White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (2024)

Home All Recipes Appetizer White Bean Bruschetta

By Jess Smith

3.8

Published Oct 05, 2012Updated Mar 01, 2023

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White Bean Bruschetta takes a simple can of white beans and elevates them with fresh aromatics like chopped basil, roasted garlic, and earthy olive oil. Spread the creamy topping on crisp rounds of bread and guests will devour these crunchy, creamy, bite-sized snacks.

Bruschetta – oh, how party guests love thee! I’ve been making these summery toasts for years and they disappear almost as fast as any dish I can set out. White bean bruschetta is a restaurant-worthy vegetarian appetizer that is deceptively easy to make. The time saving trick “secret” is a can of cannellini beans.

Just roast a few heads of garlic, place your ingredients in a food processor, and toast a few slices of fresh baguette. And, presto! Creamy, herby, delicious bruschetta.

And if you want to mix things up, use this recipe as your starting point. Play with different herb combinations, add some diced tomato, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Set them out and watch them disappear.

What is bruschetta?

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer with a base of crisp toasted bread that is drizzled with olive oil and topped with fresh ingredients. While fresh tomatoes and garlic are a classic topping for bruschetta, there are countless variations. From olive tapenade to creamy white beans and garlic to figs with fresh cheese, the versatility of bruschetta has made it a popular food for hundreds of years.

How to Make It

  1. Roast garlic. Wrap garlic in foil and roast until tender, 35 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees.
  2. Blend ingredients. Blend together white beans, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
  3. Toast bread. Slice baguette, drizzle with olive oil, and toast until golden and crisp.
  4. Assemble. Spread white bean mixture over bread.
  5. Top bruschetta with olive oil and fresh basil and serve!
White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (3)
White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (4)

Ingredients

  • Garlic and Olive Oil – Roasting the garlic transforms the flavor of this pungent aromatic to something mild, nutty, and almost sweet. The smooth, delicate flavors add so much complexity to this white bean bruschetta.
  • White Beans – Canned beans are a timesaver in this easy recipe. Navy beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans work great. Chickpeas will work as well.
  • Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the creaminess of the white beans.
  • Kosher Salt – To bring the flavors together.
  • Baguette – A crusty baguette is perfect for holding all of the delicious bruschetta toppings. Thinly slice into ¾ inch pieces and broil in the oven until crisp.
  • Fresh Basil – Bruschetta isn’t bruschetta without fresh chopped herbs. Basil adds a pop of green color, and a slightly sweet aromatic flavor.
White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (5)

Make Ahead

If you’re preparing for a party and will be short on time, roast the garlic and make the white bean mixture ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, bring to room temperature and thin with some water if needed before spreading it on bread.

Variations

  • Go wild with herbs – White beans are so good at taking on herby flavors that you can use just about any combination to create tons of extra flavor. Some fresh rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, or marjoram would all work well with this Italian-inspired appetizer.
  • Add some spice – Red pepper flakes complement just about any type of bruschetta. Add a pinch of flakes when you blend your ingredients together if your guests love a little heat. Or, sprinkle the flakes on half the batch if you only have one or two guests that like some spice.
  • Top with cheese – Topping with slivers of Parmesan or rich buffalo mozzarella is an easy way to elevate this bruschetta.
  • Try different breads – Try artisanal bakery loaves like asiago batard, cranberry and walnut, ciabatta, or olive batard.

FAQs

Which types of wine go with bruschetta?

Pair bruschetta with white wines that are light, bright, and acidic. The dry, grassy and herbaceous notes in Sauvignon Blanc absolutely sing with the creamy white beans in this bruschetta. Citrus-y and mineral-y Vermentino is also a winning combination. It’s hard to say ‘no’ to a refreshing Albarino with bite-sized bruschetta.

How do you cook dried white beans?

Dried beans are a kitchen staple and so easy to buy in bulk and store for later use. If you want to cook dried white beans from scratch, soak the beans overnight in a large pot with enough water to cover the top of the beans by 2 to 3 inches. When the beans are done soaking, drain the water, and then simmer the beans in a large pot of water with aromatics like onions, carrots or herbs. Allow the beans to cook for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beans are fork tender.

When the beans are ready, drain the liquid and continue to the rest of your recipe.

White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (7)

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  • Pasta Salad Skewers
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White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (8)

3.80 from 5 votes

White Bean Bruschetta Recipe

White Bean Bruschetta takes a simple can of white beans and elevates them with fresh aromatics like chopped basil, roasted garlic, and earthy olive oil. Spread the creamy topping on crisp rounds of bread and guests will devour these crunchy, creamy, bite-sized snacks.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Equipment

  • Food Processor

  • Skillet or Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed (I like navy beans, cannellini, or great northern)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 small baguette, 3/4-inch slices
  • 10 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced or chopped (optional for topping)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

  • Slice the head of garlic in half lengthwise so that you slice through the center of all of the cloves. Place the halves cut-side up on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Seal the foil tightly around the garlic. Roast until the garlic is very soft and golden, 35 to 45 minutes.

  • When the garlic is done roasting, unwrap it and wait until it is cool enough to handle. Gently squeeze each of the garlic cloves out of its peel. You may not need all of the roasted garlic for this recipe, so any you don't use can be saved and added to another recipe (it's great on pizza!).

  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves (start with half of the cloves and add more if you'd like, after tasting the spread), white beans, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a small amount of water if needed to loosen the spread.

  • Spread the baguette slices out on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toast under the oven's broiler just until golden. Spread the top of each piece of toast with a generous spoonful of white bean spread. Top with basil and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 3toasts | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $3.00

Calories: 77

Keyword: easy appetizer, easy snack, party and entertaining, vegetarian

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Categorized as:
All Recipes, Appetizer

About Jess Smith

Jess is the recipe creator and photographer at InquiringChef.com. She spent nearly a decade as the Chief Recipe Developer for the award-winning meal planning app Cook Smarts. Her colorful, healthyish recipes have been featured in popular online publications including Parade, Hallmark, and HuffPost.

Read More About Me

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White Bean Bruschetta Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are cannellini beans the same as white beans? ›

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

When a recipe calls for white beans? ›

If a recipe calls for white beans, you can use Great Northern beans, navy beans, or white kidney beans (also called cannellini beans). Black Beans are medium-size, oval-shaped beans with matte black skin.

Why is my bruschetta bitter? ›

If your bruschetta is bitter, it is probably your olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil varies in pungency and bitterness. Try trying other brands to see if you can find something a little more pleasant for you!

Are navy beans the same as white kidney beans? ›

Due to their creamy white color, navy beans are sometimes confused with other white beans such as great northern beans, cannellini beans, or white kidney beans. A quick tip to differentiate them: Navy beans are smaller and rounder than all of them.

What is the healthiest white bean? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Which white beans are best? ›

But if you're looking for just one bean to keep on your pantry shelves, you'll want to go with the great northern white bean. With its nutty flavor, firm flesh and medium size, great northern beans work in almost any application.

What are the best beans to use for homemade chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What is the best tasting bean? ›

America's favorite bean is pinto beans, according to the U.S. Dry Beans Council, often used to make refried beans. Navy beans, Great Northern beans, red kidney beans and black beans round out the rest of the top five.

Why is my bruschetta soggy? ›

Tomato skins and seeds can be bitter, and removing them improves the flavor and texture of your bruschetta topping. Seeds and skin also contain extra water, which can make your bruschetta runny and your toast points soggy.

Why is my bruschetta watery? ›

Too Much Topping or Dressing: Overloading the bread with too much tomato mixture or dressing can make it soggy. It's important to use a moderate amount of topping and to drain your tomatoes well if they're particularly juicy.

What is the topping on bruschetta called? ›

food blogger Author has 2.8K answers and 47.1M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

What are white beans good for? ›

Though they come in several varieties, cannellini beans tend to be the most popular. Due to their high fiber and protein content, they may help support a healthy body weight, muscle mass, and digestion. In particular, they're a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

What is white beans called? ›

White beans as a category includes navy beans, great northern beans, cannellini beans, baby lima beans, butter beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, etc. These are the most popular types of white beans (cooked white beans), however each type has its own unique peculiarities and features.

What is another name for white beans? ›

White beans, such as cannellini and great northern beans, are wonderful in stews, soups, spreads and salads. But the fact that some recipes simply call for white beans, while others specify either cannellini or great northern beans, might have you wondering about the differences between these two beans.

Can I replace cannellini beans with white beans? ›

If you don't have cannellini beans, substitute other dried white beans, like Great Northern or navy beans. If you don't have chard, use kale or spinach.

Are white beans also called cannellini beans? ›

Cannellini Beans or White beans are just one of the many varieties common to North America. There are many “white beans”, the most common being, Cannellini Bean, Navy Bean and Great Northern. The Great Northern bean is the main ingredient in the popular recipe, Baked Beans.

Are cannellini beans just white kidney beans? ›

Several types exist, though the most common are cannellini beans, which are also called white kidney beans. Tender, with an earthy, nutty flavor, they make a great addition to soups, stews, chilis, and other dishes. This article reviews the nutrient profile, benefits, and uses of white beans.

Are Great Northern white beans cannellini beans? ›

Cannellini Beans are larger and heartier than Great Northerns and are sometimes referred to as “white kidney beans” because of their traditional kidney shape. You'll often find them mixed with pinto beans.

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