There’s nothing quite like coming in from the cold to a steaming bowl of my Cozy Winter White Bean Soup. This recipe has been my go-to for years when the temperature drops, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! What I love most is how simple it is to throw together with pantry staples, yet it tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Packed with protein and fiber from the white beans, it keeps you full and satisfied while still feeling light. Some of my favorite memories involve curling up with this soup after sledding with the kids or hosting impromptu winter gatherings where everyone leaves with full bellies. The secret? That perfect blend of herbs and just a hint of smokiness from turkey bacon that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
This soup has become my winter staple for so many reasons:
- Effortless comfort: It comes together in one pot with simple ingredients, no fancy techniques required
- Deep, satisfying flavor: The combination of herbs and turkey bacon creates layers of savory goodness
- Nutrition powerhouse: Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full without weighing you down
- Endlessly adaptable: Easily customize with whatever veggies you have on hand
Trust me, after one bowl, you’ll understand why this soup has warmed our family through countless winters! If you enjoy this style of simple, hearty soup, you might also like this cozy one pot white bean soup recipe.
PrintCozy Winter White Bean Soup Recipe – 5-Star Comfort in 30 Minutes
A warm and comforting white bean soup perfect for cold winter days. This recipe is simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in turkey bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, white beans, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend half the soup before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients for Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
What I love about this soup is how simple the ingredient list is, just good, honest pantry staples that come together magically! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for that perfect sauté
- 1 medium onion, diced, about 1 cup for sweet depth
- 2 carrots, chopped, 1/2 inch pieces for texture
- 2 celery stalks, chopped, same size as carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, fresh is best!
- 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium works great
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed, I prefer cannellini
- 1 tsp dried thyme, rub between fingers to release oils
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed slightly
- 1 bay leaf, don’t forget to remove it later!
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped, adds that smoky depth
See? Nothing fancy, just real ingredients that make magic together. The turkey bacon is my little twist that gives that comforting smoky flavor without the heaviness. For more ideas on using white beans, check out resources like familytastes.com.
How to Make Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
Now for the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into a pot of cozy magic! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I’ve made this soup so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. Toss in your diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic all at once, that satisfying sizzle means you’re on the right track!
Now here’s my secret: stir occasionally but don’t hover. Let those veggies soften and get friendly with each other for about 5 minutes. You want them just tender enough that they’ll melt into the soup later, with the onions turning translucent and the carrots losing their raw edge. The smell at this point is absolutely heavenly!
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Next, add your chopped turkey bacon right into the pot with the veggies. I know, I know, turkey bacon can be tricky, but here’s the deal: just 2-3 minutes is all you need! Stir it around until it’s lightly browned but still tender. Overcooked turkey bacon gets tough, and we want those smoky bits to stay juicy in our soup.
This is when my kitchen starts smelling like winter comfort, that perfect blend of savory bacon and sweet veggies. If your stomach isn’t growling yet, it will be soon! If you prefer a different take on bean soup, perhaps try this hearty Italian white bean soup recipe.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Now for the magic transformation! Pour in your vegetable broth, then add the drained white beans, thyme, rosemary, and that precious bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil, you’ll see little bubbles dancing around the edges.
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This is when all the flavors get to know each other, the herbs infuse the broth, the beans soak up all that goodness, and everything becomes one happy soup family. Just don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving (I’ve forgotten a time or two, oops!).
Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. That’s it, soup’s on!
Tips for Perfect Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to “wow!” every single time:
- Creamy dream: Blend half the soup for luxurious texture while keeping some whole beans for bite
- Season smart: Always taste after simmering, beans absorb salt, so you might need more than you think
- Herb upgrade: Swap dried herbs for fresh if you’ve got them (double the amount for that bright flavor)
- Rest & relax: Let it sit 10 minutes off heat before serving, flavors marry beautifully
These little touches make all the difference between a decent soup and the kind that has everyone asking for seconds! For another great one-pot meal, check out this one pot garlic white bean soup recipe.
Variations for Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge! Here are some of my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative:
- Greens galore: Swap celery for chopped kale or spinach, add it in the last 5 minutes of simmering
- Smoky depth: Stir in 1/2 tsp smoked paprika with the herbs for extra warmth
- Creamy dream: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end for extra richness
- Italian flair: Add a Parmesan rind while simmering (remove before serving)
The possibilities are endless, that’s the beauty of a great soup recipe! If you like adding greens, you might enjoy this creamy white bean spinach soup recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Cozy Winter White Bean Soup
Oh, how I love serving this soup! My absolute favorite way is with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping, that perfect crunch against the creamy beans is heavenly. For lighter meals, a simple green salad with lemon dressing makes the perfect fresh contrast. Don’t skip the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving makes it feel extra special. Sometimes I’ll even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. However you serve it, just make sure you’ve got plenty, this soup disappears fast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This soup keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re getting into with this cozy bowl of goodness! These values are estimates per serving (about 1 1/2 cups):
- 280 calories, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal
- 8g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- 14g protein, thanks to those mighty white beans!
- 10g fiber, keeps you full and happy
Not too shabby for something that tastes this comforting, right? The turkey bacon adds flavor without weighing it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this soup, here are the ones that come up most often!
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool completely and leave about an inch of space at the top of your container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, you might need to add a splash of broth.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
You sure can! Soak 1 cup dried white beans overnight, then simmer until tender (about 1-1.5 hours) before adding to the soup. Just remember they’ll absorb more liquid, so you may need extra broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes indeed! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double check your turkey bacon and broth labels if you’re extra sensitive.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Easily! Just skip the turkey bacon and add a pinch of smoked paprika instead for that depth of flavor. It’s just as delicious!
How can I make it creamier?
My favorite trick is blending about half the soup before serving, it creates this luxurious texture while keeping some whole beans for bite. A splash of cream at the end works wonders too!