Creamy White Bean Soup Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day, and if you’ve never tried white bean soup, you’re in for a treat. White beans, with their rich, velvety texture, serve as the perfect base for creating a hearty, flavorful, and creamy soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to whip up a simple meal for yourself or impress guests with something a little more refined, creamy white bean soup hits all the right notes.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. It’s perfect for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. You can keep it simple with just a handful of ingredients or jazz it up with additional herbs and spices, or even top it with crispy bacon for a savory crunch. It’s a dish that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow creamy white bean soup recipe, share tips for making it extra flavorful, and provide variations to suit your preferences.

Here’s a classic yet easy recipe that you can make at home with minimal fuss. This creamy white bean soup is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s wholesome, comforting, and tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left!). Let’s dive right into the recipe.

Ingredients Needed

To make the base of this creamy white bean soup, you’ll need:

2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) – drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
1 medium onion – finely chopped
3 cloves garlic – minced
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
1 medium carrot – diced
2 celery stalks – diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper – to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice – adds brightness and balances flavors
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Start by draining and rinsing the white beans. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic, and have your broth and milk ready.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the Beans and Broth: Toss in the rinsed beans, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Puree for Creaminess: Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. This step gives the soup that creamy texture, while still keeping some hearty bits of bean and vegetable intact.
Add Milk and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the milk (or cream) to achieve the desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients in this creamy white bean soup and why they make this recipe stand out:

White Beans: Beans are the heart and soul of this dish. Cannellini and great northern beans are especially creamy, but you can use any white beans you prefer. They provide not only the creamy texture but also protein and fiber, making this soup nourishing and satisfying.
Vegetable Broth: The broth serves as the liquid base, and you can choose between vegetable, chicken, or even homemade broth depending on dietary preferences. Using a good quality broth ensures the soup is packed with rich flavor, elevating the overall dish.
Milk or Cream: The milk or cream is what turns this soup from simple to indulgent. Whole milk adds a velvety texture, but if you want to really go all out, swap it for heavy cream for an ultra-luxe finish. Plant-based milks can also work if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.
Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): These herbs are earthy and fragrant, and their inclusion in the soup gives it a lovely aromatic depth. You can use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste or dried herbs for convenience.

Expert Tips

To make this creamy white bean soup even better, here are some tips:

Make It Ahead: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth, or add a bit more milk or cream at the end. For a lighter version, opt for lower-fat milk or skip the cream altogether.
Toppings & Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary add a burst of freshness. Crumbled bacon or sausage also adds a nice salty contrast. If you like some crunch, top your soup with toasted bread cubes or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Blend Some, Leave Some: If you’re unsure how smooth you want your soup, try blending just half of it. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a creamy texture with hearty chunks.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is super adaptable. Here are some variations to switch things up based on your cravings:

Add Greens: For added nutrition, throw in some spinach, kale, or arugula near the end of cooking. The greens will wilt into the soup, adding color and vitamins.
Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pot while sautéing the onions and garlic. It’ll give your soup a nice kick.
Lemon & Dill: For a more refreshing, Mediterranean spin, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice and stir in some fresh dill. The bright acidity of the lemon pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup.
Vegetarian or Vegan: Skip the cream and use coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Also, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
Smoky Flavor: Add a few tablespoons of smoked paprika or some chopped smoked sausage for a deeper, smoky flavor profile.

Final Words

Creamy white bean soup is the kind of recipe you can rely on time and time again. It’s comforting, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you prefer it rich and creamy or a bit lighter, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile enough to suit all tastes and occasions.

Creamy White Bean Soup Recipe