As the cool evening breeze drifts through the open window, the inviting aroma of White Bean Soup with Bacon fills the kitchen, setting the perfect scene for a cozy meal. This hearty soup, rich in flavors and warm textures, makes for an ideal dinner on chilly nights or a comforting lunch. The combination of creamy white beans and savory turkey bacon creates a delightful balance, making each spoonful satisfying and nourishing. You may also find Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew useful.
Reasons to Love White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon
White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Comforting and Nourishing: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up inside and out.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is a breeze to whip up.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with various sides, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings.
Gather These Ingredients
Having the right ingredients is key to making a flavorful white bean soup. Each component plays a vital role in creating that satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white kidney beans, 19oz or 540ml each
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or spinach, as desired
These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and hearty soup. For a different take on beans, you might also enjoy this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew.
How to Cook White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon
Cooking this delightful soup is straightforward. Just follow these steps for a perfect result:
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Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and beginning to brown. If there’s excess fat, soak some up with a paper towel and discard.

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Stir in the garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, pepper, and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan and release any stuck bits.
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Place the beans in a fine mesh sieve, drain, and rinse well. Transfer 3/4 cup of the beans to a blender with the half and half and blend until smooth.
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Add the whole beans, turkey bacon, and bean puree back into the pot. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the Parmesan and parsley or spinach as desired. Taste and serve.
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~30 minutes, Total ~45 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~400.
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon can easily be prepared ahead of time. The soup can be made a day in advance and stored in your refrigerator. If preparing early, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Later, simply reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
How to Store Leftovers
Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh and tasty. In the refrigerator, the soup can last up to 4 days. If you need to store it for longer, freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over low heat and look for a creamy consistency as your freshness cue.
What Goes Well with White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon
Pairing your soup can elevate the entire meal. Here are several ideas for what pairs wonderfully with White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon:
- Crusty artisan bread for dipping
- Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a comfort classic
- Parmesan crisps to add a crunchy texture
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
Variations and Swaps
Feel free to get creative with your White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey bacon and add extra veggies like kale or zucchini for a healthy twist.
- Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeños or add more red chili flakes for heat.
- Different Beans: Use cannellini beans or navy beans if you prefer.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be added for a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Twist: Substitute heavy cream for half and half for an even richer consistency.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors.
- Cook the vegetables until they are just tender to maintain a nice texture.
- Watch the cooking time closely during the simmering phase to prevent overcooking.
- Blend the beans thoroughly for a smoother soup, or leave some whole for added texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your palate.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon:
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Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for the turkey bacon for added protein.
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Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
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Can I make this soup vegan? Yes, simply omit the turkey bacon and half and half and use vegetable broth instead.
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What are the nutritional benefits of this soup? This soup is packed with protein from the white beans and turkey bacon while offering ample fiber and essential vitamins from the vegetables.
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How can I enhance the flavor? Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Wrapping Up
White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Perfect for chilly nights or gatherings, this recipe invites you to enjoy hearty flavors while nurturing your soul. So gather your ingredients and make this delightful soup soon; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
This hearty White Bean Soup with Turkey Bacon, rich in flavors and warm textures, makes for an ideal dinner on chilly nights or a comforting lunch.
Ingredients
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white kidney beans, 19oz or 540ml each
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or spinach, as desired
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and beginning to brown. If there’s excess fat, soak some up with a paper towel and discard.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, pepper, and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan and release any stuck bits.
- Place the beans in a fine mesh sieve, drain, and rinse well. Transfer 3/4 cup of the beans to a blender with the half and half and blend until smooth.
- Add the whole beans, turkey bacon, and bean puree back into the pot. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan and parsley or spinach as desired. Taste and serve.
Notes
Soup can be made a day in advance and stored in your refrigerator. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: white bean soup, turkey bacon soup, hearty soup




