This Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a cozy, comforting dish packed with creamy white beans and juicy tomatoes, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Yum!
It’s like a big warm hug on a plate! I love whipping this up for a quick weeknight meal. Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen—so easy and super tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini and great northern beans are both excellent choices here. If you’re out of these, you can substitute them with navy beans or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and flavorful. If you prefer fresh, go for cherry tomatoes! They add sweetness when baked. You can also use crushed tomatoes if you want a smoother consistency.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but frozen spinach is a great time-saver. Just remember to thaw and squeeze out excess water. You can also switch it with kale or Swiss chard if you like a sturdier green.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that melty goodness, but other cheeses like provolone or gouda can work well too. I love adding a bit of cheddar for extra flavor! For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
How Do I Get the Cheese Just Right?
The cheese is a crucial part of this bake that brings everything together. To achieve that perfect golden bubbly top, make sure you sprinkle the cheese evenly over the bean and tomato mixture.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a great combination of creamy and salty flavors.
- Keep an eye on it while baking! If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly cover it with foil.
- Let it cool slightly after baking; this helps the cheese set a little, making serving easier.
How to Make Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 1 cup spinach leaves (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish & Serving:
- Additional cherry tomatoes for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and 25 minutes of baking time. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important because we want the oven nice and hot for baking our cheesy goodness!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, preferably cast iron for even cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, stir in the drained white beans, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them, we want that juice!), spinach, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this cook for about 5 minutes to let all the flavors mix and everything heat through.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your mixture. Looks good, right?
5. Garnish with Tomatoes:
Add any additional halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese for a pop of color and extra flavor!
6. Bake It Up:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. If you like, you can garnish with a little fresh thyme for a nice touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake warm with crusty bread for dipping or scooping! Enjoy this hearty dish with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini and great northern beans are recommended, you can use any canned white beans like navy beans or even chickpeas for a different texture. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed well before using.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! If using fresh, just add it towards the end of cooking in the skillet—sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted before adding the cheeses. This keeps it vibrant and fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella Cheese?
If you’re out of mozzarella, feel free to substitute it with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a kick. Just keep the total cheese quantity about the same to maintain that gooey texture.
