Baked cannellini beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare. Cannellini beans are a type of white bean that are commonly used in Italian cuisine. When baked, they become soft and creamy, with a rich flavor that pairs well with a variety of spices and seasonings.
This dish is a great vegetarian option and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is great because it's simple to make and packed with flavor. The beans are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs, which gives them a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. The dish is then topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, which adds a crunchy texture and a savory finish.
Another reason to make this recipe is that it's versatile. You can serve it as a vegetarian main course, or as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or fish. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Overall, baked cannellini beans are a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a cold winter's night, or a hearty side dish for a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
Cannellini Beans - creamy and tender, perfect for baking; substitute with Great Northern or Navy beans if needed
Olive Oil - adds richness and helps the dish cook evenly; substitute with vegetable or canola oil if desired
Garlic - adds a depth of flavor; substitute with garlic powder or onion if needed
Tomatoes - provide natural sweetness and acidity; substitute with canned tomatoes or tomato sauce
Herbs - fresh rosemary or thyme work well; substitute with dried herbs or an Italian seasoning blend
Tips
- Soak dried beans overnight for faster cooking
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent sauce from spilling
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
- Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick during baking
- Top with grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor
How to Serve
This versatile baked cannellini beans dish can be served as a side or a main course. It pairs well with a variety of dishes andcan be enjoyed all year round.
- Serve as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats
- Use as a base for a vegetarian main course by adding sautéed vegetables
- Incorporate into a hearty salad by mixing with greens, roasted vegetables, and a vinaigrette
Similar Recipes
Cannellini Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans soaked overnight
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups water or low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Add more if needed
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and rinse the soaked cannellini beans.
- Place the beans in a deep baking dish or Dutch oven. Add the olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, black pepper, and enough water or broth to cover the beans by about 1 inch.
- Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1–1½ hours. Check the beans after 1 hour. They should be starting to soften but don't need to be completely tender yet. Add a little hot water or broth if the beans are no longer covered with liquid.
- Once the beans are nearly tender, stir in the chopped tomatoes.
- Cover and return to the oven for another 30–60 minutes, or until the beans are completely tender and creamy inside. Cooking time can vary depending on the age of the dried beans.
- If there's too much liquid once the beans are tender, remove the lid and bake for another 10–20 minutes, until the liquid reduces into a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soak dried beans overnight for faster cooking
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent sauce from spilling
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
- Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick during baking
- Top with grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor
Easy and tasty thank you Corrie