Baked Cannelini Beans: 4 Easy Steps to Cozy Bliss

Name: Baked Cannelini Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ½ cup coarsely chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained; ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves, coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish; 3 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; ½ cup shredded Fontina cheese; Crushed red pepper flakes, optional; Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, Baked Cannelini Beans are about to become your new go-to. This dish hits that magical sweet spot between weeknight easy and dinner-party impressive. We’re talking creamy cannellini beans baked in a garlicky tomato sauce, kissed with rosemary, and finished with a bubbly blanket of Parmesan and Fontina.

It’s warm. It’s comforting. And yes—it smells like an Italian kitchen you’ll never want to leave.

Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, this Baked Cannelini Beans recipe has your back. Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Minimal cleanup. That’s how we roll in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Cannelini Beans

Let me count the ways (and trust me, there are plenty):

40 minutes start to finish – because nobody has time for all-day cooking.
Pantry-friendly – canned beans and tomatoes save the day.
Cheesy but balanced – rich without feeling heavy.
Flexible – serve it as a main, a side, or even a brunch dish with crusty bread and eggs.

This recipe was born out of one of those “friends showed up hungry” moments. I needed something fast, comforting, and just a little impressive. One bubbling dish of Baked Cannelini Beans, and suddenly everyone wanted the recipe. That’s how you know it’s a keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s the beauty of this dish—you probably have most of this already:

Extra-virgin olive oil – for a rich, Italian-style base
Yellow onion – sweet and mellow once cooked
Garlic – sliced, not minced, for gentle flavor
Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes – smoky and bold
Fresh rosemary – earthy and fragrant
Cannellini beans – creamy, tender, and filling
Parmesan cheese – salty, nutty goodness
Fontina cheese – melts like a dream
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – a little sass
Salt & black pepper – the quiet heroes

No fire-roasted tomatoes? No stress. Regular canned tomatoes work beautifully—just add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky depth.

How to Make Baked Cannelini Beans (Stress-Free Steps)

Step 1: Start with Flavor

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large skillet—cast iron if you have it—and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and smells incredible.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and rosemary. Bring it to a gentle boil, then let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. You want it slightly thickened, not watery.

Step 3: Beans + Cheese = Happiness

Add the rinsed cannellini beans and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give it a good stir—this is where the magic starts.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

Transfer everything to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all that glorious Fontina on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Finish Like a Pro

Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and serve hot. Try not to dive in immediately. (Okay, dive in anyway.)

Close-up of Baked Cannelini Beans with creamy tomato sauce and melted cheese in a serving dish — Baked Cannelini Beans baked until creamy and cheesy, with tender beans soaking up every bit of flavor.

Chef Omar’s Pro Tips (Because I’ve Made This a Lot)

Let it rest 5 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens, and flavors settle.
Want it heartier? Add sautéed mushrooms or Italian sausage.
Too thick? Stir in a splash of vegetable broth before baking.
Too thin? Bake uncovered an extra 5 minutes—problem solved.

And if your cheese browns faster than expected? Congratulations. That’s the best part.

Serving Ideas That Make Life Easier

These Baked Cannelini Beans are incredibly versatile:

Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread
Pair with a simple arugula salad
Spoon over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables
Enjoy solo as a cozy meatless main

Leftovers (if you have any) reheat beautifully the next day. Sometimes they’re even better.

Baked Cannelini Beans served in a white bowl with tomato sauce, herbs, and crusty bread on the side — These Baked Cannelini Beans are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and finished with herbs for a cozy Italian-style meal.

FAQs About Baked Cannelini Beans

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Can I freeze baked cannellini beans?

Yes, though the texture softens slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What can I substitute for Fontina cheese?

Mozzarella, Gruyère, or even provolone work great.

Are baked cannellini beans healthy?

They’re rich in protein and fiber, and this dish balances comfort with wholesome ingredients.

A Cozy Dish Worth Repeating

There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a bubbling dish of Baked Cannelini Beans out of the oven. It’s simple food done right—warm, cheesy, and full of Italian soul. This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself after a long day.

So grab your skillet, turn up the oven, and let these Baked Cannelini Beans remind you that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—just flavorful, fun, and made with love.

More Cozy Bean Dishes You’ll Love

If this recipe made you fall a little harder for creamy, herby comfort food, Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a beautiful next stop, bringing rich flavors and that same irresistible, cozy energy to your table.
When you’re craving something lighter but still deeply satisfying, Sautéed Garlic Spinach and White Beans make an easy, flavor-packed option that fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
For days when a warm bowl is calling your name, White Bean Tomato Soup delivers comforting, familiar flavors that pair wonderfully with baked bean dishes.
And if you’re in the mood to explore a plant-based twist inspired by classic comfort cooking, this vegan baked beans recipe is a lovely way to discover how simple ingredients can shine in a completely different style.

This section flows naturally after the recipe, inviting you to keep cooking, keep experimenting, and keep enjoying all the comforting ways beans can show up at the table.