Cannellini beans are a healthy and delicious bean that's versatile and easy to use!
We're sharing some of our favorite recipes for cannellini beans that include soups, dips, salads, mashes, and as a base for pasta.
Recipes with Cannellini Beans
You're going to love this Tuscan white bean soup recipe - it's veggie-heavy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Made from store cupboard ingredients, White Bean Dip with Sundried Tomato can be ready in just minutes, whenever you want it. Colorful & punchy this dip is perfect for parties or any time you need a snack to keep your glass of wine company.
This easy bean salad recipe is made with white beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, and more!
Fusilli is tossed in a vegan creamy white bean sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, baby greens, and sautéed veggie burgers for a delicious plant-based take on a comforting bowl of pasta.
Herb Artichoke White Bean Dip is a 5-minute bean dip recipe with white beans, artichokes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese. This fan-favorite bean dip is savory, zingy, and perfect with crackers, vegetables, or crostini for any occasion!
Let your crock pot do all the work! Beef slowly cooked with red wine, tomatoes, vegetables, beans, and artichokes in this slow cooker beef stew for a delicious Italian twist!
This veggie white bean soup is a delicious, healthy recipe with loads of flavor.
Incredibly rich and luxurious, this recipe for oxtail stew will end up being one of the most delicious dishes you’ve ever eaten. Pure comfort food at its finest – this oxtail recipe really is a showstopper!
This white bean soup with chicken is a healthy, hearty recipe that's full of flavor.
Sauteed broccoli rabe with white beans is made with broccoli rabe that has been blanched and then sauteed with garlic, oil, and white beans. It’s delicious as a side dish or a full vegetarian meal.
This creamy cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is made with roasted cauliflower, white beans, salsa, and a whole head of roasted garlic. It's a delicious, vegan mac and cheese recipe.
This is the best creamy dairy-free lasagna with vegan ragù and a high-protein cheese sauce! Secretly healthy and veggie-rich, this budget-friendly family dinner is actually easy to follow and totally customizable. Try this scrumptious meatless meal (no tofu required), kids love it!
Amazing white bean soup made with just a couple of ingredients, with the main ingredients being just the beans and potatoes. Fresh rosemary and lots of garlic transform these humble ingredients into a very flavorful soup.
This Italian-style rosemary chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with white beans and olives is a great everyday dinner that the whole family will love!
This easy & delicious shake is a healthy, simple, and fresh dairy-free breakfast or snack. Secretly hiding protein- and fiber-rich beans and even veggies, it’s the perfect 5-minute recipe for kids, athletes, and those looking to eat healthier. You won’t even taste the beans at all!
Here is an easy version of Soupe Au Pistou made with canned cannellini beans and purchased pesto for a simple fast dinner. Meal prep instructions included and it can be made vegetarian too!
Are canned or dried beans better?
Canned and dried beans are both great, but each has some pros and cons.
Canned beans are easy to use, quick, and keep for a long time. They're easy to keep in your pantry and helpful when you want a quick, weeknight meal. However, depending on the brand they may be too mushy or lack flavor. Test out a couple of types and decide which brand you like best.
Dried beans tend to have a lot of flavor and can be stored for a long time in their dried form. But, they do take quite a bit of time to make, so you have to plan ahead!
Are cannellini beans the same as white beans?
White beans is a bit of a catch all term that includes cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, Navy beans, and Baby Lima beans.
Cannellini beans are also called white kidney beans or Italian kidney beans. They’re often used in Italian cooking and well known for being included in soups.
Great Northern beans are similar to cannellini beans but are less creamy and more delicately flavored. Navy beans are smaller and quicker cooking. They’re very creamy and good in dips. Baby Lima beans are small and smooth with a rich, buttery flavor. They’re good for serving alongside ham.
Are cannellini beans healthy?
Cannellini beans are incredibly healthy - they’re a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They’re nutrient-dense and help reduce blood sugar.
Are cannellini beans gluten-free?
Yes, cannellini beans are gluten-free unless otherwise specified (ie. something has been added to them).
How to cook dried cannellini beans?
To cook dried cannellini beans:
- Soak them in cold water for a minimum of 5 hours (overnight works great) then drain and rinse them.
- Add the beans to a pot with at least three inches of water and bring them to a boil.
- Reduce them to a simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, checking them after the 75-minute mark every 15 minutes or so to see if they’re done.
- Salt the beans when they are close to being done.
How much does a cup of dried beans make?
A cup of dried cannellini beans will make about 2 ½ cups of cooked beans.
What are some of your favorite cannellini bean recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
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