Bacon

Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup

Name: Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 large carrots, chopped; 1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz; 1 can of white beans, 15 oz; 4 cups of chicken broth; 2 tbsp of olive oil; 1 tsp of dried thyme; 1 tsp of salt; 1/2 tsp of black pepper

By Wren Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Bacon

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving hearty, comforting soups that warm the soul. One of my favorite winter staples is Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup, a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of tender white beans, crispy smoked bacon, and aromatic vegetables is a match made in heaven.

I still remember the first time I made this soup, it was a cold winter morning and I was looking for something to warm up the house. I had some smoked bacon and white beans in the pantry, and I decided to throw them together with some onions, garlic, and carrots. The result was a delicious, comforting soup that became an instant hit with my family.

This recipe is special because it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It's also very versatile, you can use different types of beans or add other ingredients like diced ham or spinach to make it your own. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal planner, this soup is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.

One of the things I love about this soup is that it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables. You can add diced celery, chopped kale, or even grated zucchini to make it a one-pot wonder. The smoked bacon adds a rich, savory flavor that's balanced by the sweetness of the beans and the acidity of the tomatoes.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup that's perfect for a cold winter's night. With its rich, comforting flavor and hearty texture, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and add your own twist to the recipe.
The smoked bacon adds a rich, savory flavor that's balanced by the sweetness of the beans and the acidity of the tomatoes.
The soup is perfect for a cold winter's night, and it's also a great option for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
It's a versatile recipe that can be made with different types of beans or ingredients, so you can experiment and find your favorite combination.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup is to cook the bacon slowly over low heat, allowing it to render its fat and become crispy. This process, called rendering, is what gives the bacon its characteristic flavor and texture. By cooking the bacon in this way, we're able to extract all of its rich, savory flavor and add it to the soup.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots. These vegetables add a depth of flavor to the soup that's essential to its overall character. By sautéing them in the bacon fat, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and add it to the soup.

The white beans are also an important component of this recipe. They provide a creamy, comforting texture that's balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes and the savory flavor of the bacon. By cooking the beans slowly over low heat, we're able to break down their starches and create a rich, velvety texture that's perfect for a cold winter's night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are smoked bacon, white beans, onions, garlic, carrots, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh thyme. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for high-quality smoked bacon that's thick-cut and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use different types of beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

6 slices of smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesThick-cut smoked bacon is essential for this recipe, as it provides a rich, savory flavor and a nice texture. Look for bacon that's labeled as 'smoked' or 'applewood-smoked' for the best flavor.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a depth of flavor to the soup and help to balance out the sweetness of the beans. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onions work best.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many soups, and it adds a pungent flavor to this recipe. You can use more or less garlic depending on your taste, but 3 cloves is a good starting point.
2 large carrots, choppedCarrots add a pop of color and a bit of sweetness to the soup. You can use any type of carrot you like, but look for ones that are firm and have a nice orange color.
1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 ozDiced tomatoes add a burst of acidity and flavor to the soup. Look for tomatoes that are labeled as 'san marzano' or 'pomodoro' for the best flavor.
1 can of white beans, 15 ozWhite beans are the star of the show in this recipe, and they provide a creamy, comforting texture. You can use any type of white bean you like, but cannellini or Great Northern work best.
4 cups of chicken brothChicken broth adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup and helps to thin out the beans. You can use low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake, or make your own broth from scratch.
2 tbsp of olive oilOlive oil is used to sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots, and it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the soup. Look for high-quality olive oil that's labeled as 'extra virgin' for the best flavor.
1 tsp of dried thymeThyme is a classic herb that pairs well with the smoky flavor of the bacon and the sweetness of the beans. You can use fresh or dried thyme, depending on what you have on hand.
1 tsp of saltSalt is used to bring out the flavors of the ingredients and add depth to the soup. You can use any type of salt you like, but kosher salt or sea salt work best.
1/2 tsp of black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a bit of heat and depth to the soup. You can use any type of pepper you like, but freshly ground black pepper works best.

Ingredients for Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup

1
Start by cooking the smoked bacon in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon for about 10-12 minutes, or until it's crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
2
Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the pot and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
3
Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
5
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender. Return the soup to the pot and add the cooked bacon. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is heated through.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.
7
To make the soup more substantial, you can add some diced ham or cooked sausage to the pot. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
8
If you want to make the soup ahead of time, you can cook it and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
9
To add some extra flavor to the soup, you can add some diced celery or chopped kale to the pot. You can also use different types of beans or add some grated zucchini to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
10
Finally, you can serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness and flavor. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
11
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

To make the soup more flavorful, use high-quality ingredients like smoked bacon and fresh herbs.
Don't overcook the soup, as it can become too thick and sticky. Instead, cook it until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
Use a variety of vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots to add depth and complexity to the soup.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the soup your own.
To make the soup more substantial, add some diced ham or cooked sausage to the pot.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the soup, which can make it too thick and sticky.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unflavorful soup.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can make it too thin and watery.
Not using enough liquid, which can result in a soup that's too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the soup enough, which can result in a bland and unflavorful soup.
Not using a variety of vegetables, which can make the soup too one-dimensional and boring.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or cooked sausage to the pot for added protein and flavor.
Use different types of beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Add some grated zucchini or diced celery to the pot for added nutrition and flavor.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of dried herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Add some diced tomatoes or red bell peppers to the pot for a burst of color and flavor.
Use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer, more savory flavor.
Add some cream or coconut milk to the soup for a creamy, indulgent texture.

What to Serve With Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup

This Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup is perfect for a cold winter's night, and it's also a great option for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.

Some other options for serving the soup include adding some diced ham or cooked sausage to the pot, or using different types of beans or ingredients to make it your own. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness and flavor.

Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a more filling meal.Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness and flavor.Use the soup as a base and add other ingredients, such as diced ham or cooked sausage, to make it your own.Serve the soup with a green salad for a lighter and healthier option.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Smoked Bacon And White Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and the name of the soup, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat the frozen soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become too hot and sticky.

In addition to freezing the soup, you can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming, and serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of white bean, such as cannellini or Great Northern, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

What type of bacon should I use for this recipe?

You should use thick-cut smoked bacon for this recipe, as it provides a rich, savory flavor and a nice texture. Look for bacon that's labeled as 'smoked' or 'applewood-smoked' for the best flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup, such as diced ham or cooked sausage, grated zucchini, or diced celery. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

How do I reheat the frozen soup?

Can I serve the soup with other dishes?

Yes, you can serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more filling meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness and flavor.

How do I store the soup?

You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, labeling it with the date and the name of the soup.

Can I make the soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Simply cook the bacon and vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I puree the soup?

You can puree the soup using an immersion blender or by allowing it to cool and then pureeing it in a blender. Be careful not to over-puree the soup, as it can become too thin and watery.

The Full Recipe

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