Description
This White Bean and Pesto Bake is a delicious and hearty Italian-inspired vegetarian dish perfect for an easy dinner. It combines creamy white beans with fragrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious cheese topping, baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal as a main or a side, it’s nutritious, flavorful, and simple to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bean and Pesto Mixture
- 2 cups cooked white beans (canned or cooked from dry, rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot and even cooking environment for the bake.
- Prepare the Bean Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked white beans with basil pesto, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until the beans are well coated with the pesto mixture.
- Layer the Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the bottom of a small baking dish. Spread the thinly sliced red onions into a single layer on top of the oil to create a flavorful base layer.
- Add Bean Mixture: Spoon the white bean and pesto mixture evenly over the layer of sliced onions, spreading it out to cover the dish fully.
- Top with Tomatoes and Cheese: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the beans, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over everything to create a rich and melty topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to golden, and the tomatoes have softened.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fragrant finish.
- Serve: Serve warm, either as a satisfying main dish or a hearty side to complement your meal.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, consider mixing in toasted pine nuts or walnuts before baking.
- You can substitute kale or spinach for the basil pesto to vary the flavor profile and add greens.
- Using vegan cheese alternatives can make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be gently reheated for a quick and nourishing meal.
