The mild flavor and creamy texture of cannellini and Great Northern beans (aka white beans) make them useful staple legumes. Because their taste is neither distinct nor bland, they’re equally at home in subtly or boldly seasoned dishes. Here’s a generous selection of tasty vegan recipes using cannellini or Great Northern beans.
Are cannellini and Great Northern beans the same? While they’re similar, no, they’re not the same variety. Cannellini, sometimes known as white kidney beans, are slightly larger and have a somewhat tougher skin, making them a sturdy addition to soups, stews, and pastas, in which they retain their shape. But that’s not to say the can’t be pureed as well.
Cannellini are well loved in Italian cuisine, and are bean of choice in the classic pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans.)
Are Great Northern beans and cannellini interchangeable? Though they’re not the same variety, they taste quite similar and can absolutely be used interchangeably.
What are some common uses for cannellini and Great Northern beans?
- Well mashed, these beans make an excellent basis for dips or sandwich spreads.
- Pureed, they make a fantastic soup thickener or base for creamy soups, stews, and even casseroles.
- Used whole, they can be combined with pastas or grains and used in soups and stews.
- They stand up to dishes using bold tomato-based sauces including marinara and BBQ
- They’re great salad beans.
Canned or cooked? To save time and effort, feel free to use canned cannellini and Great Northern beans. Both are widely available, inexpensive, and convenient. If you have an Instant Pot® or on the flip side, a slow cooker, by all means cook your own following manufacturer’s guidelines.
Are Great Northern and cannellini beans good for you? Like all beans, the answer is a big yes. They’re a good source of protein (1 cup provides about 17 grams), the B vitamins, and an array of minerals. See their complete nutrition profile.
Learn lots more about cannellini and Great Northern beans — how they’re alike, how they’re different. For now, let’s dig into the recipes …
Great Northern or Cannellini Bean Soups & Stews
Escarole Soup with White Beans and Potatoes
Potato and Escarole Soup with Vegan Sausage
Vegan Mac and Cheese Soup (white bean base)
Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup (white bean base)
Vegan Cream of Cauliflower Soup (white bean base)
Vegan Hominy and White Bean Chili
White Bean Stew with Sweet Potato & Squash
Skillet & Oven Dishes Using Great Northern or Cannellini Beans
Skillet Broccoli Rabe with White Beans and Mushrooms
Lemony Bulgur Pilaf with Green Beans & Mushrooms
Pasta with Chard and White Beans
Pasta with Escarole and Two Beans
Easy Gnocchi with Greens and Beans
Romano Beans with Tomatoes and Cannellini
Vegan Baked Beans with Plant-Based Bacon
Skillet Baked Beans with Vegan Sausage
(Great Northern or cannellini beans are a swap-in)
Great Northern or Cannellini Bean Salads, Dips & Spreads
3-Bean Salad, an American Classic
Festive 5-Bean Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Vegan “Tuna” and White Bean Salad
Caramelized Onion & White Bean Dip or Spread
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