When the weather cools and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Bean and Bacon Soup. This dish brings together the smokiness of crispy bacon, the earthiness of tender beans, and the aromatic touch of garlic and herbs in a rich, savory broth. Each spoonful is packed with warmth, flavor, and satisfaction, making it a go-to for chilly nights and cozy gatherings. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Using pantry staples and just one pot, it’s an easy yet deeply flavorful meal that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it to a hungry family or preparing it for weekday lunches, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Top it with fresh parsley or serve it with crusty bread for an unforgettable homemade meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 bay leaf
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté in bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the beans, chicken broth, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a spoon or use an immersion blender to slightly blend the soup.
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Stir in the cooked bacon and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Bean and Bacon Soup: A Homestyle Classic Packed with Comfort and Flavor
Bean and Bacon Soup is the quintessential comfort food. With its rustic charm and nourishing qualities, this timeless dish evokes memories of chilly evenings, bustling kitchens, and family dinners. The combination of tender white beans and smoky, savory bacon in a rich, flavorful broth makes this soup not only satisfying but also heartwarming. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or discover a new go-to winter staple, Bean and Bacon Soup checks all the boxes.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this hearty soup, what makes it so appealing, the health and nutritional benefits it offers, and why it’s ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this soup has a place in every kitchen.
The History and Tradition Behind Bean and Bacon Soup
Bean and Bacon Soup has deep roots in traditional American and European cuisine. Variations of this dish have been around for centuries, especially in cultures where beans and pork were dietary staples. In the United States, it rose to popularity thanks to its accessibility and affordability. During times when resources were limited, families could still create a filling meal using inexpensive, shelf-stable ingredients like dried beans and cured pork.
Canned versions of bean and bacon soup, such as those produced by Campbell’s, further popularized the dish in the 20th century, offering a convenient take on a homemade classic. However, the homemade version remains unmatched in depth of flavor and personal touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Comforting and Satisfying
This soup is everything you want on a cold evening steaming hot, loaded with flavor, and satisfyingly filling. The smokiness from the bacon combined with the creamy, soft beans creates a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
2. Budget-Friendly
With beans, broth, and a few aromatic vegetables, Bean and Bacon Soup is a meal that feeds many for very little. Even better, it uses pantry staples that most households already keep on hand. This makes it a smart choice for meal planning and bulk cooking.
3. Great for Meal Prep
This soup keeps incredibly well in the fridge and even better in the freezer. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers taste even more delicious. Prepare a big batch on the weekend and enjoy a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner throughout the week.
4. Customizable and Versatile
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Want it vegetarian? Swap bacon for smoked paprika or plant-based bacon alternatives. Need a protein boost? Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or a scoop of quinoa.
The Key to Deep Flavor: Bacon and Aromatics
The soul of this soup lies in the combination of crisp bacon and the holy trinity of soup aromatics onion, carrot, and celery. Bacon not only adds smokiness but also infuses the broth with umami richness. Sautéing vegetables in bacon fat elevates their flavor, making each spoonful deeply satisfying.
Garlic and tomato paste further enhance the complexity, while herbs like thyme and bay leaf add earthy undertones. This layering of flavors, though simple, gives the soup a taste that feels slow-cooked and expertly developed.
Beans: The Nutritional Powerhouse
White beans, often the main legume in this soup, are nutritional all-stars. They’re high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, and iron. Including beans in your diet supports digestive health, balances blood sugar, and keeps you fuller longer.
Unlike many creamy soups that rely on heavy cream or cheese, Bean and Bacon Soup derives its creaminess from the beans themselves. Mashing a portion of the beans or blending part of the soup creates a thick, luxurious texture without adding excess fat or calories.
The Role of Broth in Building Body and Taste
The broth you choose matters. Chicken broth is the classic base, adding both depth and comfort. For a richer flavor, homemade broth or bone broth is ideal. Vegetable broth can work for a lighter or vegetarian variation. As the soup simmers, all the ingredients meld into a harmonious blend that’s earthy, slightly smoky, and full of soul.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While Bean and Bacon Soup is satisfying on its own, a few simple additions can elevate your meal:
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Crusty Bread or Cornbread: A slice of warm sourdough or buttery cornbread is perfect for dipping.
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Fresh Salad: Pair with a green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
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Grated Parmesan or Croutons: A sprinkle of cheese or crispy croutons adds texture and extra flavor.
This soup also makes a lovely starter for a larger meal, especially during holiday dinners or cozy get-togethers.
Tips for Making It Even Better
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Low and Slow: Letting the soup simmer longer helps the flavors develop.
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Mash or Blend: For a creamier consistency, mash some of the beans with the back of your spoon or use an immersion blender.
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Cook Bacon Separately: Cook the bacon first and reserve some to sprinkle on top before serving for extra crunch and visual appeal.
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Freeze in Portions: Store individual servings in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go meals.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Children love the familiar flavors of this soup, while adults appreciate its rich taste and heartiness. Because it’s not spicy or overly complex, it’s a dish that pleases nearly every palate. It’s an excellent way to introduce kids to beans or to ease picky eaters into trying something new.
Conclusion:
Bean and Bacon Soup stands as a tribute to simple, home-cooked food that feeds the body and the soul. It’s a dish rooted in history, elevated by flavor, and endlessly adaptable to modern tastes and lifestyles. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply seeking comfort in a bowl, this soup delivers every time.
Not only does it make your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks, but it also offers you an experience of slowing down, savoring, and sharing something made with care. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to be made.