Sunday Creamy White Bean Soup

Name: Sunday Creamy White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy), soaked overnight and drained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

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I love cozy Sundays when I can whip up a comforting bowl of creamy white bean soup. It’s one of my go-to recipes for chilly afternoons, and the best part is that it comes together in no time! The combination of hearty beans, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream creates a symphony of flavors that warms you from the inside out. Whether I'm serving it alongside crusty bread or enjoying it solo, this soup never fails to hit the spot. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:57:35.111Z

Whenever I make this creamy white bean soup, I reminisce about cold winter afternoons spent in the kitchen experimenting with flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. I often use dried beans that I soak overnight, and I think it enhances the flavor greatly. If I’m short on time, canned beans work perfectly too, just rinse them well.

This soup is versatile; I’ve played around with herbs and spices, sometimes adding a hint of smoked paprika or fresh rosemary. Each twist brings a new dimension to the dish that keeps me coming back for more!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that’s incredibly comforting
High in protein and fiber for a nourishing meal
Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep

      

The Importance of Soaking Beans

Soaking your white beans overnight serves two crucial purposes: it not only shortens the cooking time significantly but also enhances the beans' digestibility. When beans soak, they absorb water, which helps to soften their outer skins, allowing for a creamier texture in the finished soup. I find that soaking for at least 8 hours yields the best results, ensuring that the beans cook through uniformly and become plump.

If you're short on time, a quick soak method can also work. Simply simmer the beans in water for about 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let them sit for 1 hour before draining. This alternative will still provide a better texture than cooking them straight from dry, making your soup even more delightful.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

Adding fresh herbs like thyme not only infuses the soup with a fragrant aroma but also elevates the overall taste. Thyme complements the richness of the cream and the earthiness of the beans beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating a bay leaf during the cooking process and remove it before blending. This subtle addition can enhance the savory complexity of your soup without overwhelming it.

For those looking for a twist, try swapping thyme with rosemary or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and depth. Both alternatives will provide a unique character while maintaining the essence of this comforting dish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This creamy white bean soup is perfect for batch cooking, and any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, make sure the soup cools completely before transferring to an airtight container. When reheating, I recommend doing so on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. This gentle approach helps maintain the velvety texture of the cream without curdling.

If you wish to freeze the soup, make sure to leave out the cream before freezing, as dairy can separate upon thawing. Instead, add fresh cream when reheating. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months—just portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy defrosting!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your creamy white bean soup:

Ingredients

1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy), soaked overnight and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your creamy white bean soup:

Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the beans

Add the soaked white beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the beans are tender.

Blend the soup

Once the beans are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend in batches in a traditional blender. Stir in the heavy cream, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy it warm with crusty bread!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding smoked bacon while sautéing the onions, or finish the soup with a drizzle of your favorite olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy white bean soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping, soaking up every delicious drop. For an extra touch of flavor, serve it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. These additions enhance the richness of the soup and provide a delightful contrast in texture.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding a light salad alongside your soup. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette could add brightness and balance to the creamy soup, making it a complete and satisfying experience.

Making It Your Own

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences and pantry staples. If you're looking for a heartier version, mixing in diced carrots and celery during the sauté phase can add more nutrients and a lovely texture. You can also experiment with different types of beans like great northern or pinto for varied flavors while still keeping the soup creamy.

Don’t shy away from spices! A pinch of cayenne or a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor profile and add an unexpected zest that brightens the overall dish. Tailoring the soup to suit your taste buds is part of the fun!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup is too thick after blending, you can adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired texture. On the flip side, if it turns out too thin, simply simmer the soup uncovered for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken.

Should you encounter any blend of flavors that seems off, a dash of acid—such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar—can brighten the soup, bringing the flavors together harmoniously. Remember, cooking is all about adjustments, so taste as you go to create your perfect bowl!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned white beans. Just rinse them before adding them to the pot and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and ensure the vegetable broth is also vegan.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This creamy bean soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top!