Description
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
This comforting Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for cozy nights! Adapted from NY Times Cooking, it features creamy white beans simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. With fresh spinach added for extra nutrition, it’s a flavorful combination that’s easy to whip up. Serve it with tortilla chips or a slice of bread for dipping. Ideal as an appetizer or a hearty side dish!
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4-5 San Marzano peeled tomatoes
2 handfuls fresh spinach
2 (15 oz) cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp water (optional)
1/4-1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet, fry garlic until golden.
3. Add tomatoes, mash, then add spinach, beans, seasoning, and water.
4. Sprinkle cheese and bake for 8-10 mins until bubbly.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 320 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high heat is key for a quick, bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. 2. In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just turning golden. Do not let it burn. 3. Add the San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush them into a chunky sauce. 4. Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. Then, add the rinsed cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. If the mixture looks too thick, add the optional tablespoon of water. 5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the bean and tomato mixture. 6. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has developed golden spots.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bake is perfect as a hearty vegetarian main course, a substantial side dish, or a shareable appetizer. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. As mentioned, crusty bread, garlic bread, or tortilla chips are essential for scooping up every last bit. For a protein boost, top individual servings with a fried or poached egg, or serve alongside grilled chicken or sausages.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this dish by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then building a quick sauce with crushed tomatoes, spinach, and seasoned white beans. Top it all with mozzarella cheese and bake in a very hot oven until the cheese is perfectly melted and golden. The entire process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bean? Yes, Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes for cannellini beans, offering a similar creamy texture.
What if I don’t have an ovenproof skillet? Simply prepare the bean and tomato mixture in any regular skillet, then transfer it to a greased baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also garnish with sliced fresh jalapeños after baking.
Can I prepare this bake ahead of time? You can assemble the bean mixture (without the cheese) in the skillet or baking dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, add the cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Is there a substitute for fresh spinach? You can use 1 to 1.5 cups of frozen chopped spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess liquid before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid burning the garlic in the first step, as it will make the entire dish bitter. Cook it just until fragrant. Do not skip rinsing the canned beans, as this removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid that can make the bake gloopy. Finally, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F before baking; this high temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect melted cheese texture without overcooking the beans.
Conclusion
This Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is the epitome of easy, comforting, and flavorful cooking. It transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, its creamy beans, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese combination is guaranteed to satisfy. Give this recipe a try for a delicious and effortless meal that feels anything but ordinary.