Rustic White Bean and Bacon Soup (Hearty, Cozy & Timeless)
This Rustic White Bean and Bacon Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Slow-simmered white beans, smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together to create a soup that’s simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting—just like grandma used to make.
It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for chilly nights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave old-fashioned comfort food.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Smoky bacon + creamy white beans = perfection
- Hearty enough to be a full meal
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Tastes even better the next day
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🍲 How to Make Rustic White Bean & Bacon Soup
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
4️⃣ Simmer the Soup
Pour in chicken broth and add white beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
5️⃣ Make It Creamy (Optional but Recommended)
Using an immersion blender, blend about one-third of the soup to thicken the broth while keeping it rustic and chunky.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Stir most of the bacon back into the pot, reserving some for topping. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra bacon.
