Description
The Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a comforting, vegetarian dish that blends the earthy goodness of cannellini beans with the tangy flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes and the richness of melted cheese. It’s an oven-baked masterpiece that creates the perfect balance of textures—from the creamy beans to the bubbly, golden cheese on top.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- 1 can (400g) fire-roasted tomatoes (or plum tomatoes, crushed)
- 2 cans (400g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Substitute: butter beans or haricot beans
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 125g fresh mozzarella, sliced Optional: add grated cheddar for extra sharpness
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for extra pop)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in white beans and spinach. Let spinach wilt (2–3 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Top with mozzarella slices and optional cheddar.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with crusty garlic bread or sourdough.
Notes
This Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a hearty, wholesome meal. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a handful of fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 of the bake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Cheesy Bean Tomato Bake, White Bean Tomato Bake, Vegetarian Bean Bake, Cheesy Bean Dish