Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon

© Original recipe by The Pantry Post ©

Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon 🥣🫘🥓

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food — white bean soup that combines the velvety richness of a creamy bean soup with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. This bacon bean stew is perfect for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with a hearty, flavorful dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into making this creamy white bean soup that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon

• 1 pound dried white beans (or 3 cans of cooked white beans, drained and rinsed)
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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

Prepare the Beans

If using dried white beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in cold water. Drain and cook in boiling water until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, use canned white beans for quicker prep. If opting for canned beans, skip this step and drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.

Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces. Save the bacon drippings for added flavor if desired.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little of the bacon fat (or use olive oil if preferred). Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Add the cooked white beans to the pot along with the broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors. Remove the bay leaf.

Blend the Soup

For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree part of the soup until smooth, or transfer half into a blender and pulse until smooth, then return to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve

Serve the hot creamy white bean soup topped with crispy bacon pieces and garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil or sprinkle with grated Parmesan for an extra boost of flavor.

4. Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy White Bean Soup

This white bean soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

5. Serving Suggestions for This Delicious Bean Soup

Pair this creamy white bean soup with crusty bread or garlic croutons for a complete meal. Add a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten the flavors.

6. FAQ about Creamy White Bean Soup and Bacon Bean Stew

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy and dairy-free.

How long does it take to prepare this white bean soup?

The preparation takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, especially if cooking dried beans. Using canned beans reduces prep time to about 20 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to enhance the flavor?

Yes! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or spinach during the sautéing process for added nutrition and taste.

What are good substitutions for the herbs?

Fresh rosemary or sage can be used instead of thyme for a different herbal profile. Adjust quantities according to your taste.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

To make your cooking experience smoother, consider using these tools:

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for crispy bacon without splatters, making the cooking process cleaner and easier.
• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Suitable for sautéing ingredients and simmering your creamy white bean soup evenly.
• Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor & Air Fry — For efficiently preparing additional components like bread or vegetables alongside your soup.

These tools will enhance your cooking experience and help you create this delicious creamy white bean soup effortlessly.

8. Tips for Success and Variations

• Use freshly cooked beans or high-quality canned beans for the best flavor.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by blending more or less of the beans during pureeing.
• Add heat with crushed red pepper flakes if you like spicy soups.
• Experiment with adding roasted garlic or caramelized onion for richer flavors.

9. Conclusion

This white bean soup with crispy bacon is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. Its creamy texture and smoky topping make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this bacon bean stew will become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the hearty, satisfying taste of this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!

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