16 Amazing White Bean Recipes
White beans are in a class all by themselves. One of the best things is that they are so versatile and can be turned into creamy sauces and even vegan cheese. They can be added to recipes or be the main attraction. This list of White Bean Recipes will give you a new appreciation for these humble beans!
I love nearly all kinds of beans, and I have to say that white beans are some of my favorites. I keep both canned and dry versions on hand in my cupboards at all times because they are so flexible and can be used in recipes like veggie bean soups and pair well with so many plant-based main dishes.
Keep reading to discover new, fun, and creative ways to use white beans in vegan recipes! These protein-packed legumes are perfect for adding heartiness and flavor to a variety of dishes.
Reasons you will love these recipes
- Packed with Protein: These vegan white bean recipes are a great source of plant-based protein, making them perfect for a filling and nutritious meal.
- Versatile and Flavorful: White beans take on any flavor you add, from savory to spicy, making them ideal for soups, stews, salads, and even dips.
- Rich in Nutrients: Along with protein, white beans are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these recipes a healthy choice for any meal.
What are white beans good for?
From a health standpoint, white beans are excellent for your health. They are low in fat and loaded with protein with approximately 15 grams in every cup of cooked beans.
White beans are also a fiber champion containing around 14 grams per 1-cup serving depending on the type of white bean. High-fiber diets are associated with better digestive health and can even help lower cholesterol.
Types of white beans
There are a number of bean types that are considered white beans. The description is based on the outside casting which is whitish in color and the tender starchy inside that makes them perfect for turning into other recipes such as sauces and vegan dairy-free cheese.
- Navy beans- These are the smallest on the white bean list and are pale and oval in appearance. They are commonly used to make healthy baked beans because they are tender and absorb the flavors of spices and seasonings well.
- Great Northern beans- As a medium-size tender white bean, this type holds their shape better than the navy bean which makes them perfect for bean salads.
- Cannellini beans– Most hearty on the list, and the largest white bean, cannellini beans are perfect for including in chili and soup recipes. They are sometimes called white kidney beans.
Are chickpeas considered white beans?
Though many people are familiar with chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), they should not be included in the white bean list due to their differences in texture and density.
Chickpeas are firmer and don’t do as well when making sauces that need to be creamy. However, if a recipe calls for white beans to be added in a more meaty capacity, such as chili or bean tacos, chickpeas will work just fine.
Now that you understand the basics of using white beans in recipes, let’s dive right into it with this list of amazingly delicious and healthy white bean recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! White beans can easily be substituted for other beans like chickpeas or kidney beans in most recipes, offering a similar texture and flavor.
To cook dried white beans, soak them overnight, then simmer in fresh water for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender. You can also use a pressure cooker for quicker results.
White beans make a great base for vegan salads. Simply toss them with fresh veggies, herbs, and a light vinaigrette like this oil-free balsamic vinegar dressing for a healthy, protein-packed meal.
Amazing White Bean Recipes
White beans are in a class all by themselves. One of the best things is that they are so versatile and can be turned into creamy sauces and even vegan cheese. They can be added to recipes or be the main attraction. This list of White Bean Recipes will give you a new appreciation for these humble beans!
This White Bean Chili satisfies the craving for chili but cuts out all of the unhealthy ingredients found in many other chili recipes. Loaded with chunks of sweet potatoes, tender white beans, celery, onions, and spices, this dish is sure to keep you full for hours.
These savory vegan baked beans are the perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors. They make the perfect side dish and are great for taking to barbecues.
This Mexican Tortilla Soup is bursting with flavor and also happens to be completely vegan and oil-free.
Piled high with white beans, perfectly sauteed spinach, shallots, and fire-roasted tomatoes, these portobello-stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavor and absolutely delicious!
This naturally sweet vegan sweet potato soup is bursting with flavor! It's smooth and creamy and has chunks of soft sweet potato flavored with rich smoked paprika.
I use this cheese sauce for everything--nachos, tacos, pizza, baked potato and steamed veggie topping, and so much more!
These fresh vegan tacos are loaded with beans, salsa, crispy veggies, and drizzled with creamy cheese sauce. They are a rainbow of color and deliciously satisfying!
Sometime back, I experimented with a new recipe for vegetarian chili in my crockpot. Turned out amazing! A follower even won a cookoff with this delicious 3 bean vegan chili!
Are you craving nachos but don't want all the artery clogging fat and cholesterol? Well, it's healthy fiesta time! This protein and fiber-packed nacho option is veggie-loaded and smothered with a creamy vegan cheese sauce that's outta this world! ! Your arteries and taste buds will be screaming, "YES!"
This Cashew Vegan Cheese Mozzarella is fabulous on cashew cheese pizza, lasagna, quesadillas, and anything else you can think of. With a warm and nutty flavor, it even stretches!
This Sweet Potato Cheese Sauce is packed with wholesome ingredients, amazingly delicious, and diabetes-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and dairy-free.
There are different kinds of grits--usually quick cooking and old fashioned. The quick cooking grits are loaded with sodium at 300 mg per serving, whereas the old fashion grits have 0 sodium.
This Vegan Cheese Recipe has been a long time coming. Though I have a number of great dairy-free cheese recipes already, all of them have been sauces. That’s where this one is different. It’s actually sliceable for serving on crackers, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
This luscious spread uses no added fat. The sundried tomatoes give it a wonderful smoky flavor and add the cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene. Spread it on low-fat crusty bread or use it as a dip for baked pita chips. Recipe from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Amazing Vegan Nacho Cheese is incredible as a dip for baked chips as well as on fries, baked potatoes, and pizza. For healthy burritos and quesadillas, it can’t be beat!
I hope you enjoyed exploring this collection of healthy white bean recipes and found plenty of inspiration for planning your menus. These delicious dishes are sure to become new family favorites!
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
