What are cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans are a type of white kidney bean often used in Italian cooking. They have a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour.

What is the difference between cannellini beans and great northern beans?

Cannellini beans are larger and kidney-shaped, while great northern beans are smaller and more oval. Cannellini beans also tend to have a creamier texture.

Can I use cannellini beans in chilli?

Yes, cannellini beans work well in white chicken chilli and other chilli recipes, adding a creamy texture to the dish.

Where do cannellini beans come from?

Cannellini beans are believed to have originated in South America and later became widely cultivated in Italy, where they remain a staple ingredient.

What's the best substitute for cannellini beans?

Butter beans or haricot beans are excellent substitutes. Butter beans offer a similar creamy texture, while haricot beans (navy beans) are smaller but work well in soups and stews.

How are cannellini beans traditionally used in Italian cooking?

They are a staple in Tuscan cuisine and are commonly found in dishes like ribollita, pasta e fagioli and simple bean salads with sage, garlic and olive oil.

Do I need to soak dried cannellini beans?

Yes, soaking dried cannellini beans for at least 8 hours or overnight helps them cook more evenly and reduces overall cooking time.

Cannellini Bean Recipes

A staple in Italian cuisine, cannellini beans are prized for their creamy texture and nutty flavour. Explore our collection of delicious cannellini bean recipes, including vegetarian meals with cannellini beans.

Rustic Italian Soup with Bacon & Ciabatta

Tuscan White Bean Veggie Soup

with Garlic Ciabatta & Parmesan Frico

(Vegetarian) Herby Ciabatta Italian Beans

with Parmesan & Oregano

Herby Tomato Cannellini Bean Lasagne

with Parmesan Cheese

Creamy Mediterranean Bean & Pesto Stew

with Spinach & Garlic Ciabatta Dippers

Cheat’s Spiced Plant-Based Mince & Bean Jacket Potatoes

with Cherry Tomato Salad & Sour Cream

Grilled Porterhouse Steak with Italian Cannellini & Rocket

Pumpkin Soup

with Crispy Serrano Ham

Similar Recipe Collections

Get inspired

The benefits of cannellini beans

Cannellini beans are a nutritious choice, offering a great balance of macronutrients for your vegetarian meals. They naturally contain soluble fibre and provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, helping make dishes satisfying and nourishing. - Rich in folate, a B-vitamin involved in cell growth and metabolism. - Provide a good source of iron and magnesium, minerals needed for everyday energy and bone health. - Mild in flavour, so they blend easily into soups, salads and creamy dishes.

If you're looking for new ways to cook with cannellini beans, try the comforting cannellini bean & veggie soup or warm up with the cosy creamy cauliflower & cannellini bean gratin. Both recipes highlight just how versatile and satisfying these beans can be.

Adding cannellini beans to your meals

With their smooth, creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour, cannellini beans are a cornerstone of Italian cooking, particularly Tuscan. Cannellini beans hold their shape well, making them perfect for salads and pasta dishes.

Cannellini beans also become wonderfully tender in slow-cooked soups and stews like minestrone and pasta e fagioli. Their ability to absorb the flavours of herbs like rosemary and sage makes them a key component in many classic Italian recipes.

How to cook cannellini beans

Cooking cannellini beans from scratch unlocks their full, creamy potential. Follow these simple steps for the best texture and flavour:

Soak the dried beans in plenty of cold water overnight.
Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
Place them in a large pot, cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender throughout.
Keep the heat low, as a vigorous boil can cause the delicate skins to break.

Once cooked, cannellini beans work beautifully in comforting, flavour-packed meals. For a hearty recipe that highlights their creamy texture, try the BBQ chicken, cannellini bean & capsicum bake.

Cannellini Bean Recipes

Cannellini Bean, Beef Brisket & Roast Veggie Stew

Creamy Mushroom & White Bean Pie

Chermoula White Bean, Bacon & Kale Soup

Chicken & White Bean Soup

Brown Butter Chicken & White Bean Purée

One-Pot BBQ Baked Beans & Sweetcorn

Chorizo & Cannellini Bean Soup

Tex-Mex Chorizo & White Bean Quesadillas

Middle Eastern-Style Beef & Cannellini Bean Bowl

Cheat's Loaded Veggie Jacket Potatoes

Moroccan White Bean & Vibrant Veggie Stew

Rustic Cannellini Bean & Leek Pie

Quick Plant-Based White Bean Soup

Creamy Italian White Bean Pie

Mushroom & Cannellini Bean Stroganoff

Cheat’s Spiced Bean Jacket Potatoes

Moroccan Cannellini Bean & Veggie Stew

One-Pot Mediterranean Bean Stew

Cannellini Bean & Veggie Soup

Italian Baked Beans

Spiced Chicken & Potato-White Bean Mash

One-Pot BBQ Baked Chorizo Beans & Baby Spinach