There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, and this Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe does exactly that. Rich, velvety, and packed with smoky bacon goodness paired with tender white beans and vibrant tomato flavors, it’s a comforting dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something simple for a weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels special, this soup brings together humble ingredients in a way that transforms each spoonful into pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this soup is refreshingly straightforward, yet each component plays a key role in crafting its depth and creaminess. From the smoky bacon to the fresh greens, every ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor that make the dish shine.
- Bacon (4 slices): Provides a crispy, smoky base that enriches the entire soup with savory depth.
- White beans (2 cans, drained): These add creamy body and plant-based protein, giving the soup a hearty feel without heaviness.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Offers sweetness and aromatic layers when sautéed to perfection.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Injects a lovely pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): The heart of the soup providing tangy brightness and a luscious red color.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): Builds the soup’s savory base and helps meld flavors together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds the signature creaminess that makes this soup irresistibly smooth.
- Spinach or kale (2 cups): Introduces fresh, green vibrance as well as nutrition and a gentle earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Your simple seasoning essentials to balance and elevate all the other ingredients.
How to Make Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the bacon slices. Cook them until they reach a crispy golden brown, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because the rendered fat from the bacon will be the flavor foundation for your soup. Once cooked, remove the bacon and chop it into bite-sized pieces for topping later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, now infused with that bacon flavor, add your chopped onion. Sauté it until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir to release its aroma, around 1 minute. This combination builds the essential savory backbone.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together, letting it simmer gently for 5 minutes so the tomatoes soften and mingle with the aromatics. Then add your drained white beans, which will bring creaminess and substance to the soup.
Step 4: Incorporate the Broth
Next, pour in the vegetable broth to loosen the mixture and blend all the flavors. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmer lets all the ingredients harmonize perfectly.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
This is where your soup transforms! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to purée the soup until smooth and silky. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup into a standard blender in batches. This blending step is what makes the soup so luxuriously creamy.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Greens
Stir in the heavy cream and toss in your spinach or kale. Let this gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have wilted and added their fresh flavor. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds that luscious richness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, return the chopped bacon to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready for a soul-satisfying meal that will become a new favorite.
How to Serve Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top adds delightful crunch and boosts the smoky flavor. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves or a swirl of extra cream for an inviting, gourmet touch that makes each bowl pop.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every luscious drop. A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette also refreshes the palate and balances the soup’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls — it’s all about the experience and extra bread to enjoy! Or, try layering the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is a great option for easy meals later on. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave space for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well if you prefer a leaner option, though keep in mind it may be less smoky and crisp. Adjust cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired texture.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending creates the signature creaminess of this soup, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip the blending or blend only half the soup. It’s all about personal preference!
Can I substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, coconut cream or cashew cream can be excellent dairy-free substitutes. They provide richness while keeping the soup creamy. Just be mindful that coconut cream may add a hint of sweetness.
What kind of white beans are best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans are a fantastic choice due to their mild flavor and creamy texture, but great northern beans or navy beans also work beautifully.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil or vegan butter. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor to keep it flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe truly brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where warmth and satisfaction are needed. If you’re looking for that perfect bowl to cozy up with, do give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy white bean and bacon tomato soup that combines savory bacon with hearty white beans, tangy tomatoes, and leafy greens for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 slices of bacon
Vegetables & Legumes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups of spinach or kale
Liquids
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook them until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and chop it into small pieces to use later in the soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot with rendered bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Afterward, add the drained white beans to the pot.
- Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir the ingredients together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to purée the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Finish with Cream and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream to add richness to the soup. Add the spinach or kale leaves and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the chopped crispy bacon pieces to the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, stir well, and serve hot in bowls.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens as preferred.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup.
- Make sure to adjust salt carefully, especially if your vegetable broth is salted.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
