There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about a bowl of soup that wraps you in warmth and flavor, and this Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe does exactly that with its rich texture and hearty ingredients. The velvety white beans combined with smoky bacon and vibrant tomatoes create a luscious blend that’s both nourishing and indulgent. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends or family, proving how wonderful simple ingredients can be when they come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for building the layers of flavor and stunning color in this soup. Each one plays a unique role—whether it’s the crispy bacon for smokiness, the white beans for creaminess, or the greens for a fresh bite.
- Bacon (4 slices): Adds a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the soup’s depth.
- White beans, canned (2 cans, 15 oz each): Provide a creamy texture and hearty protein base.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Brings sweetness and a savory backbone when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Delivers aromatic intensity and subtle warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Impart a bright, tangy tomato flavor that balances richness.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful, liquid base that’s both light and comforting.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
- Spinach or kale (2 cups): Introduces a fresh, earthy note while boosting nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together just right.
How to Make Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the bacon slices. Cook them until crispy, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is important because the rendered bacon fat will provide a flavor-packed base for your soup. Once perfectly crisp, remove the bacon from the pot and chop it into bite-sized pieces for adding back later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, in the same pot with the bacon fat, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute. This builds a fragrant foundation that will marry beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Let this simmer gently for around 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then, add the drained white beans, the key ingredient that gives this soup its creamy texture and hearty character.
Step 4: Incorporate the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This slow simmer helps everything harmonize and the beans soften slightly more if needed, setting the stage for that silky smooth finish.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
To achieve that rich, velvety texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot soup to a standard blender and blend in batches. This blending step truly transforms the soup into a luxurious bowl of comfort.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Greens
Stir in the heavy cream, which adds a beautiful richness and silkiness that’s simply irresistible. Next, add the spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt gently in the warm soup for 2 to 3 minutes, bringing a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor that brightens the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, return the chopped bacon to the pot to sprinkle throughout the soup for smoky bursts of flavor in every spoonful. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then ladle your beautiful creation into bowls. This is the perfect time to dig in and savor every warm, creamy bite of the Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing adds that extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for a burst of freshness. A little drizzle of olive oil or a grating of aged Parmesan adds some complexity. Crispy bacon bits from step one are a no-brainer garnish that reinforces the smoky goodness throughout.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every luscious drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complement the creamy texture nicely, balancing the meal. For a heartier option, grilled cheese sandwiches provide the classic cozy combo that’s always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls—such a fun way to wow your guests. Layer your garnishes artistically on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even top with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an unexpected flavor boost and beautiful color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better. Make sure to give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well up to 2 months. Store in freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. To maintain the best texture, consider adding the cream and greens fresh when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up. Add fresh spinach or kale at this stage if you didn’t include it before freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Absolutely! Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect substitutes. They have similar creamy textures that will blend effortlessly into this soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that smoky flavor without meat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s mild and comforting by default, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing creaminess?
Warm the soup slowly over low heat and stir in a bit of cream or milk if it seems too thick. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to keep it smooth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you simply must try the Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup Recipe. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you experience that silky texture paired with smoky bacon and bright tomatoes, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Trust me, making this soup is like giving your soul a big, tasty treat!
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
This Deliciously Creamy White Bean & Bacon Tomato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any season. Combining crispy bacon, creamy white beans, and rich tomatoes, this soup is blended to smooth perfection and finished with fresh greens and cream for a velvety texture and robust flavor.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 slices of bacon
- 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
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of spinach or kale
- 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 they are crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and stir it for about one minute, releasing its aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the aromatics. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, then add the drained white beans to the pot.
- Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Finish with Cream and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup. Add the spinach or kale and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the greens have wilted but remain vibrant.
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the chopped crispy bacon to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, then serve the soup hot in bowls for a delightful, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil for sautéing.
- You can substitute kale with spinach based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is before combining.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper after blending, as pureeing can tone down flavors.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content if desired.
