Dutch Brown Bean Soup with Cheese & Bacon Bun (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

Experience the comforting, soulful world of Dutch home cooking with this hearty Dutch Brown Bean Soup with Cheese & Bacon Bun, a dish steeped in the traditions of the Netherlands. This soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory in a bowl, evoking the warmth of family kitchens, the scent of smoky spek and smoked sausage on the stove, and the cozy feeling of gathering around a simmering pot on a cold winter day. Its deep, smoky flavor and hearty richness have been cherished across generations, a culinary hug that brings back the best memories.

Tender brown beans are slow-simmered with smoked spek, slices of traditional Dutch smoked sausage (rookworst), potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and ripe tomatoes. This combination creates a savory, nutrient-rich base, offering protein from the meat, plant-based protein and fiber from the beans, and a bounty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables—vitamin A and potassium from carrots, vitamin C from tomatoes, and B vitamins from potatoes—supporting energy, immune function, and overall vitality.

Each serving is paired with a Kaas-Bacon Broodje, a soft Dutch mini bun filled with cubes of rich Gouda cheese and crispy bacon, baked until golden and warm. The cheese provides protein and calcium, while the buttery dough offers satisfying carbohydrates for steady energy. Together, the bun and soup create a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and comforting flavors.

Included is a photo of my sister and me in a tulip field in The Netherlands—this photo was actually published in a guidebook about Amsterdam—reminding me of the joy, colors, and flavors of Dutch life that inspired this meal.

Rooted in Dutch tradition and prepared with care, this meal nourishes the body while delighting the senses, bringing both warmth and a gentle sense of nostalgia.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!