Description
Pizza Beans on Toast is a quick, flavorful vegetarian main course featuring tender cannellini beans simmered in a rich, spiced marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, served over crispy toasted thick-cut bread. This easy skillet recipe combines Italian-inspired flavors in a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for a simple lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Toast
- 2 slices thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Seasonings and Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Beans: Add the drained cannellini beans to the sauce and gently stir to coat them evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the beans are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt Parmesan into Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt smoothly into the sauce, enhancing its richness and depth.
- Toast the Bread: While the beans are simmering, toast the bread slices until they are crisp and golden brown to provide a sturdy base for the beans.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the hot pizza beans evenly over the toasted bread slices.
- Add Mozzarella and Melt: Top the beans with shredded mozzarella cheese and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for a creamy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each toast with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic touch before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use sourdough or another sturdy bread so it holds up well under the beans without becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, add chopped pepperoni or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese melted and bread crisp.
