Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal, this Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup is just what you need. It’s a delicious blend of flavors that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make!

Why Make This Recipe

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. It uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home, and the crispy bacon adds a special touch that everyone loves. You’ll want to make this again and again!

How to Make Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it turns crisp. Once it’s ready, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, but keep the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon fat and cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and let it cook with the veggies for another minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma.
4. Stir in the chicken broth, white beans, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth, or leave it a bit chunky if you prefer.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Don’t forget to taste and add salt if necessary!
7. Serve hot, and garnish with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

Serve this delightful soup hot in a bowl. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad. Make sure to add those crispy bacon pieces on top for extra flavor!

How to Store Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

• For extra flavor, you can add some herbs like rosemary or sage.
• If you want it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use low-sodium broth if you prefer a less salty taste.

Variation

You can swap the white beans for other types like kidney beans or chickpeas. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! You can make it a day before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will blend even more.

2. Can I freeze the soup? Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. How do I reheat the soup? You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Just make sure to stir it well!