This Bean With Bacon Soup is a warm and cozy bowl of goodness. It mixes tender beans with crispy bacon and tasty veggies, making it hearty and delicious!
There’s something about bacon that just makes everything better, doesn’t it? I love serving this soup on chilly nights, and it always warms me up fast. Just grab a spoon and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. Or for a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and use a little smoked paprika for that smoky essence.
Beans: White beans like cannellini or navy beans are ideal, but kidney beans or black beans can also work. If you have dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them before adding to the soup.
Chicken Broth: For a heartier flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Fresh Parsley: This not only garnishes your soup but also adds freshness. You could use cilantro if you prefer its flavor or simply skip it if you’re out.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Saute for My Vegetables?
Sautéing your veggies properly is important for developing flavor in the soup. When you cook the onions and carrots, here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat so the vegetables cook evenly without burning. Start with the bacon fat for added flavor!
- Stir occasionally, letting them soften for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy.
- When you add garlic, don’t forget to stir it for just one minute; it can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Taking these steps ensures your base flavor is spot on for a delicious soup!
How to Make Bean With Bacon Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Bread or cornbread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 30-40 minutes to cook, making a total time of around 1 hour. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté these over medium heat until they become soft, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning.
3. Add Garlic:
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can burn quickly!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth! Add the cooked white beans, drained diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will give the flavors time to blend beautifully.
6. Season and Serve:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
7. Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot with slices of warm bread or cornbread on the side. Grab your spoon and dig in!
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful Bean With Bacon Soup that’s perfect for cozy meals! Perfect for keeping warm on a chilly day.
img src=”https://stirredfromscratch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bean-with-bacon-soup.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned white beans are a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup to reduce sodium levels.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your soup by adding vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onions and carrots at the beginning for added flavor and nutrients!
