White Bean Soup with Bacon

There’s something undeniably satisfying about tucking into a warm bowl of White Bean Soup with Bacon on a crisp afternoon. This hearty recipe brings together tender white beans, a medley of fresh vegetables, and smoky bacon in a way that feels both homey and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch to power you through the day or a simple yet flavorful dinner, this soup checks all the boxes. With just a 15-minute prep time and a 30-minute simmer, you’ll have a nourishing meal on the table in under an hour. Even better, at only around 350 calories per serving, it strikes the perfect balance between rich taste and mindful eating.

As a beginner-friendly recipe, it requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of olive oil and crisped bacon creates a savory base that makes every spoonful irresistible. Fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end add vibrant pops of color and brightness, transforming a humble bean soup into something truly special. Along the way, you’ll pick up simple techniques—like sautéing aromatics and gently simmering beans—that build your confidence in the kitchen. So grab your favorite soup pot, dust off that wooden spoon, and get ready to create a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH BACON

Before diving into your pot, let’s meet the stars of our show. Each ingredient in this soup brings its own personality, working together to create a bowl that’s flavorful, nutritious, and downright cozy.

• Olive oil

Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps to carry flavors as you sauté vegetables and bacon.

• Bacon

Diced bacon infuses the soup with a deeply smoky, savory backbone that keeps every spoonful interesting.

• Onion

Chopped onion introduces a natural sweetness and depth, softening in the hot fat to melt into the base.

• Garlic

Minced garlic brings a fragrant, pungent kick that blossoms with heat, rounding out the savory profile.

• Carrots

Diced carrots contribute a hint of sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the broth.

• Celery

Celery stalks lend a crisp, herbaceous note and a touch of texture to each bite.

• Dried thyme

This aromatic herb offers an earthy, slightly minty tone that pairs beautifully with beans.

• Dried oregano

Adds warm, peppery undertones that elevate the overall flavor complexity.

• White beans

Drained and rinsed, these tender legumes provide hearty body, plant-based protein, and satisfying fiber.

• Chicken or vegetable broth

Forms the flavorful liquid base, carrying all the ingredients’ aromas and making each spoonful rich.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Essential for seasoning, these simple staples balance sweetness, acidity, and smokiness.

• Fresh spinach

Roughly chopped spinach adds a lively green color and a nutritional boost as it gently wilts.

• Lemon juice

A bright squeeze at the end cuts through the richness, lifting the entire bowl with zesty freshness.

• Fresh parsley

Chopped parsley brings a final fresh, herbaceous flourish, making each bite feel light and vibrant.

HOW TO MAKE WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH BACON

Let’s move from ingredients to action. This section breaks down each step so you can master the simple techniques that build layers of flavor. As you follow along, you’ll learn how to properly render bacon fat, sauté aromatics to perfection, and coax maximum taste from your beans and broth.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally so the pieces brown evenly. When done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, letting the excess fat drain away.

2. In the same pot with the rendered bacon drippings, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they become tender and translucent—about 5–7 minutes. This step softens each vegetable and builds a flavorful base.

3. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano. Toast the herbs for about one minute, stirring constantly. This “blooming” process releases their essential oils and deepens their aromatic qualities.

4. Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld. Taste occasionally and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.

6. Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, just until the leaves have wilted and turned bright green.

7. Remove the pot from heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice, stirring in the chopped parsley. Give the soup one final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the reserved crispy bacon on top. Enjoy immediately while hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH BACON

When it comes to serving this soup, little touches can elevate the experience and make it feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring it solo, these ideas will help you present and enjoy every spoonful to the fullest.

• Pair with crusty bread

A thick slice of toasted baguette or sourdough is perfect for scooping up every last drop. Brush the bread lightly with olive oil and toast under the broiler until golden.

• Serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich

Choose hearty bread and your favorite melting cheese. The creamy sandwich contrasts wonderfully with the soup’s brothy texture.

• Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil

A final sprinkle of parsley and a swirl of high-quality oil add color and an extra layer of flavor right before serving.

• Accompany with a simple green salad

Toss peppery arugula or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The crisp salad balances the soup’s warm, rich flavors.

HOW TO STORE WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH BACON

Proper storage ensures your soup retains its freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy leftovers without sacrificing taste. Follow these methods to keep it at its best for as long as possible.

• Refrigerator storage

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

• Freezer storage

Divide the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Separate crispy bacon

Keep the crispy bacon bits in a small container on the side. This preserves their crunch, allowing you to garnish each bowl right before serving.

• Reheating tips

When reheating, warm the soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to restore its original consistency.

CONCLUSION

This White Bean Soup with Bacon is the epitome of cozy comfort food that doesn’t compromise on simplicity or health. With beginner-friendly steps, minimal prep time, and a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s an easy addition to any weeknight menu or a satisfying centerpiece for a weekend lunch. The smoky bacon, hearty white beans, and vibrant fresh spinach come together in a flavorful broth that’s both filling and nutritious, clocking in at around 350 calories per serving. From the first savory bite to the bright pop of lemon at the end, this soup is a testament to how basic ingredients—olive oil, vegetables, dried herbs, and pantry-staple beans—can transform into something truly special. Feel free to print and save this article for future reference, and don’t forget there’s a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions.

I’d love to hear how your White Bean Soup with Bacon turns out! Did you add extra veggies or try blending a portion for a creamier texture? Drop any comments, questions, or feedback below. If you need help at any step or want to share your personal twists, leave a note. Your stories and suggestions help our community of home cooks grow, learn, and enjoy every spoonful together. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

White Bean Soup with Bacon

Author: Marcus Stone Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Experience a comforting blend of smoky bacon, tender white beans, and vibrant vegetables in this easy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 slices of bacon, diced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 large carrots, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
2. In the same pot with bacon drippings, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano, allowing the herbs to coat the vegetables for about 1 minute.
4. Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Add the chopped spinach to the soup and cook until just wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
7. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Confirm seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon on top.

Note

• This soup is easily adaptable; feel free to add additional vegetables like potatoes or tomatoes.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
• This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
• White beans are high in fiber and provide a nice hearty texture to the soup.

Keywords: white bean soup, bacon, comfort food, easy recipe, healthy soup, homemade soup