Name: Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 6 thin slices sandwich bread (or bread of choice); Olive oil, for brushing bread; 6 oz Provolone (or Edam) cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (double concentrated); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika; 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (canned is fine); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup (120 ml) water; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 50 reviews

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying treat that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor, the Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe is your new go-to. This dish combines the comforting crunch of toasted bread with a rich, garlicky bean topping and gooey melted cheese, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick enough for a weeknight snack but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six pieces of plain white bread laid out on parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each slice of bread is topped with a generous layer of baked beans in a rich, thick orange-red sauce. The beans are soft, plump, and shiny, covered evenly across the bread slices, with small bits of green herbs mixed in for added detail. The sauce slightly spills over the edges of the bread, creating small puddles on the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and achievable ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and crunch. These simple staples come together to create something truly special without fuss.

6 thin slices sandwich bread (or bread of choice): Your base for crispiness and structure, essential for holding all the toppings.
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for bread): Adds richness and helps toast the bread to golden perfection.
2 garlic cloves (grated): Infuses the beans with a fragrant, savory aroma that’s absolutely irresistible.
2 tablespoons tomato paste (double concentrated preferred): Provides depth and a tangy punch that brings all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, herbaceous note that’s classic in pizza flavors.
1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness that elevates the dish’s complexity.
2 cups cooked cannellini beans (canned is fine): The star ingredient, offering creamy texture and hearty satisfaction.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of color to brighten the beans.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Melts into the beans for luscious silkiness and richness.
6 oz Provolone (or Edam) cheese (grated): Melts beautifully for that gooey, bubbly pizza finish.

How to Make Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil—the oil ensures your toast gets that irresistible golden crunch. Place the bread on the baking sheet and toast in the oven for 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a slight crispness around the edges, just enough to hold up against the rich toppings without getting soggy. Once toasted, remove the bread and crank the oven heat up to 400°F (200°C) for baking the assembled toast later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Bean Mixture

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Toss in the grated garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant—about 15 seconds—this is key for building that delicious aroma. Next, stir in the tomato paste, oregano, and sweet smoked paprika, cooking for around 30 seconds until the spices and paste melt together and release their enticing scents. This concentrated base is what makes the difference in taste!

Step 3: Add the Cannellini Beans and Simmer

Fold in the cannellini beans, making sure each one is coated lovingly with the tomato and spice mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of water along with the chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything gently, then keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to allow the beans to soak up all those flavors and for the sauce to thicken into a creamy, dreamy consistency—not watery, but luxuriously smooth.

Step 4: Finish the Bean Mixture

To elevate the creaminess, add the tablespoon of unsalted butter to the beans and stir until it melts completely, blending its richness throughout. Give the mixture a careful taste and adjust seasonings as you like, whether that’s a pinch more salt, a bit of pepper, or even a touch more herbs. Once it tastes just right, remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to assemble.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Toast

With the oven now at 400°F (200°C), spoon the luscious bean mixture generously over each toasted bread slice. Sprinkle a generous handful of grated Provolone or Edam cheese on top. Place the toasts back into the oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and bubbles with golden spots—about 5 minutes. Serve immediately for that perfect melty, crispy contrast. Bonus points if you add some fresh basil slices just before serving for an herbal freshness.

How to Serve Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe

The image shows several pieces of toasted bread laid out on a parchment paper with a white marbled texture surface beneath. Each slice of bread is topped with a layer of baked beans sauce that has a reddish-orange color and soft texture, giving a moist and warm base. On top of the sauce, there is a thick layer of melted cheese in a creamy white color, slightly browned and stretchy in spots, covering most of the sauce but letting some beans peek through around the edges. Some slices are decorated with thin strips of fresh green basil leaves, adding a touch of brightness and color contrast. The focus is close-up, highlighting the warm, inviting texture of the melted cheese and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is everything when serving this dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and an herbal punch that complements the creamy beans and cheesy bread beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scatter of chili flakes can add extra layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe pairs wonderfully with something light but crisp to balance its richness. Think a refreshing mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. For a Mediterranean twist, serve it alongside marinated olives or a simple cucumber and tomato salad with feta.

Creative Ways to Present

Make this dish a star at your next brunch or casual dinner by serving each slice on a wooden board or rustic platter with a handful of fresh herbs scattered around. You can turn each toast into a mini open-faced sandwich by topping with additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or sliced avocado. For a crowd, consider slicing the toast into smaller, bite-sized squares for easy finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The toast might lose some crispness, but the flavors will remain delightful. It’s best to keep the toast and the bean topping separate if you can, to maintain that crisp texture on the bread when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze the bean mixture alone in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Toasted bread doesn’t freeze as well because it can become chewy, so it’s best to toast fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover assembled toasts in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly again and the toast is crisp. If reheating just the bean mixture, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, you can substitute with other white beans like great northern beans or butter beans. Just choose cooked beans with a similar mild flavor to complement the spices without overpowering the dish.

What kind of cheese works best for Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe?

Provolone and Edam are excellent because they melt beautifully and have a mild, slightly tangy flavor. However, mozzarella or a mild cheddar can also work well if you prefer something different or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

You can make it vegan by omitting the butter and cheese or substituting with vegan butter and a plant-based cheese alternative. The flavors in the beans will still shine through deliciously.

Can I add other toppings to the toast?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the toast with sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. It’s a fantastic base for experimentation.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

This Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe takes about 30 minutes total, making it perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

I truly encourage you to give this Easy Pizza Beans Toast Recipe a try because it strikes the perfect chord between simple cooking and unforgettable taste. It’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort in every bite while being surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether as a snack, lunch, or light dinner, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household too. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!