This Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup warms my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. When bacon meets tender beans and fresh herbs something magical happens. It's become my go to recipe for cozy nights when only a bowl of pure comfort will do.
What Makes This Special
The beauty of this soup lies in its depth of flavor yet simple preparation. That smoky bacon and creamy beans create something truly comforting. Plus it's budget friendly and perfect for meal prep.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Bacon: Crispy bits add such flavor.
- Beans: Two cans with liquid for creaminess.
- Fresh Veggies: Create our flavor base.
- Stock: Rich savory backbone.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and bay add depth.
- Cream: Makes everything silky.
- Seasonings: Balance all the flavors.
Let's Start Cooking
- Bacon magic:
- Crisp it up save those bits and that flavor.
- Build the base:
- Soften veggies in bacon goodness.
- Add wine:
- Scrape up all those tasty bits.
- Simmer away:
- Let broth beans and herbs work their magic.
- Make it creamy:
- Finish with cream cheese and bacon.
My Best Tips
That Parmesan rind adds amazing depth. Blend some soup for extra creaminess. Keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer perfect for busy days.
Mix It Up
Turkey bacon works great for lighter version. Need dairy free? Coconut milk creates lovely creaminess. Vegetarian? Skip bacon add smoked paprika for that smoky note.
Good For You Too
This soup nourishes body and soul. Those beans pack protein garlic boosts immunity and herbs bring their own benefits. Each bowl gives you plenty of nutrition wrapped in pure comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Skip bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken. Add smoked paprika for smoky flavor. Use more Parmesan or nutritional yeast for umami.
- → How can I thicken the soup?
- Blend part of the beans with immersion blender or mash some beans against pot side. Add more cream or cook uncovered longer to reduce.
- → Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
- Cook dried cannellini beans separately until tender before adding. About 1 cup dried beans equals two 15 oz cans. Save cooking liquid for extra flavor.
- → What can I substitute for white wine?
- Use extra chicken stock with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. Apple cider vinegar also works well.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Freezes well for 3 months. Thin with stock when reheating as soup thickens over time.