A delicious, rustic oven-baked dish featuring tender white beans, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic cream sauce, golden caramelized onions, crispy kale, and plenty of melted cheese. The beans soak up the creamy, savory sauce while the cheese creates beautiful stretchy strands.
This recipe is inspired by the dish in your photograph.
Baked White Beans with Burrata & Kale Kit | 3 servings | Good Eggs Meal Kits | Good Eggs
1. Recipe information
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4–6 people
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired comfort food
Cooking method: Stovetop and oven
Difficulty: Easy to medium
2. Ingredients
A. Main ingredients
Ingredient
Quantity
Cannellini beans or white beans, cooked
3 cups (approximately 500 g)
Cherry tomatoes
2 cups
Fresh kale
2 cups
Yellow onions
2 medium
Garlic cloves, minced
5
Olive oil
3 tbsp
Vegetable broth
½ cup
Heavy cream
½ cup
Butter
1 tbsp
Salt
¾ tsp, or to taste
Black pepper
½ tsp
Smoked paprika
½ tsp
Dried oregano
1 tsp
Chili flakes
¼ tsp (optional)
Fresh thyme
1 tsp
B. Cheese ingredients
These ingredients create the creamy, stretchy cheese texture visible in the photograph.
Cheese
Quantity
Freshly grated mozzarella
1½ cups
Parmesan cheese
½ cup
Cream cheese
2 tbsp
Extra mozzarella for topping
½ cup
Best cheese combination: Mozzarella provides the stretchy cheese pull, Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor, and cream cheese gives the sauce a rich, creamy consistency.
C. Optional nut ingredients
The photograph also shows what appears to be a small bowl of nuts alongside the bread. You can serve the casserole with a nut topping if desired.
Nut
Quantity
Purpose
Chopped walnuts
2 tbsp
Earthy crunch
Toasted almonds
2 tbsp
Mild, nutty flavor
Pine nuts
1 tbsp
Mediterranean-style garnish
You do not need all three. Choose one or leave them out.
Nut allergy information: The main casserole recipe does not require nuts. For a nut-free preparation, omit all nuts, check cheese and other packaged ingredient labels, and prevent cross-contact with utensils and baking dishes.
3. Step-by-step cooking instructions
Step 1: Prepare the white beans
Drain and rinse the cooked white beans.
Allow excess water to drain.
Set aside approximately ½ cup of beans and lightly mash them with a fork.
Keep the remaining beans whole.
Why mash some beans?
Mashed beans naturally thicken the sauce and help create the creamy consistency seen in the photograph.
Giada De Laurentiis’ Favorite Pantry Staples
Step 2: Caramelize the onions
Peel and slice the onions into thick rings.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a skillet.
Add the onion rings.
Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 12–15 minutes.
Turn occasionally until golden brown and softened.
Remove half the onions and reserve them for topping.
For extra flavor, allow some onion edges to become lightly browned.
What Is Caramelization? The Science of Browning Sugar | Fond
Step 3: Roast the tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place cherry tomatoes in a baking tray.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Add a little minced garlic.
Roast for 12–15 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.
Keep the tomato juices because they add delicious flavor to the casserole.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Confit Recipe | SideChef
Step 4: Prepare the creamy garlic sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet.
Add the remaining minced garlic.
Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Add smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, and chili flakes.
Pour in the vegetable broth.
Add heavy cream and cream cheese.
Stir gently until smooth.
Add the mashed white beans.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
The sauce should be creamy but not excessively thick. Add a little extra broth if necessary.
The White Bean: a food artist’s perfect landscape | by Rachel Zorn Kindermann | Medium
Step 5: Add the kale and white beans
Add the remaining whole white beans to the sauce.
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale.
Remove tough stems and chop the leaves.
Add kale to the skillet.
Stir until the kale begins to soften.
Add half of the roasted tomatoes.
Add half of the caramelized onions.
Mix gently.
Do not overcook the kale. It should remain slightly textured.
Vegan White Bean Skillet | Lakewinds Food Co-op
Step 6: Add the cheese
Add 1½ cups mozzarella.
Add ½ cup Parmesan.
Mix gently until the cheese begins melting.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Transfer everything into an oven-safe ceramic baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly.
5-Ingredient Kale And White Bean Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 7: Assemble the casserole
Arrange the remaining ingredients on top:
Remaining roasted cherry tomatoes.
Reserved caramelized onion rings.
Extra mozzarella.
A little Parmesan.
Fresh kale leaves.
A drizzle of olive oil.
If using walnuts or almonds, toast them separately and add after baking.
One-Skillet Pasta With Tomatoes, White Beans & Marinated Mozzarella
Step 8: Bake until golden and bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Check that the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes if needed, watching carefully.
Remove from the oven.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.
Finish with fresh thyme, parsley, black pepper, and optional toasted nuts.
Best Cheesy Baked White Bean And Kale Skillet Recipe
4. Nut information and nutritional benefits
Which nuts work best?
Walnuts: Provide omega-3 ALA fatty acids, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats.
Almonds: Provide vitamin E, magnesium, protein, and fiber.
Pine nuts: Provide unsaturated fats, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Nuts are optional and are not necessary for the recipe.
Nutritional information
Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming 6 servings and no optional nuts:
Nutrient
Estimated amount
Calories
390–450 kcal
Protein
19–23 g
Carbohydrates
32–38 g
Fat
19–24 g
Fiber
8–11 g
Sugar
5–7 g
Actual values depend on the type of beans, cheese, cream, and serving size.
Main nutritional benefits
White beans: Provide plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate.
Kale: Provides vitamins A, C, and K.
Tomatoes: Contain lycopene and vitamin C.
Olive oil: Provides monounsaturated fats.
Cheese: Provides protein and calcium.
Nuts: Add healthy fats, minerals, and additional fiber.
Allergen information: This recipe contains dairy. Nuts are optional. It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients and checking packaged products for cross-contact.
5. Serving suggestions
Kişi Başına Yıllık Ekmek Tüketiminde Türkiye Çok Büyük Bir Farkla Dünya Birincisi Oldu! – Onedio
Crusty bread
Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Ensalada verde con pepino y tomate Nutrition
Fresh green salad
Adds freshness and balances the richness.
Gilroy Garlic Butter and Gilroy Garlic Bread – GilroyGarlic.com
Garlic bread
A delicious accompaniment.
Cómo hacer granola casera y saludable: receta sin azúcar y súper crujiente
Toasted nuts
Optional crunchy topping.
6. Storage and reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Cream-based sauces may change texture after thawing.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 170°C (340°F) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Moisture: Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
For food safety, refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and reheat leftovers thoroughly.
7. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use canned white beans?
Yes. Cannellini, butter beans, or Great Northern beans work well. Drain and rinse them before cooking.
Q2. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely. The main recipe is naturally nut-free as written. Simply leave out the optional walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts. Check ingredient labels and avoid cross-contact if cooking for someone with an allergy.
Q3. Which cheese gives the best cheese pull?
Low-moisture mozzarella provides the best stretchy texture. Combine it with Parmesan for a stronger flavor.
Q4. Can I replace heavy cream?
Yes. You can use evaporated milk or cooking cream. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened plant-based cooking cream and dairy-free cheese.
Q5. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes. Fresh spinach is an excellent substitute. Add it near the end because it cooks much faster than kale.
Q6. Why is my casserole watery?
Possible reasons include:
Beans were not drained properly.
Tomatoes released too much liquid.
Too much broth was added.
The sauce was not simmered long enough.
Simmer the sauce before baking to reduce excess liquid.
Q7. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bean mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the final cheese topping shortly before baking. Bake until thoroughly hot and bubbling.
Q8. Can I make this without an oven?
Yes. Prepare everything in a covered skillet over low heat until the cheese melts. The result will be creamy but will not have the same golden baked top.
Q9. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, provided you use vegetarian Parmesan and vegetable broth. Traditional Parmesan may contain animal rennet, so check the label.
Q10. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Increase the chili flakes or add a little cayenne pepper.
Q11. What beans are best?
Cannellini beans are the first choice because they are creamy, tender, and hold their shape well. Butter beans are another excellent option.
Q12. How do I get the beautiful cheese strands?
Use freshly grated mozzarella, avoid adding too much liquid, and serve while the casserole is hot. Allowing it to cool too long will reduce the cheese pull.