Great northern beans are creamy and mild. A bigger bean than navy beans, but smaller than cannellini beans, great northern beans are the goldilocks of white beans. Because these beans are so versatile and creamy, they are perfect for soup and slop.
Great northern beans made from dried beans will be heaps better than canned beans—and more cost effective. Make them in the slow cooker and come home to a nourishing brothy, creamy bean bowl topped with a swirl of olive oil and a few shavings of salty parm. So satisfying. Looking for a new slow cooker? Check out our picks in this post.
Top a simple great northern bean soup with arugula microgreens (grow them yourself with our guide) and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got a swoon-worthy, hearty, healthy lunch or dinner. If you don’t have any great northern beans on hand, you can generally substitute any white bean, like cannellini beans, butter beans, or navy beans in its place.
Why We’re Obsessed
Great northern beans are like the quiet achiever of the bean world. They’repacked with nutrients. We’re talking fiber, protein, and a bunch of essential minerals. Hello, healthy eating made easy! They’re versatile, their mild flavor means they play well with others in all sorts of dishes. Or, eat them on their own with a simple side salad or a crusty piece of bread in a low bowl.
Great Northern Beans Cooking Tips (Because Nobody Likes Tough Beans)
Soak, soak, soak: For the creamiest texture, soak your beans overnight. No time? Try a quick soak by bringing them to a boil, then letting them sit for an hour.
Simmer low and slow: Once you’re ready to cook, keep that heat gentle. We’re aiming for tender, not mushy!
Season at the end: Add salt and acidic ingredients like tomatoes after your beans are tender. This helps them cook evenly without toughening up.
Make extra: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you have ready-to-go beans for quick meals all week!
Storage Secrets
Dry beans: Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll last for ages (like, a year or more)!
Cooked beans: Pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. We recommend freezing in Souper Cubes.
17+ Cozy Great Northern Bean Recipes
In this list, we’ve collected our favorite great northern bean recipes, from classic brothy soup, to beans and greens, to the creamiest of dips.
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Quick & Easy Vegan White Bean Stew
This hearty White Bean Stew brings all the rich, fresh flavors of Tuscan cuisine to the table with an added bonus: it’s completely vegan! It’s the perfect family dinner for a busy weeknight or an easy meal prep recipe!
Comfy, cozy, healthy Braised White Beans & Greens ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice or crusty bread for an easy, budget-friendly and super delicious meal!
A healthy, Mediterranean diet-inspired dish that’s made in one skillet. Nutritious greens, vegetables, and beans create a filling, weeknight easy entree that you’ll feel great about serving. Naturally vegetarian and vegan if you leave off the cheese. Blue Zones diet friendly, too!
Easy White Bean Soup is the BEST with soothing lemon, herbs and veggies that’s full of amazing flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Vegan and GF recipe.
Stewed great northern beans are a simple but rich and hearty way to cook a can of great northern beans. This recipe features fresh vegetables, takes just over 30 minutes to make, and is delicious served with toast or over rice.
One-Pot Brothy White Beans with Parmesan and Garlic
Dried white beans simmer in a flavorful Italian-inspired broth until tender, and the resulting brothy beans are served with peas, asparagus, and lemon.
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