Discover the versatile and creamy goodness of great northern beans with these six mouthwatering recipes that will transform your meal planning.
From hearty soups to zesty salads, these white beans add protein, fiber, and a buttery texture to any dish.
Whether you’re craving a comforting bean and ham soup, a rustic Italian pasta dish, or a vegetarian main course, these recipes showcase the best ways to prepare great northern beans.
Get ready to explore classic comfort food, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and creative modern takes on this pantry staple.
Creamy Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup

Warm up your winter evenings with this hearty and comforting Creamy Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup.
This soul-warming dish combines tender white beans, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need something substantial and satisfying.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Step 2: Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add drained beans, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beans are tender.
Step 5: Remove bay leaves and stir in heavy cream.
Step 6: Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until soup thickens.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: For the creamiest texture, blend about 2 cups of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot. You can also use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while still leaving some chunks for texture.
Mediterranean-Style Great Northern Bean Salad

Transform your ordinary bean salad into a vibrant Mediterranean delight that combines creamy Great Northern beans with fresh vegetables and zesty herbs.
This refreshing salad makes a perfect side dish for summer gatherings or a light lunch option that you can prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients:
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Rinse and drain your beans thoroughly in a colander, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add your diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, and olives to the bowl.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano to create your dressing.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over your bean mixture and gently toss to combine.
Step 5: Fold in the fresh herbs and feta cheese if using.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, prepare this salad at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re making it ahead, add the fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
Slow Cooker Great Northern Bean Chili

Warm up your winter evenings with this hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Great Northern Bean Chili.
This vegetarian-friendly dish combines creamy white beans with savory spices and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.
Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want a nutritious, hands-off dinner option.
Ingredients:
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Step 1: Add all vegetables (onion, garlic, peppers, celery, and carrots) to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Pour in the drained beans and diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Add all seasonings and stir in the vegetable broth.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 6: Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Pro Tip: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper at the beginning of cooking.
Rosemary Garlic Great Northern Bean Dip

Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy and aromatic Rosemary Garlic Great Northern Bean Dip.
This Mediterranean-inspired dip combines the subtle sweetness of Great Northern beans with fresh rosemary and roasted garlic, creating a smooth, flavorful spread perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients:
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (if needed)
• Extra olive oil for garnish
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and wrap in foil.
Step 2: Roast the garlic for 40-45 minutes until soft and golden. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a food processor.
Step 4: Add the beans, remaining olive oil, rosemary leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Process until smooth, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 6: Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest texture, remove the thin outer skin of the beans before processing. Also, allow the dip to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together completely.
Great Northern Bean and Kale Stew

Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, nutritious stew that’ll warm you up on chilly days.
This rustic combination of creamy white beans and tender kale creates a satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and packed with protein and vitamins.
Ingredients:
• 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in broth, beans, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add chopped kale and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until kale is tender.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Pro Tip: To achieve the perfect texture, add the kale in small batches rather than all at once. This prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking. You can also make this stew ahead of time – it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Spicy Great Northern Bean and Sausage Cassoulet

Transform your kitchen into a French countryside bistro with this hearty and spicy twist on a classic cassoulet.
This comforting dish combines creamy Great Northern beans with zesty sausage, creating a perfect balance of heat and richness that’ll warm you up on any chilly evening.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown sausage slices for 5-6 minutes until golden.
Step 2: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables soften (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Stir in drained beans, tomatoes, broth, and all seasonings. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
Step 5: Top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip soaking your beans overnight – this crucial step ensures even cooking and creamy texture. For extra flavor, add a smoked ham hock during the simmering process to infuse the dish with a deep, smoky taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Great Northern beans ideal for soups and stews?
Great Northern beans maintain their shape while cooking and absorb flavors exceptionally well. Their creamy texture and mild taste make them perfect for hearty soups and slow-cooked dishes.
How long should you soak Great Northern beans before cooking them?
Soak your Great Northern beans for 8-12 hours or overnight before cooking. For a quick-soak method, boil them for 2 minutes, then let them sit covered for 1 hour.
Which herbs and seasonings work best with Great Northern bean recipes?
Rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves complement Great Northern beans perfectly. Add garlic and onion for depth, and finish with fresh herbs to enhance their natural flavor.
Can you prepare Great Northern beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine soaked beans with aromatics and broth in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, stirring occasionally for the best results.
What’s the best way to store leftover cooked Great Northern beans?
Store cooked beans in an airtight container with their liquid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
These great northern bean recipes offer you versatile ways to incorporate this protein-rich legume into your meals.
Whether you choose the hearty soup, classic baked beans, or creamy dip, you’ll find these dishes both nutritious and satisfying.
Remember to always soak your beans properly for the best texture and shorter cooking times.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings and spice levels to match your taste preferences.
With these recipes in your collection, you’ll transform simple beans into crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for any occasion.