If you’re searching for a soul-satisfying, cozy dish that strikes the perfect balance between smoky, creamy, and fresh, this White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This soup is a delightful blend of tender white beans, savory broth, and irresistible crispy bacon bits, all topped off with a burst of fresh parsley. It’s simple yet deeply comforting, making it a go-to recipe for chilly evenings or any time you crave a bowl of pure warmth and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making this soup shine. Each element plays a key role—from the crispiness of the bacon to the creamy texture of the beans, and the brightness of fresh parsley that lifts the entire dish.
- Bacon (6 slices): The star of the soup’s crispy, smoky flavor, cooked to perfect crunchiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Onion (1, diced): Provides a flavorful base with its natural sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant depth that complements the beans.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed): The creamy heart of the soup, packed with protein and fiber.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a savory, comforting liquid foundation.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbaceous note that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every bite.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that adds color and a burst of flavor.
How to Make White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s golden and crunchy. This not only gives you delicious bacon bits for the soup but also releases flavorful fat that forms the base of the dish. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the same pot and toss in the diced onion. Cook it gently until it turns translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Now stir in the white beans, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while softening the beans further.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Once the soup has simmered for 10-15 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup to your desired consistency. This step gives the broth a creamy texture without losing the hearty bean chunks, making each spoonful satisfyingly rich.
Step 5: Add the Bacon Back In
Crumble most of the reserved bacon into the soup, stirring it in so the smoky crunch spreads through every bite. Save some bacon pieces for garnishing, which adds texture and a visual appeal when served.
Step 6: Final Touch with Fresh Parsley
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. This burst of green not only brightens the flavor but adds a lovely color contrast that makes the soup inviting and vibrant.
How to Serve White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley infused in the soup, adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the creaminess and richness. A few cracked black pepper grains on top also add a bit of extra bite and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm baguette slices perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes a refreshing companion, balancing the soup’s hearty and smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel, or use clear glass mugs for casual gatherings where guests can appreciate the soup’s inviting color. For a fun twist, top each bowl with a parmesan crisp or serve with a side of garlic butter crostini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and comforting meals later in the week.
Freezing
This White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe freezes very well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to store the bacon garnish separately if you want to keep it crispy.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh parsley and crispy bacon after reheating for that fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
What are the best types of white beans for this soup?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans work beautifully here. They have a creamy texture and mild flavor that absorb the soup’s seasonings well.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, blend more of the soup or add a small amount of mashed beans. To thin it out, stir in extra broth or water until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
Is it okay to use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but remember to soak dried beans overnight and cook them fully before starting the soup. This will ensure they soften perfectly and blend into the soup’s creamy texture.
Can I prepare any parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can cook the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This will speed up your soup-making process and allow the flavors to develop even better.
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe is a true comfort classic that never disappoints. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both hearty and fresh, perfect for any season. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself reaching for the recipe time and time again whenever you want something quick, delicious, and utterly satisfying.
Print
White Bean Soup with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Parsley Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty White Bean Soup with Bacon combines creamy white beans and smoky bacon for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, this easy-to-make soup features sautéed onions and garlic, aromatic thyme, and a blend of pureed and whole beans for a satisfying texture. Garnished with crisp bacon and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious and warming dish to enjoy any time of year.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. This renders out the bacon fat, which will add flavor to the soup.
- Drain the bacon: Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté the onion: Add the olive oil to the bacon fat remaining in the pot. Add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine main ingredients: Add the drained white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup to your desired consistency, creating a creamy texture while still leaving some beans whole for body.
- Add bacon: Crumble most of the reserved bacon into the soup and stir to combine, saving some bacon crumbles for garnish.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- The immersion blender allows you to control the texture; blend more for a smoother soup or less to keep chunky beans.
- Season with extra salt and pepper as needed after blending since the flavor may mellow.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently before serving.
