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White Bean and Pesto Bake

When you’re craving something cozy yet wholesome, this White Bean and Pesto Bake is the answer. It’s packed with creamy white beans, zesty basil pesto, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together into a comforting dish. Best of all, it’s quick to assemble, full of flavor, and works beautifully as both a main course or a hearty side. This recipe brings together pantry staples with fresh pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that feels rustic and homestyle. Serve it with a side salad, warm bread, or enjoy it straight from the baking dish—it’s comfort food made simple!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cans 15 oz each white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the oven
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the bean base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine white beans, sautéed onion and garlic, cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
  2. Stir in half of the pesto until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the bake
  1. Spread the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Dollop the remaining pesto across the top.
  3. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with crusty bread or salad.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions.
🥄 Variations
Vegan option – Use dairy-free cheese and vegan pesto.
Protein boost – Add shredded chicken or turkey.
Spicy twist – Stir in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Extra veggies – Add spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Crunchy topping – Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil over the cheese before baking.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, just cook them fully before using in this recipe.
What kind of pesto works best?
Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato pesto also works well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your pesto is gluten-free.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, provolone, gouda, or fontina all melt beautifully.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely—cooked chicken, sausage, or ground turkey pair well.
How do I make it less rich?
Use less cheese or swap half with a lighter mozzarella.
What sides go best with this dish?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake it in a larger dish and extend the cook time by 10 minutes.
Can kids eat this?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and kid-friendly.
🏁 Conclusion
This White Bean and Pesto Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Whether served as a main course or alongside your favorite salad, it’s a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.