Bean and Bacon Soup Recipe

Bean and Bacon Soup Recipe is made with a combination of savory ingredients including diced bacon, yellow onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, Great Northern beans, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. This hearty bean and bacon soup recipe creates a traditional and comforting dish that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Bean and Bacon Soup Ingredients

• 8 oz Jones Dairy Farm Cherry Hardwood Smoked Bacon, diced
• 1 cup diced yellow onions (small dice)
• 1 cup diced carrots (small dice)
• 1 cup diced celery (small dice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (8 oz) plain tomato sauce

Bean and Bacon Soup Instructions

1. In a soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
2. To the hot bacon drippings, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in chicken broth and drained/rinsed Great Northern beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 hour.
4. Remove half of the soup mixture and carefully blend in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return the puree to the pot with the remaining soup.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and 3/4 of the reserved crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve the soup topped with the remaining crispy bacon. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.

Recipe Tips

• Use Quality Bacon: Opt for high-quality, thick-cut bacon with good smoky flavor for the best results. This will add depth and richness to your soup.
• Render Bacon for Flavor: When cooking the bacon, allow it to render slowly to crispiness. This will release more flavor into the soup and create tasty bacon bits.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Take the time to sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.

How To Store Bean and Bacon Soup

Refrigerate: Once the bean and bacon soup has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container or cover the soup pot with a lid. Place the soup in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure to leave some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Bean and Bacon Soup

On the Stove: Transfer the desired amount of leftover bean and bacon soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.

In the Microwave: Place a serving of the bean and bacon soup in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splattering. Microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot and bubbly.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through.

In The Air Fryer (Optional): If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an air fryer-safe container and heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overheat or dry out.

What To Serve Bean and Bacon Soup

Bean and Bacon Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, a green salad, or a side of steamed vegetables. It also can be served alongside cornbread, corn muffins, crackers, or a cheese platter for better savoring of the meal. Enjoy your soup with these delicious sides!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different beans for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with other varieties like navy beans or cannellini beans. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of beans used.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing the vegetables. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

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