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Baked butter beans in a dish on the dinner table, surrounded by ingredients.

Caprese Butter Beans

Romy
These Caprese Butter Beans are a cozy, plant-based dish packed with rich, tangy flavors from balsamic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. This creamy bean bake is simple to make and perfect for a hearty dinner or a shareable side. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite straight from the oven!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, vegan
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish
  • 1 high-speed blender
  • 1 oven
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cans butter beans (480g / 17oz drained weight)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves torn
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

  • ¼ of the butter beans listed above (120g - 4oz)
  • ½ cup plant milk unsweetened
  • ⅓ cup raw cashew nuts (50g) soaked and rinsed
  • 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and let it heat up while you prepare the ingredients to save time later.
  • Drain and rinse the butter beans well. Add 1 ½ tins of the beans to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Stir to coat evenly. Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, and a few torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together so the flavors combine.
  • In a high-speed blender, combine the remaining butter beans, plant milk, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the beans in the baking dish. Tear a few more basil leaves and scatter them on top for extra flavor and a fresh look.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling gently around the edges.
  • Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil leaves. Serve warm, either as a main dish with garlic bread or as a hearty side dish.

Notes

  • Serving - Serve Caprese Butter Beans warm straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil for a fragrant finish. Pair it with garlic bread for dipping or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. It’s equally satisfying as a main dish or a hearty side.
  • Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled completely before storing.
  • Reheating - Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of plant milk to loosen it. Always garnish with fresh basil after reheating for the best flavor.
  • Tips & Tricks -
    • Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the best depth of flavor.
    • Soaking the cashews ensures a silky, creamy texture for the cheesy sauce—don’t skip this step.
    • Adjust seasoning to your taste; adding just the right amount of salt and pepper makes a big difference.
    • For a gluten-free pairing, serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
    • This dish is perfect for meal prep—assemble the components ahead and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Keyword Baked Butter Beans, Caprese Beans, Caprese Butter Beans