and rosemary. Let these fragrant additions cook for about 2 minutes, just long enough to release their vital oils without burning the garlic (burned garlic is the quickest way to ruin a perfectly good soup, trust me).
The final stretch is where patience pays off. Add your 1 pound of soaked and drained great northern beans to the pot, along with 10 cups of chicken broth and 3 teaspoons of that reserved bacon fat we set aside earlier.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are perfectly tender. For effortless mixing of ingredients, a premium stand mixer could help prepare components of this recipe ahead of time. Before serving, remember to fish out the bay leaf (nobody wants that surprise), and stir in the remaining thyme and rosemary.
Season with salt and pepper to taste—though go easy on the salt since the bacon already adds plenty. Ladle this glorious creation into shallow bowls and crown each serving with a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon. The contrast between the creamy soup and crunchy bacon bits? Simply divine.
Bacon & White Bean Soup Substitutions and Variations
While classic recipes deserve respect, clever substitutions can transform this hearty bacon and white bean soup into something uniquely yours.
I’m all for swapping pancetta or prosciutto for bacon, or using cannellini beans instead of great northern.
Vegetarian? Skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for that smoky depth.
Herbs are where you can really play.
Don’t have fresh thyme? Dried works in a pinch.
Want more zip? Toss in a parmesan rind while simmering, or finish with a splash of sherry vinegar.
Sometimes, I blend half the soup for a creamier texture without adding dairy.
What to Serve with Bacon & White Bean Soup
Now that we’ve explored recipe variations, let’s talk about perfect pairings for your steaming bowl of bacon and white bean soup.
I’m a firm believer that crusty bread is non-negotiable. A rustic sourdough or garlic bread for dipping? Divine.
For a complete meal, consider a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness.
Need something heartier? Grilled cheese sandwiches with sharp cheddar transform this into pure comfort food territory.
And don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or apple cider to round things out. Simple, satisfying companions for a soup that already steals the show.
Final Thoughts
After simmering through all aspects of this hearty dish, I’m convinced that bacon and white bean soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
It’s that perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, don’t you think? The marriage of smoky bacon with creamy beans creates something truly magical in your bowl.
What I love most is its versatility—dress it up with crusty bread for guests or keep it casual for a family weeknight dinner.
The leftovers? Even better the next day as those flavors continue to develop. Trust me, this soup will become your go-to when comfort calls.
