15+ White Bean Recipes: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion

White beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate many dishes. White bean recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for any meal. Whether you are looking for a quick side dish or a hearty main course, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate white beans into your cooking.

These legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a smart choice for healthy eating. From creamy sauces to simple soups, there are endless possibilities to explore. Get ready to discover some delightful white bean recipes that will please your taste buds and nourish your body.

1) Creamy Garlic Parmesan White Beans

This dish brings together the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan in a creamy sauce. You’ll enjoy the mix of cannellini beans and fresh greens. It’s quick, healthy, and makes a perfect side or main dish.

Start by heating your skillet and adding some olive oil. Once it’s warm, toss in minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant. Then, add the beans and a splash of broth.

Stir in leafy greens and let them wilt. Finally, sprinkle in generous amounts of Parmesan cheese for that creamy finishing touch. Serve warm and savor each bite!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups of leafy greens (like spinach or kale)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed beans and vegetable broth.
4. Add leafy greens and cook until wilted.
5. Combine with Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

2) Quick Skillet White Beans and Greens

This dish is a simple and tasty way to enjoy white beans and greens. It takes just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal. You can use any greens you like, such as kale or spinach.

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your greens and cook until they are wilted. Then, mix in canned white beans for protein.

Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. This adds a refreshing touch. You can also top it with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the greens and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in the white beans.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

3) Savory White Bean Soup with Miso

This savory white bean soup with miso is a warm and comforting dish. It combines creamy white beans with the rich flavor of miso paste. You can enjoy this hearty soup on a chilly day or as a light dinner.

You will need dried white beans, fresh herbs, and a bit of braised garlic for depth of flavor. The miso adds a delightful umami taste that makes this soup stand out. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried white beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 garlic bulb, roasted
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the white beans overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a pot, add the beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Stir in miso paste and roasted garlic.
6. Top with fresh herbs before serving.

4) 15-Minute Garlic Lemon White Beans

This quick recipe for garlic lemon white beans is perfect for a fast meal. You can have a delicious dish ready in just 15 minutes. It’s simple and full of flavor.

Start with two cans of white beans, ideally cannellini. Rinse and drain them well.

In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Next, toss in the beans along with lemon juice and zest. Give it a good stir and let it cook for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm and enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of white beans (cannellini)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the white beans.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the beans, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for a few more minutes.
6. Serve warm.

5) Classic White Beans with Escarole

Classic white beans with escarole is a simple and delicious dish. This recipe combines creamy cannellini beans with the slightly bitter taste of escarole. It’s perfect for a hearty meal.

You can start by sautéing garlic in olive oil. Then, add the escarole and let it wilt. Mix in the white beans and any seasonings you like.

Serve this dish warm with crusty bread or pasta for a filling dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cannellini beans (cooked or canned)
• 1 bunch escarole (washed and chopped)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped escarole and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in the white beans and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve warm.

6) Hearty Brothy White Beans

Hearty brothy white beans are a comforting dish perfect for any meal. You can use dried or canned white beans, depending on what you have. Pair them with fresh herbs and spices for a flavorful experience.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, adding your beans and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. You’ll enjoy the rich taste that develops over time.

If you want to add a kick, consider incorporating some chili flakes or lemon juice at the end. This dish is great on its own or served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 can of white beans or 1 cup dried white beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)
• Optional: chili flakes or lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
2. Add the beans and vegetable broth to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice.
6. If desired, stir in chili flakes or lemon juice before serving.

7) Simple Dried White Beans Recipe

Cooking dried white beans is easy and rewarding.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried white beans
• 8 cups water
• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced white onions
• 3 cloves garlic, diced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried white beans and remove any debris.
2. Soak the beans in water overnight for best results.
3. Drain the beans and place them in a large pot.
4. Add 8 cups of vegetable broth and water.
5. Stir in the diced onions and garlic.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
8. Season to taste before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and simple dish!

8) Easy White Bean and Tomato Mix

This easy white bean and tomato mix is a simple yet tasty dish. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side for dinner. You’ll enjoy the blend of flavors and textures.

Start with canned white beans, which save time. Combine them with diced tomatoes, garlic, and your favorite herbs. This mix can be served warm or at room temperature.

You can add a splash of olive oil and fresh basil for extra flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the white beans and diced tomatoes.
2. Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil.

9) Nourishing One-Pot White Bean Soup

This Nourishing One-Pot White Bean Soup is a fantastic meal that you can whip up in no time. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for any day of the week.

You will need simple ingredients like white beans, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it easy to clean up afterward.

This soup is not only filling but also provides fiber and protein, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute.
4. Add the white beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

10) White Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

This dish is simple and bright. The blend of creamy white beans and sweet cherry tomatoes makes a tasty side or light meal.

Start by roasting cherry tomatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake at 400°F (200°C) until they burst, about 15-20 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Next, combine the roasted tomatoes with cooked white beans. You can use canned cannellini or navy beans for quick prep. Add garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Serve this dish warm, drizzled with more olive oil if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or on top of a salad.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of white beans (cannellini or navy)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes burst.
4. In a bowl, combine roasted tomatoes and drained white beans.
5. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
6. Mix well and serve warm.

11) Rich White Bean Soup with Fresh Herbs

This Rich White Bean Soup is comforting and easy to make. Packed with flavor, it features dried white beans, fresh herbs, and garlic. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep!

Start with soaking your beans. This helps soften them and enhances the flavor. Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to give the soup a wonderful aroma.

You can enjoy this soup on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. It’s nourishing, creamy, and satisfying, making it a great addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried white beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight, then drain.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add beans, broth, and herbs.
5. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until beans are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm.

12) Braised White Beans with Greens

Braised white beans with greens is a comforting dish that is both healthy and delicious. This recipe combines tender white beans with leafy greens to create a warm and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

To make this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add your choice of greens, like kale or spinach, and cook until wilted. Then, mix in the white beans and season with herbs for flavor.

Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread, making it a complete meal you’ll enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 4 cups leafy greens (kale or spinach)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add leafy greens and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

13) Garlic and Herb White Bean Stew

This Garlic and Herb White Bean Stew is comforting and packed with flavor. The combination of garlic and fresh herbs makes it delightful and nourishing.

To start, you’ll need white beans as the base. The stew can be made creamy or left brothy, depending on your preference. Lemon juice adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish.

You can enjoy this meal on its own or serve it with crusty bread. It’s perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked white beans and broth.
4. Add thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.

14) Lemon and Garlic White Beans

Lemon and garlic white beans are a delightful dish that is simple to make. You can enjoy them as a main or a side. With just a few ingredients, you will have a tasty meal ready in no time.

For this recipe, you will need cannellini beans, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic create a flavorful combination.

Ingredients

• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans and lemon juice.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, mixing occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

15) White Beans with Sausage Substitute

If you’re looking for a tasty option that skips the sausage, you can use mushrooms or zucchini. Both can add a great texture and flavor. Try using smoked paprika for a smoky taste without the meat.

Another option is to use plant-based sausage. These alternatives come packed with spices and can easily mimic the flavors of traditional sausage. You’ll still get a hearty meal with white beans.

If you prefer, you can also add spices like garlic and onion to enhance the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well too, giving the meal a fresh kick.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 cup mushrooms or zucchini, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until they soften.
3. Stir in mushrooms or zucchini and cook until they become tender.
4. Mix in white beans and smoked paprika.
5. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Add fresh herbs before serving.