Homemade Bean and Bacon Soup Recipe – a homemade version of a childhood favorite soup! Super simple to make with pantry staples! Packed with hearty beans, savory bacon, and aromatic spices, this soup is a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and cozy dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

bowl of bean soup on a table with cornbread and crackers with text overlay

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Bacon and White Bean Soup

Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of homemade bean and bacon soup! A steaming bowl filled with hearty beans, tender chunks of bacon, and aromatic herbs and spices, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner with a slice of crusty bread or served as a comforting lunch on a chilly day, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for seconds. One bite, and you’ll never eat the canned version again!

How to Make Bean and Bacon Soup

This soup is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Cook bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon from the pot and drain on a paper towel. Reserve one to two tablespoons of bacon grease. Add chopped celery and carrots to the pot and cook until they are tender. Add chicken stock, white beans, onion flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, and water to the pot. Stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low heat and simmer. Discard the bay leaf.

Remove half of the soup from the pot. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup remaining in the Dutch oven. Add the other half of the soup back to the pot. Stir in cooked bacon and one can of white beans. Cook until warm. Garnish with parsley and crumbled bacon.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

You can use white, navy, cannellini, or great northern beans.
I am not a big fan of onions, so I use dried minced onions in the soup. Feel free to substitute chopped fresh onion.
To cut down on prep time, you can use precooked bacon. You will need 1 cup to equal one pound of fresh bacon.
- If using precooked bacon, use a few tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
Here is our recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth: https://www.plainchicken.com/slow-cooker-chicken-broth/
You can puree the soup in a food processor or blender if you don’t have an immersion blender.
Variations/Additions:
- turkey bacon
- substitute chopped ham
- vegetable broth
- liquid smoke
- red pepper flakes
- substitute pinto beans
Reduce the amount of water for a thicker soup.
Can I freeze Bean and Bacon Soup? Yes! Cool the soup to room temperature and transfer to a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

bowl of bean soup on a table with crackers

What to Serve with Bean and Bacon Soup

This soup has quickly become a favorite at our house. I’ve made it several times, and we just can’t get enough of it. When it comes to what to serve alongside this dish, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you.

Start by serving homemade cornbread or fluffy dinner rolls on the side, perfect for dunking into the savory broth and soaking up every last drop of flavor.
For a healthy option, pair the soup with a crisp, green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of steamed vegetables.
If you’re craving something heartier, consider serving the soup alongside a slice of quiche or a grilled cheese sandwich, adding layers of cheesy goodness to your meal.

With these delicious options, this soup is sure to be a hit at the dinner table! Looking for more side dish ideas? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

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