Creamy Spiced White Beans (Print Version)
Tender white beans and mushrooms in a smoky spiced cream sauce, crowned with a golden cheddar herb crust.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beans & Vegetables
01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 cup vegetable broth
→ Creamy Sauce
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
08 - 1/4 cup cream cheese or vegan cream cheese
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Cheddar Herb Topping
13 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or plant-based alternative)
14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 tbsp fresh chives or thyme, chopped
17 - 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the center.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
03 - Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 6 minutes.
04 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the drained white beans and toss to combine.
05 - Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
06 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese, cooking gently until the mixture becomes creamy and well-blended, about 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and melted butter or oil. Toss until evenly mixed.
09 - Sprinkle the cheddar herb topping evenly over the bean and mushroom mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
10 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy spiced sauce soaks into every bean and mushroom, creating a richness that feels indulgent without weighing you down.
- That golden cheddar herb crust on top turns a simple pantry meal into something guests will assume took hours.
02 -
- Do not rush the mushroom browning step because pale, watery mushrooms will dilute the entire sauce.
- Cream cheese blends best when added in small chunks rather than one cold lump straight from the fridge.
03 -
- A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds a quiet warmth that most people cannot identify but everyone notices when it is missing.
- Letting the assembled skillet sit for ten minutes before baking helps the flavors marry and gives you a head start on that creamy interior.