Name: Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¼ 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; ½ cup boiling water; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ⅓ pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 ⅓ cups)

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Introduction

This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a simple, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Creamy white beans combine with rich tomato paste and melted mozzarella for a flavorful, satisfying bake.

A cast iron pan filled with baked gnocchi covered in a melted golden-brown cheese layer on top, with the gnocchi visible underneath showing a soft pale orange sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface next to several slices of toasted bread with dark grill marks and a golden, slightly oily texture. One slice of bread rests dipped slightly into the gnocchi. A folded dark-gray cloth is seen partially under the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ 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

½ cup boiling water
Salt and black pepper, to taste

⅓ pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 ⅓ cups)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil 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. Fry the mixture for 30 seconds, lowering the heat if needed so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Add the drained and rinsed beans along with the boiling water. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top of the bean mixture.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots, about 5 to 10 minutes. For a more toasted top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully.

Step 6: Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use chickpeas instead of white beans for a nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when frying the garlic for a subtle heat.

Swap mozzarella for provolone or a sharp cheddar for a different cheese profile.
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh 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. The cheese may not be as crisp after reheating but the flavors remain delicious.

How to Serve

A cast iron skillet filled with a single layer of baked gnocchi covered in a melted cheese topping that is golden brown and bubbly with some darker spots, all sitting in a rich orange tomato sauce that peeks through the gnocchi edges. To the right of the skillet is a white plate holding several slices of grilled bread with visible grill marks and a slightly crispy texture, with one slice placed partially in the skillet. A dark gray cloth napkin with a subtle textured pattern lies beneath the skillet on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans other than white beans?

Yes, chickpeas work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a slightly different texture and flavor. Avoid very soft or mushy beans to keep the bake hearty.

Do I need an ovenproof skillet?

Using an ovenproof skillet is best because it allows you to cook the garlic and beans on the stovetop and then transfer directly to the oven. If you don’t have one, use a regular skillet for the stovetop steps and then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.