Cheesy White Bean Skillet Bake

Published: Aug 5, 2023 by Aberdeen · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Made entirely in just one pan, this cheesy white bean skillet bake is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food perfect for an easy dinner or a crowd pleasing bean dip appetizer. Topped with gooey, golden cheese, serve with slices of baguette, pita chips, raw veggies, or even with pasta!

Cheesy White Bean Skillet Bake with sliced baguette and cherry tomatoes in lodge cast iron skillet on white marble

Dear lord am I tired of summer food. Is this dreadfully bright and sunny season winding down yet? 😭 I'm the worst I know. While I was looking for my camera today, I found a glass pumpkin candle from last year and asked my husband if it was too early to put it out 😅. I don't think I've ever seen him roll his eyes so hard 🤣. Did I put it back in the drawer? Yes. Will it probably end up on the shelf tomorrow? Also yes #notsorry. ANYWAY, my point being, I'm trying my absolute hardest to make cooking easy and quick until it gets a bit cooler out and I can add cinnamon to everything 😇. Ergo, let us discuss this magical one pot cheesy white bean skillet bake!

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Why You'll Love It
Veggie Substitutions
Freezing and Storage
FAQs About This Recipe
Cheesy White Bean Skillet Bake

Why You'll Love It

I mean, apart from the ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness, who needs another reason to love this recipe?! But if you do, I have a few 😎:

Firstly, I'm not lying when I say this cheesy white bean skillet bake is whipped up in just one pot. From start to finish, It's literally all made in a single pan (a cast iron skillet does particularly well with this recipe). It goes straight from the stove into the oven for a quick 10 minute stint and a 2 minute broil to get that cheese nice and golden. One pot wonders for the WIN 👏🏻!

Secondly, I'm a big fan of the versatility of this dish. For a crowd-pleasing bean dip option, serve it fresh from the oven with some sliced baguette, crackers, or pita chips. For a slightly healthier version, serve with some veggie crudite (my favorites being broccoli, carrots, and sliced radishes). Need a more filling meal? Serve with your favorite short cut pasta or medium sized shells to catch all that cheesy bean goodness.

Finally, it's JAM packed with (somewhat) secret veggies! We're talking fresh summer tomatoes, a handful of baby spinach, and about half a cup of chopped kale.

Veggie Substitutions

Speaking about those secret hidden veggies, there's a little bit of wiggle room. While this recipe is mostly tomato based, we can throw a few more things in there! Squashes are always a good option. Zucchini and yellow squash are great quartered, thinly sliced and added to the pan along with the kale and spinach. For an autumn twist, you could try a cup of butternut squash or pumpkin puree added along with the beans! Chopped up artichoke hearts are also an excellent addition. Add them at the beginning with the leafy greens as well.

Freezing and Storage

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the cooled bean mixture into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days (beans go quick) or in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, the beauty of this cheesy white bean skillet bake is that it can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until baking in the oven (step 8), cover the skillet with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 3 days until you're ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for entertaining guests!

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You sure can. Scroll up to the freezing and storage section for more info.

Can I substitute the white beans with a different variety?

Cannellini beans have the creamiest texture once cooked but white northern beans also have a very similar flavor. You could also use navy beans but the skins tend to come off those after cooking so just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Any more questions that I didn't address? Feel free to leave me a line below in the comments!

Cheesy White Bean Skillet Bake

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Author: Aberdeen (Adapted from NY Times)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400˚F. In a large, oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
Add kale and spinach and cook until the spinach starts to wilt, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Pour in diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Add white beans, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until somewhat thickened.
Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh herbs, 1 cup of the mozzarella and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle the top with the remaining cheeses. Add the cherry tomatoes as desired to the top if using.
Place in preheated oven and cook 10 to 15 minutes, until sides are bubbling and cheese is golden.
Optional: Broil for 2 to 3 minutes for an extra golden, cheesy top.
Garnish with any remaining herbs and ground black pepper. Serve immediately with a sliced baguette, pita chips, or some raw veggies!