White Bean and Ham Soup with Corn Bread Croutons

INGREDIENTS

• 4 thick-cut bacon slices
• 1/2 lb. cooked ham steak, cubed
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (each 15 oz.) white beans, drained
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 small loaf corn bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes