Creamy White Bean Soup (Printable Version)

Velvety white bean soup with smoky bacon and rosemary, ideal for chilly day comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 5 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Beans

06 - 2 cans (14 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
08 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Extra olive oil, for drizzling
14 - Fresh chopped parsley, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
02 - Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained beans, broth, rosemary, bay leaf, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
05 - Remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy and velvety. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a standard blender and blend carefully, then return to the pot.
06 - Stir in the heavy cream and most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for serving. Simmer for 5 additional minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd think, but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The bacon fat does all the heavy lifting—no need to add oil or butter separately.
  • One pot means less cleanup, which is honestly half the appeal of comfort food.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans—canned bean liquid makes the soup cloudy and overly salty.
  • If you over-blend, you'll end up with a texture that's too thick and gluey; stop when it's still slightly chunky.
  • The cream should go in at the very end; heat it through but don't boil it, or it might separate.
03 -
  • Save a spoonful of unblended soup before you puree; swirl it on top for a rustic, finished look.
  • If you're making this vegetarian, add a pinch of smoked paprika—it gives you that depth the bacon would have provided.
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