Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon 🥣🥓✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting and hearty creamy bean soup, this white bean soup recipe is perfect for you. Combining silky, smooth beans with the crunch of crispy bacon, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a soul-warming lunch, this bacon soup is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s easy to make and adaptable for various diets. Let’s dive into creating this deliciously comforting soup.

2. Ingredients for Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups cooked or canned white beans (rinse if canned)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan option)

8 slices bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

For a twist, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Need to replace ingredients? Check out our creamy Parmesan spinach and mushroom pasta for more delicious ideas.

3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make the Creamy White Bean Soup with Bacon

Preparation of the Crispy Bacon

Start by frying the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Crumble or chop into small pieces. This bacon will be added to the soup later to give it an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.

Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This forms the flavorful base for your creamy bean soup.

Simmering the Beans

Add the cooked white beans to the pot, along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors. For a richer, creamier consistency, see our tips in the slow cooker crack chicken soup.

Blending the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream to enhance the richness.

Combining the Bacon and Serving

Add the crispy bacon pieces into the soup, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm the soup through for a few more minutes. Ladle the hot, creamy white bean soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and top with additional bacon if desired.

4. Tips for Perfect Creamy Bean Soup

Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or cream.
For extra flavor, sauté some chopped carrots and celery with the onions.
Use gluten-free bacon to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Feel free to substitute cannellini or great northern beans if white beans are unavailable.

5. Storage and Reheating

This comforting soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portions and reheat as needed. Want to prepare in advance? Check out our slow cooker crack chicken soup for other make-ahead options.

6. Serving Suggestions for White Bean Soup with Bacon

This creamy white bean soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread, garlic croutons, or a fresh side salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a dash of hot sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with a crunchy green salad. To add variety, check out our easy garlic Parmesan chicken skewers as a perfect complementary dish.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Bean Soup

**Can I make this creamy bean soup vegan?**

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegan bacon or smoked tempeh for the crispy bacon topping.

What beans are best for this soup?

Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans work well as they are mild and absorb flavors nicely. Canned beans make preparation faster, but cooked dry beans are also great.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

The total process takes about 30-40 minutes, including prep, cooking, and blending. For more ideas on quick comfort food, see our quick low-carb bowls.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

To make your creamy bean soup experience even better, consider using these essential kitchen tools:

Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for cooking crispy bacon quickly and easily, ensuring that you get perfectly crispy bacon every time.
T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ideal for sautéing the aromatics and simmering the soup without sticking.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Multi-functionality allows you to prepare bacon and sides with ease.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker — For a gourmet coffee pairing with your comforting soup.

9. Conclusion

This creamy white bean soup with crispy bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining velvety textures with smoky, crispy toppings for a truly satisfying meal. It is simple to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like creamy parmesan spinach and mushroom pasta for more culinary inspiration!

Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon