There’s something amazing about the aroma of bacon sizzling in a pot, followed by the gentle simmer of creamy white beans melding into a soul-warming soup. This white bean soup with bacon delivers all the comfort you crave in a perfectly portioned single serving that’s ready in under an hour.
This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality bowl of pure comfort. The smoky bacon adds depth while the creamy white beans create a satisfying, protein-rich base that will keep you full and happy. Whether you’re cooking for one on a chilly evening or need a quick, nourishing meal after a long day, this white bean soup with bacon hits all the right notes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving something wholesome without the fuss of cooking for a crowd, this soup proves that cooking for one doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 1
About: A hearty, creamy white bean soup with crispy bacon that’s perfectly portioned for one person and packed with comforting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This White Bean Soup with Bacon
• Simple and beginner-friendly – No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients
• Uses everyday pantry staples – White beans, bacon, and basic vegetables
• Perfect for solo cooking – No massive batches or endless leftovers
• Naturally filling and nutritious – High in protein and fiber to keep you satisfied
• Customizable to your taste – Easy to adjust seasonings and add your favorite vegetables
• Budget-friendly comfort food – Affordable ingredients that deliver maximum flavor
Just like preparing healthy Christmas morning breakfast ideas, this soup focuses on nourishing, wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the soup base:
• 2 strips bacon – thick-cut works best for maximum flavor
• 1/2 small onion, diced – about 1/4 cup
• 1 small carrot, diced – adds natural sweetness
• 1 celery stalk, diced – for that classic soup base
• 1 garlic clove, minced – fresh is always better
• 1 can (7.5 oz) white beans – cannellini or great northern beans work perfectly
• 1 cup chicken broth – or vegetable broth for lighter flavor
• 1/4 cup water – to adjust consistency
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – or 1 teaspoon fresh
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary – crushed between your fingers
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – if needed for sautéing
Optional garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• A drizzle of good olive oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese
Substitution tips: Can’t find cannellini beans? Navy beans or great northern beans work beautifully. No fresh garlic? Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Kitchen Equipment
• Medium saucepan – 2-3 quart size is perfect
• Sharp knife – for dicing vegetables
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Wooden spoon – for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small plate – for draining bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions for White Bean Soup with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the bacon
Place the bacon strips in your medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden brown. The bacon should sizzle gently – if it’s popping aggressively, lower the heat. Remove bacon to a small plate lined with paper towel and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Build the flavor base
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the bacon fat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter.
Step 3: Add beans and liquid
Drain and rinse the white beans, then add them to the pot along with the chicken broth, water, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The soup should bubble very gently – vigorous boiling can make the beans mushy.
Step 4: Create the perfect texture
Using the back of your wooden spoon, gently mash about half of the beans against the side of the pot. This creates a naturally creamy texture while leaving some whole beans for substance. Crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and stir most of it into the soup, saving a little for garnish.
Step 5: Season and serve
Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. The bacon adds saltiness, so start with just a pinch of salt. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Much like the careful preparation that goes into Thanksgiving appetizers, the key to perfect soup is building layers of flavor and taking time to taste and adjust as you go.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Don’t skip the bacon fat – It adds incredible depth of flavor that olive oil simply can’t match. If you’re watching calories, you can drain off excess fat, but keep at least a tablespoon.
Rinse your beans thoroughly – This removes excess sodium and the slightly metallic taste from the can liquid. Your soup will taste much cleaner and fresher.
Low and slow simmering – Resist the urge to crank up the heat. Gentle simmering keeps the beans intact and prevents them from turning to mush.
Taste before adding salt – Bacon and broth both contain sodium, so always taste first. You might need less salt than you think.
Fresh herbs make a difference – If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, use them! Add fresh herbs in the last 5 minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Make it heartier: Add 1/4 cup of diced potatoes with the other vegetables, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth, and consider using vegetable broth with a splash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Different beans: Try this recipe with navy beans, great northern beans, or even a mix of white beans for varied texture.
Herb variations: Swap the thyme and rosemary for Italian seasoning, or add a bay leaf during simmering (remove before serving).
Creamy version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra rich soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator storage: This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving on high power, which can make the beans rubbery.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep all your vegetables the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. The soup also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Freezing note: While this soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, the texture of the beans may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls – perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop
• Simple green salad – a light, crisp contrast to the hearty soup
• Cornbread – the slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon
• Grilled cheese sandwich – for the ultimate comfort food combination
Garnish ideas:
• Fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness
• A drizzle of good olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Reserved crispy bacon pieces
• A few drops of hot sauce for heat lovers
Beverage pairings:
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
• Cold beer, especially a light lager
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Hot herbal tea for a cozy meal
This soup pairs wonderfully with other comfort foods, much like how fall hobbies bring warmth and satisfaction during cooler months.
Nutritional Benefits of White Bean Soup with Bacon
Protein powerhouse: White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, providing about 8 grams per half-cup serving. Combined with the bacon, this soup delivers substantial protein to keep you satisfied.
Fiber-rich: The beans and vegetables provide plenty of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
Heart-healthy nutrients: White beans contain folate, magnesium, and potassium, which support cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions provide various vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
Balanced nutrition: While bacon adds saturated fat, the overall dish provides a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in a reasonable portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use 1/4 cup of dried white beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding to the soup. This will add about 45 minutes to your cooking time, but the flavor is exceptional.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Mash more of the beans against the side of the pot, or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for thickness and extra flavor.
What if I don’t have bacon?
Try diced ham, pancetta, or even turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, use olive oil and add smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot. The cooking times will remain roughly the same, though you may need to simmer a bit longer to achieve your desired consistency.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your broth is certified gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced potatoes, chopped kale or spinach, diced tomatoes, or corn all make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes with the other aromatics, and leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking.
Taking time to perfect simple, nourishing recipes like this connects to the broader practice of self-care habits that nurture both body and soul.
Conclusion
This white bean soup with bacon proves that cooking for one doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or satisfaction. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality bowl of comfort that’s perfectly portioned, incredibly nourishing, and endlessly customizable to your taste preferences.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you follow it exactly as written or make it your own with different vegetables, herbs, or seasonings, you’ll end up with a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ready to get cooking? Gather your ingredients and give this comforting white bean soup with bacon a try tonight. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go – cooking should be as enjoyable as eating! And if you love this recipe, consider exploring other cozy comfort foods that make any day feel special.
Your next step: Head to your kitchen, grab that bacon from the fridge, and start building the foundation of this incredible soup. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.
