White Bean Bacon Soup
Creamy white bean and bacon soup combines hearty cannellini beans, smoky Canadian bacon, and aromatic herbs for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized nonstick saucepan.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and Canadian bacon to the saucepan.
- Cook for 5 minutes until ingredients are softened and fragrant.
- Add half the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, dried leaf thyme, thawed sliced carrots, and chicken broth to the saucepan.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of Canadian bacon. You can also customize the soup by adding diced celery or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans before combining them with the broth. For herb variations, feel free to substitute thyme with rosemary or sage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty white bean bacon soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Cordon Bleu(Microwave) for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Bean Bacon Soup contains roughly 2063 calories, with 28g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried cannellini beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. Keep in mind that this will increase your cooking time significantly, and you'll need to adjust the amount of broth based on how much liquid the beans absorb during cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Canadian bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smokiness of bacon. Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for added texture and earthiness.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If you find the soup too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans with a fork or blending a portion of the soup and returning it to the pot. Alternatively, you can let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).