Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Creamy white beans meld with tangy tomato paste and gooey melted mozzarella for a deliciously hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern) or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry until it turns lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste carefully to avoid splattering. Cook for 30 seconds, lowering the heat as needed to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Step 3: Add the drained beans and boiling water to the skillet. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir everything to combine well.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top of the bean mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and browned in spots, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 5: If the cheese isn’t as toasted as you’d like, place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when frying the garlic.
- Try using smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky twist.
- Swap white beans for chickpeas for a nuttier taste and different texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese from drying out, cover the dish with foil while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish without an ovenproof skillet?
Yes, you can cook the garlic, tomato paste, and beans in a regular skillet, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
What can I use instead of mozzarella?
Soft cheeses like fontina or provolone work well as substitutes. For a lighter option, try a sprinkle of Parmesan or pecorino cheese instead.
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Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake featuring tender white beans cooked in a garlicky tomato paste sauce, topped with melted and lightly browned mozzarella cheese. This simple oven-baked dish makes a perfect hearty side or light main.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern) or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet and cook garlic: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and fry for about 1 minute until it is lightly golden and fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste carefully to avoid splattering. Continue to fry the mixture for 30 seconds, lowering the heat as necessary to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Combine beans and seasoning: Add the drained and rinsed white beans (or chickpeas) to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir everything well to combine the flavors.
- Add cheese and bake: Evenly sprinkle the coarsely grated mozzarella over the top of the bean mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is browned in spots.
- Optional broil to brown cheese further: If you want a more toasted cheese topping, place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the bake hot for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared with cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or chickpeas for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to safely transfer the dish from stovetop to oven without extra cleanup.
- If you don’t have a broiler, simply bake a few extra minutes to brown the cheese.
- For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit entirely.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keywords: cheesy white bean bake, tomato bake, mozzarella beans, baked beans recipe, vegetarian bake, garlic tomato bean dish
