White Bean Soup with Smoky Turkey Bacon – A hearty, cozy bowl packed with protein and rich flavor

White Bean Soup with Smoky Turkey Bacon – A hearty, cozy bowl packed with protein and rich flavor

White Bean Soup with Smoky Turkey Bacon is a comforting, rustic, and nourishing soup loaded with protein-rich beans, aromatic vegetables, and the satisfying smokiness of crispy turkey bacon. It’s thick, hearty, and incredibly flavorful — the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and keeps you full for hours. With simple ingredients and a one-pot approach, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, cozy nights, or anytime you crave a wholesome bowl of savory goodness without any pork or alcohol.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Turkey Bacon & Aromatics

6 slices turkey bacon chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 celery stalks chopped
2 carrots diced
Beans & Broth
3 cans 15 oz each white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 bay leaf

Optional Add-ins

1 –2 cups spinach or kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Red pepper flakes for heat
Garnishes
Chopped parsley
Extra crispy turkey bacon
Cracked pepper

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Measuring cups & spoons
Optional: immersion blender for thickening

Method

Step 1: Crisp the turkey bacon

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped turkey bacon and cook 5–6 minutes, until browned and crispy.
Remove half the bacon for topping later, leaving the rest in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

Add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot.
Cook 6–7 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more.

Step 3: Add beans & build the broth

Stir in white beans, broth, thyme, rosemary, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20–25 minutes to fully blend flavors.

Step 5: Thicken (optional)

For a creamy texture, blend 1–2 cups of the soup and return it to the pot,
or use an immersion blender for 5–10 seconds to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add greens (optional)

Stir in spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 7: Finish

Remove bay leaf.
Add lemon juice if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with crispy turkey bacon, parsley, and pepper.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for 4–5 days

Thickens in the fridge; add broth when reheating

Freezes well for 2–3 months

Reheat gently on low heat

🥄 Variations

Spicy White Bean Soup
Add jalapeño or red pepper flakes.

Creamy Version
Add ½ cup coconut milk.

Protein Boost
Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey.

Herb-Forward Version
Add fresh thyme or rosemary at the end.

Vegetable-Packed
Add zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use dried beans?
Yes — cook separately first or simmer the soup longer until tender.

Can I omit turkey bacon?
Yes — add smoked paprika or liquid smoke (alcohol-free) for smoky flavor.

Which white bean works best?
Cannellini beans are creamy; great northern beans hold shape well.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use vegetable broth and skip the turkey bacon.

Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely — add diced potatoes with the carrots.

How do I make it thicker?
Blend more beans or simmer longer uncovered.

Can I make it thinner?
Add additional broth.

Can I slow-cook it?
Yes — LOW 6 hours, add greens in the last 20 minutes.

Is it kid-friendly?
Very! Mild, creamy, and comforting.

Can I prep it ahead?
This soup reheats beautifully and gets even better the next day.

🏁 Conclusion

White Bean Soup with Smoky Turkey Bacon is wholesome, hearty, and deliciously comforting. With creamy beans, savory turkey bacon, aromatic herbs, and a thick satisfying broth, this soup delivers incredible flavor from simple ingredients. It's ideal for meal prep, busy nights, or anytime you want a cozy bowl of nourishing comfort.