Bean And Bacon Soup Recipe

If there’s one thing that truly warms the soul, it’s a hearty bowl of Bean and Bacon Soup. The combination of smoky, savory bacon paired with tender beans in a flavorful broth is not only comforting, but also deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family on a chilly evening or bringing something to the table that will leave everyone asking for seconds, this soup checks all the boxes. What’s great about this recipe is that it’s simple, yet packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your tastes.

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s talk about what makes this soup so special. Bean and Bacon Soup has been a staple in many homes for generations because it’s both affordable and delicious. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare, doesn’t take too much effort, and yet delivers a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect blend of meaty goodness, creamy beans, and a delicious broth, creating a meal that’s both filling and comforting.

Ready to get your kitchen smelling amazing? Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this iconic soup that’s sure to become a staple in your home. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but full of the complex flavors that even seasoned cooks will appreciate.

Ingredients Needed

Bacon: 6 strips (or more, depending on your love for bacon!)
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced (feel free to adjust based on your garlic preference)
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
Dried Great Northern Beans: 1 ½ cups (or you can use canned, but dried gives a more hearty texture)
Chicken Broth: 6 cups (can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option)
Bay Leaves: 2
Thyme: 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried works)
Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (freshly ground for the best flavor)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish (optional but highly recommended)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Beans: If you’re using dried beans, soak them in water overnight or use the quick-soak method by bringing them to a boil, then letting them sit for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse them well.
Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook it until it’s crispy and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble or chop the bacon once it cools.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Simmer the Soup: Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Final Touches: After the beans are tender, return the crumbled bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning. Add extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Bacon: The bacon is the star of the show in this soup. It imparts that deep, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the beans. The crispy bacon adds texture and richness to the broth.

Great Northern Beans: These beans are creamy and absorb the flavors of the soup wonderfully. They’re hearty and filling, making them the perfect base for this dish. Plus, they’re full of fiber and protein, making the soup not only tasty but nutritious.

Vegetables: The onions, carrots, and celery bring both sweetness and earthiness to the soup. Together, they form the holy trinity of flavors that balance out the rich bacon and beans.

Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves and thyme add a subtle depth of flavor. These ingredients take a few minutes to infuse the broth, creating a comforting and aromatic base. The garlic adds that extra punch, especially when sautéed in the bacon drippings.

Chicken Broth: The broth is the canvas for the soup’s flavors. Chicken broth gives the soup a savory, rich taste, but vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a lighter, vegetarian option.

Expert Tips

Soaking Beans: Soaking dried beans is essential for softening them and reducing cooking time. If you forget to soak them overnight, don’t stress. Use the quick-soak method to speed things up.
Crispy Bacon: For extra flavor, cook your bacon in batches to get it perfectly crispy. Save the rendered fat-it’s liquid gold for sautéing your vegetables!
Seasoning: Taste your soup often while it simmers. Sometimes, beans require a little extra salt to bring out their flavor, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning as you go.
Texture: If you like a smoother texture, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. This will make the soup thicker and more velvety.
Serving Suggestion: A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese can add a creamy finish to the soup. A side of garlic bread never hurts either.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of this soup is great on its own, you can easily switch things up to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Add Potatoes: Dice up a couple of potatoes and add them in during the simmering step for an even heartier meal. Potatoes are a great addition and will thicken the soup naturally.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Vegetarian Option: Use a smoky vegetable broth and skip the bacon. Instead, you could sauté some smoked paprika and a pinch of liquid smoke to create that smoky depth of flavor without the meat.
Greens: Stir in some kale or spinach at the end of the cooking time for an added boost of vitamins and a nice pop of color.
Swap Beans: While Great Northern beans are the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other beans, such as cannellini beans, navy beans, or even a mixture of beans.

Final Words

Bean and Bacon Soup is the kind of dish that can transport you to simpler times, reminding you of family dinners and cozy nights by the fire. It’s a dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. And the best part is that it’s highly adaptable-whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with some unique twists, this soup is forgiving and can be tailored to your tastes.

Bean And Bacon Soup Recipe