Create the Best Bean with Bacon Soup for a Cozy Night

When the weather turns chilly, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, hearty bowl of Bean with Bacon Soup. This classic comfort food dish is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or simply craving a delicious homemade soup, Bean with Bacon Soup is a tried-and-true recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for the Perfect Bean with Bacon Soup

The key to making an exceptional Bean with Bacon Soup is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup Great Northern beans (dried)
• 6 oz thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

It’s important to use dried Great Northern beans for this recipe, as they hold their shape and texture better than canned beans. And don’t skimp on the thick-cut bacon – the smoky, salty flavor it adds to the soup is truly irreplaceable.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bean with Bacon Soup

Preparing Bean with Bacon Soup is a straightforward process, but the key is taking the time to properly cook the ingredients and develop the flavors. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prep the Beans: Start by soaking the dried beans overnight or using the quick soak method. This helps ensure the beans cook evenly and become tender. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving some of the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Beans and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. Finish the Soup: Chop the cooked bacon and stir it into the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Bean with Bacon Soup into bowls and savor the comforting, flavor-packed goodness.

Nutritional Benefits of Bean with Bacon Soup

Not only is Bean with Bacon Soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also a nutritious meal option. Beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, while the bacon provides a satisfying dose of savory, salty flavor. A serving of this soup contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 12g

To make the soup even healthier, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon used. Additionally, opting for low-sodium chicken broth can help keep the sodium content in check.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• White Bean and Ham Soup
• Split Pea Soup with Bacon
• Lentil and Bacon Soup
• Bean Chili with Bacon

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Bean Soup

While Bean with Bacon Soup is a relatively straightforward dish, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Not Soaking the Beans: Skipping the bean-soaking step can result in beans that don’t cook evenly or become tender.
2. Overcooking the Beans: Letting the beans simmer for too long can cause them to become mushy and lose their texture.
3. Not Rendering the Bacon Properly: If you don’t cook the bacon until it’s crispy, you won’t get the full smoky, savory flavor in the soup.
4. Neglecting the Aromatics: Sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic is crucial for building a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
5. Seasoning Improperly: Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process can lead to a soup that’s either too bland or too salty.

FAQs About Bean with Bacon Soup

Is Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup good for you?

Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup can be a relatively healthy option, but it’s important to consider the sodium content. A serving of their canned version contains 790mg of sodium, which is quite high. To make it a healthier choice, you can opt for a low-sodium version or make your own homemade Bean with Bacon Soup using low-sodium broth and adjusting the seasoning.

Does Campbell still make bean with bacon soup?

Yes, Campbell’s still produces their classic Bean with Bacon Soup. It’s a staple in their soup lineup and can be found in the canned soup aisle of most grocery stores.

What is a healthy request bean with bacon soup?

For a healthier version of Bean with Bacon Soup, you can make a “Healthy Request” version by using low-sodium broth, reducing the amount of bacon, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale. This helps to lower the sodium and fat content while still delivering the comforting flavors you crave.

What are some common mistakes when making bean soup?

Some of the most common mistakes when making Bean with Bacon Soup include:

1. Not soaking the beans properly
2. Overcooking the beans, causing them to become mushy
3. Not rendering the bacon fat properly to get the full smoky flavor
4. Neglecting the aromatic vegetables (onions, carrots, celery)
5. Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process

Enjoy the Comforting Goodness of Bean with Bacon Soup

With its rich, savory flavors and hearty texture, Bean with Bacon Soup is a true comfort food classic that’s perfect for chilly weather. By following the simple steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, homemade version that will warm you from the inside out. So grab a spoon and savor the comforting goodness of this beloved soup!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print