Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup: Your New Go-To Comfort Dish
Are you looking for a hearty meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day? Look no further! Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is just the right kind of cozy that can fit into your busy schedule without any hassle. Packed with flavors that meld beautifully together, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup
This soup is everything you need—it’s creamy, it’s hearty, and let’s not forget, bacon! Whether you’re trying to impress your family with your culinary skills or just looking to treat yourself after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is always a win-win in my book. And how about that enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen? It’ll have everyone gravitating toward the dinner table like moths to a flame!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:
- 4 slices of crispy bacon (the star of the show!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (for that creamy goodness)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A splash of heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended for creaminess)
Directions
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking your bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. Set it aside on a paper towel to drain, but don’t get rid of that yummy fat in the pot. It’s flavor town, baby!
Sauté the Aromatics: With the bacon grease still in the pot, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re soft and the kitchen starts smelling like heaven. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed cannellini beans and dried thyme. Bring it to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow those flavors to mingle.
Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down, which should take just a couple of minutes.
Blend it Up: Here comes the magic part! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s creamy (or leave it a bit chunky if you like some texture). If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender.
Finish with Bacon & Cream: Crumble your crispy bacon back into the pot and stir in a splash of heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle it into bowls and enjoy every spoonful of this creamy goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cooking Tips
- Bacon Substitutions: If you’re feeling a little adventurous or need to make it turkey-friendly, turkey bacon works just as wonderfully!
- Don’t Skip the Cream: If you want to make it a touch more decadent, don’t skimp on the cream. It changes the whole texture!
- A Dash of Spice: Feel free to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Your future self will definitely thank you.
This creamy white bean & bacon spinach soup has become a go-to recipe in my house after my kids couldn’t get enough of it during our family dinner nights. I remember the first time I made it—my daughter asked if I could make a “double batch” so we could have leftovers (and we all know how rare leftovers are with kids!).
FAQs
Can I substitute the beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cannellini beans, white beans, or even chickpeas can do the trick. It’s all about what you have on hand!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the soup might thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop! Just reheat it gently on the stove.
I know we all lead busy lives, but isn’t it nice to find a recipe that tickles our taste buds and warms our hearts? This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is your winning ticket for those days when you want something delightful without spending all evening in the kitchen. So, grab your apron, hit the grocery store, and get started on this lovely dish! Trust me—your taste buds will be doing a little happy dance.
Ready to keep exploring? Check out our other delightful recipes for inspiration, like the Savory Sweet Potato & Kale Hash or our Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a comforting combo!
Meta Description
Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is the perfect recipe for a busy day. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. Set it aside on a paper towel to drain, keeping the fat in the pot for flavor.
- Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and add the rinsed cannellini beans and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down, which should take just a couple of minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy or leave it a bit chunky if you prefer.
- Crumble the crispy bacon back into the pot and stir in a splash of heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy every spoonful.
