If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing meal that never fails to delight — White Bean Soup is your answer. This classic, heartwarming dish combines creamy beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs into a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a dose of simple goodness, White Bean Soup is not only filling and flavorful, but also an incredibly versatile centerpiece for both casual weeknights and more festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of White Bean Soup lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building layers of texture, color, and deep, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need — and a few reasons why each is essential:

Olive oil: Lends a beautiful fruity undertone and gently sautés your veggies.
Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish that makes every spoonful decadent.
Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and essential depth to the broth.
Carrot: Sliced into coins for pops of color and natural sweetness in every bite.
Celery: Delivers mild earthiness and a slight crunch that brightens the soup.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and added for incredible fresh, herbaceous lift.
Garlic: A must for savory warmth; mince it finely to infuse the whole pot.
Low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful base that ties everything together. Go low sodium so you can control the seasoning.
Kosher salt: Enhances and sharpens every other ingredient’s flavor.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a balancing edge.
Dried oregano: Brings subtle herbal notes that compliment the beans and vegetables.
Bay leaf: Infuses the entire soup with a whisper of savory, floral aroma.
Great Northern Beans: Creamy, mild, and perfectly suited for soaking up all the savory goodness.
Canned corn kernels: Adds bright pops of sweetness and beautiful color throughout.
Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the broth for a lovely shot of green and extra nutrients.
Grated parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for an irresistible salty finish.
Toasted bread slices (optional): The ideal partner for dipping and soaking up extra broth.

How to Make White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Begin by heating olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat in a sturdy Dutch oven or stockpot. Once shimmering and melted, add the diced onion, carrot coins, celery slices, and chopped parsley. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just starting to tenderize and their colors deepen. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step is the foundation of your White Bean Soup: it draws out all those fabulous flavors that make the broth irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in your low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer a richer flavor). Give everything a good stir, then sprinkle in the kosher salt, cracked pepper, dried oregano, and add the bay leaf. This blend of seasoning transforms your broth into something deeply savory and complex. Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about five minutes — this allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add Beans and Corn

Stir in the Great Northern Beans and the drained corn kernels. The beans give the soup its heartiness and creamy body, while the bright pops of corn elevate every bite. Continue to simmer for another five minutes. At this point, be sure to taste the soup and adjust for salt and pepper so the flavors really sing.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach

Toss in the fresh baby spinach and gently stir until it just wilts — this happens quickly, in about one minute. The spinach brings beautiful color and an extra nutrient boost, while keeping the soup fresh and vibrant. Once it’s wilted, remove the pot from the heat immediately to preserve the spinach’s beautiful green hue.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the piping hot White Bean Soup into your favorite bowls. If you like, sprinkle each serving with grated parmesan cheese for a lush, salty finish, and add a few slices of toasted bread alongside for dunking. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table!

How to Serve White Bean Soup

Garnishes

The right garnishes elevate White Bean Soup from comforting to absolutely crave-worthy. A snowy shower of freshly grated parmesan is always a hit, but don’t stop there! Scatter extra chopped parsley or a twist of black pepper on top. For a touch of zest, a drizzle of good olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes add personality and warmth.

Side Dishes

This soup shines beside all sorts of simple sides. A rustic loaf of toasted bread or crusty rolls invite dunking and ensure not a drop is left behind. For a heartier meal, serve it with a bright green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. Even a small plate of sharp cheese and olives makes a lovely, Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment that pairs beautifully with the flavors of White Bean Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

White Bean Soup adapts beautifully for casual or special occasions. Serve it in mini mugs or espresso cups for a cozy appetizer at dinner parties, or dollop with herbed whipped ricotta for a modern twist. You can also swirl in a spoonful of pesto for a pop of color and herbal aroma, or top each portion with crunchy garlic croutons to add an irresistible contrast in texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover White Bean Soup keeps exceptionally well! Once fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. As it sits, the flavors deepen and meld together—some say it’s even better the next day. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before storing.

Freezing

If you have more soup than you can use, White Bean Soup is a freezer champion. Pour cooled soup into lidded freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. To prevent the spinach from overcooking, you can add fresh spinach when you reheat, if desired.

Reheating

Reheating White Bean Soup is a breeze. Warm it gently in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickened in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen to your texture preference. For single portions, the microwave works equally well—just use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat in intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak one cup of dried Great Northern Beans overnight, drain, then simmer in fresh water until tender before adding them to your White Bean Soup. Using dried beans can provide a slightly firmer texture and a touch more flavor control.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and skip the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. The soup’s full flavor comes from the vegetables and herbs, so you’ll never miss the meat or dairy!

How can I thicken my White Bean Soup?

If you love a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a cup or two of the soup in the pot, then stir it back in. You can also mash some of the beans with a fork for an even heartier consistency.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to make this soup your own! Zucchini, diced tomatoes, kale, or diced bell peppers are fantastic additions. Just be sure to add sturdier veggies early on and delicate greens at the very end, just as you would with spinach.

Is White Bean Soup gluten-free?

The soup itself is completely gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check your canned goods for any additives. Just skip the bread or serve it with your favorite gluten-free option for dipping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a big, steamy pot of White Bean Soup bubbling away in your kitchen. Every spoonful brings together wholesome comfort, vibrant color, and flavors that feel timeless. Whether you’re new to this soup or it’s an old favorite, give it a try — I promise it will earn a regular place at your table!

White Bean Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty White Bean Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is flavorful and satisfying.

Instructions

Heat oil and butter: In a 6-quart Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Cook vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, and parsley to the heated oil. Cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in salt, pepper, dried oregano, and bay leaf.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in beans and corn: Add the beans and corn kernels to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Finish with spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Remove from heat.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and serve with toasted bread slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American