Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake

This cheesy white bean tomato bake transforms simple pantry staples into a bubbling, comforting dish that's ready in just 20 minutes. The combination of creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese creates a dish that's both rustic and satisfying without hours of cooking.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial but quick. It has since become my go to comfort food when I want something that feels homemade but doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Brings a peppery richness that elevates the simple ingredients
• Thinly sliced garlic: Creates an aromatic foundation look for firm cloves with tight skin
• San Marzano peeled tomatoes: Offer sweet intensity and fewer seeds than regular varieties
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color nutrition and slight bitterness to balance the rich cheese
• Cannellini white beans: Provide creamy texture and protein choose low sodium canned varieties
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal complexity without needing multiple spice jars
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add pleasant warmth adjust according to your heat preference
• Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors opt for kosher rather than table salt for better flavor control
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy golden crust look for whole milk varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by heating your oven to 475 degrees. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden cheese crust without overcooking the beans and vegetables beneath.

Create The Flavor Base:

Heat the quarter cup of olive oil in your ovenproof skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced garlic and watch carefully as it turns golden around the edges, about 60 seconds. The garlic infuses the oil with flavor, but be vigilant as it can quickly burn and turn bitter.

Develop The Tomato Sauce:

Add your San Marzano tomatoes carefully to avoid hot oil splatter. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break them down into a chunky sauce. Let this mixture bubble for about a minute, adjusting the heat to maintain a gentle simmer that prevents garlic from burning. The tomatoes will release their juices and begin to concentrate in flavor.

Incorporate Vegetables And Beans:

Add your fresh spinach and watch it wilt down into the sauce. Stir in the drained cannellini beans, allowing them to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to mash the beans.

Create The Cheese Topping:

Distribute the mozzarella evenly across the surface, making sure to cover the mixture completely. The cheese acts as a protective layer that will trap moisture and heat, cooking the ingredients beneath to perfection.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Transfer your skillet to the hot oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops golden brown spots. For additional browning, switch to the broiler setting for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serve Immediately:

Remove from the oven and let stand for just 1 minute before serving. The dish is at its magnificent best when the cheese is still bubbling and stretchy. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping or crusty bread for dipping.

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San Marzano tomatoes are my secret weapon in this recipe. Their sweet intensity and meaty texture create a sauce with depth that tastes like it simmered for hours rather than minutes. I discovered their magic during a cooking class in Italy, and they completely transformed my approach to quick tomato sauces.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Swap in great northern beans or chickpeas for the cannellini beans. Replace the spinach with kale or arugula for different flavor profiles. The Italian seasoning can be replaced with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme when available. Consider this recipe a template that bends to your pantry and preferences.

Historical Context

This dish draws inspiration from Italian peasant cooking, where simple, nourishing ingredients were transformed into satisfying meals. The combination of beans and tomatoes has been a staple throughout the Mediterranean for centuries, with cheese being added as a luxury when available. What was once necessity cooking has become beloved comfort food that transcends its humble origins.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own with tortilla chips, this bake can anchor an entire meal. Serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a light dinner. For heartier appetites, pair it with crusty bread and a side of roasted vegetables. It also makes an impressive side dish for grilled meats or can be spooned over pasta for a complete main course.

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Enjoy this dish fresh from the oven and feel free to experiment with your own favorite ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute the cannellini beans with other white beans like navy or Great Northern beans. Even chickpeas would work well, though they'll provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

→ What can I use if I don't have San Marzano tomatoes?

Regular canned whole peeled tomatoes work as a substitute, though San Marzano tomatoes offer a sweeter, less acidic flavor. In a pinch, diced tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes (halved) can work, though you'll get a different texture.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños or serranos. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture while cooking.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best when served immediately after baking since the cheese is at its optimal texture when fresh. However, you can prepare the tomato and bean mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then add the cheese and bake just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this besides tortilla chips?

Crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment for dipping. You could also serve it over pasta, rice, or with a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, try serving with vegetable crudités or alongside roasted vegetables.

→ Can I add meat to this vegetarian dish?

Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta would all be delicious additions. Simply cook the meat separately and mix it in before adding the cheese and baking.