Beans on toast is a fairly simple meal and I try to add a twist as often as possible.
A quintessential British dish, my beloved beans on toast is a comfort food for the single and the desperate, a walk down the nostalgia path for the middle-aged. It’s a go-to breakfast, a lunch or a dinner, a few of this with a few of that, a haphazard meal that’s quick, easy, cheap and scores top marks for taste and memory.
I’m not bothered about fancy ingredients, or fiddly preparation. Everyone’s got their own take on beans on toast – the fluffy egg or the crispy bacon, the ketchup and mustard, the crunchy toast or the soft, serrated edges.
I am known to eat my beans with a side dish of avocado or grilled mushrooms as these little additions are perhaps not huge but add a twist and turn the beans into a nice meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The 17 Best Beans on toast ideas and recipes
1. Classic Beans on Toast
Beans on toast. Ahhh.
To me, it’s best when the beans are lumpy, creamy, infused with stock and seasoned to perfection. I like mine spooned on top of a slice of lightly buttered whole meal toast, which hits the mark as a crisp, golden base.
Classic Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can of baked beans (400g)
2 slices of thick-cut bread
1 tablespoon of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Toast Bread: Toast the slices of bread until they are golden brown.
Heat Beans: Put the beans in a pan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Butter Toast: Spread butter evenly on the toasted bread.
Assemble: Spoon the heated baked beans over the buttered toast.
Season ∘ Serve: Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and grate cheddar cheese on top to serve, if you like.
2. Spicy Chorizo Beans on Toast
I’m a breakfast person who goes for big, bold flavors, and a bit of spice.
I crave the most flavor you can pack into regular breakfast foods, and three of my favorites come from combining the best of savory, hearty breakfast ingredients under the same roof: add some beans with spicy chorizo in a duvet of crispy toast.
It’s one of the best breakfasts you can have, the perfect meld of two or three great flavors, and it’s filling. I often make it when I’m eating alone, and it makes life a little brighter every time.
Here’s a brief recipe for Spicy Chorizo Beans on Toast:
Ingredients
2 slices of rustic bread
100g chorizo, diced
1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Toast the bread: Halve the rustic loaf.
Toast the slices until golden and crunchy. Cook chorizo and onion: Put a diced chorizo sausage and a finely chopped onion in a pan over a medium heat and cook until the chorizo releases its oils, then add the onion and cook until softened.
Paprika and cannellini beans: Stir in the cannellini beans and smoked paprika, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until hot and well combined.
Mash gently: Mash some of the beans with the back of the fork to create a creamy texture, and leave others whole for texture (remember, we like some texture and not too much of a puree)
Finish up and serve: Spoon the hot chorizo bean mixture over the toasted bread, scatter with the parsley, and serve.
3. Cheesy Beans on Toast
There’s literally nothing better than melted cheese, beans and toasted bread. Comfort food at its very best.
I find this dish super easy to make, as the melted cheese goes so well with the flavorsome beans. Whatever time of day it is, I always find it gives me a sense of home and comfort.
Ingredients
1 can of baked beans
4 slices of bread
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toast the bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
Reheat the beans: Warm the baked beans in a saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Cover with cheese: Put the toast on a baking tray. Spread the beans evenly over the two slices of toasted bread.
Then sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
To melt the cheese under the broiler; Turn the oven’s broiler on and slide the baking sheet under the broiler, until the cheese has melted and become bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove, season, and serve: Take out of the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve right away.
4. Mexican Beans on Toast
I’m a big fan of Mexican cuisine, especially the way they can add an extra kick to some classic comfort foods. This packs the protein richness of beans with the spicy punch of traditional Mexican spices.
With so many options and substitutions, it’s as satisfying as it is filling. And if you’re looking to bring a little fiesta to your table, look no further.
Mexican Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
4 slices of whole-grain bread
Instructions
Make the Beans Mixture: Place a pan over medium heat, and sauté the red onion until translucent. Add in the black beans and cumin and combine with the onion.
Warm through until heated.
Season: If you prefer heat, toss in the finely chopped jalapeño.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast Bread: Toast in the toaster or under a broiler to golden-brown crispness.
Assemble: Spoon the bean mixture generously over each slice of toasted bread.
Top it off: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Serve immediately.
5. Garlic and Herb Beans on Toast
For the garlic purist who is always looking to play with new flavors, this side dish is a twist on an old favorite, with garlic and fresh herbs adding brightness to the creamy, comforting texture of cooked beans.
If there’s such a thing as a winning topping for toast, this is it.
It’s a great all-in-one addition for any meal.
Garlic and Herb Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
4 slices of whole grain bread
Instructions
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, before adding the minced garlic.
Add cannellini beans and mixed dried herbs, stir into the skillet mixture and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Puree some of the beans – or even better, mash them with a fork for a creamier texture.
Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Spoon the garlic and herb beans onto the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.
6. Black Bean Salsa Toast
Black bean salsa toast is my go-to snack for delicious, nutritious meals.
I can’t get enough of the taste and texture of the flavorful black beans, colorful veggies, and spicy seasonings piled atop a crispy slice of toast.
For a quick lunch, breakfast, or light dinner, this is the best indulgence for those hungry but also health-conscious moments. I personally notice that eating black bean salsa toast not only curbs my hunger, but also improves my physical and mental well-being.
Here’s a recipe for Black Bean Salsa Toast:
Ingredients
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 slices whole grain bread, toasted
Instructions
Combine black beans, tomato, red onion, and lime juice in a bowl.
Mix the ingredients until well-combined.
Toast the whole grain bread slices to your desired crispiness.
Spoon the black bean salsa mixture evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
7. BBQ Beans on Toast
Beans on toast topped with barbecued beans is one of my all-time comfort foods. There is something about the smoked and tangy tones of the BBQ beans intermingling with the crunch of the toast, that really does it for me.
All in all, it represents a relatively quick and easy food to prepare that, in my opinion, combines the best of both worlds – convenience and flavor.
I think it is a great go-to dish if you are after something hearty and tasty but remain somewhat casual and laid back at the same time.
BBQ Beans on Toast:
Ingredients
1 can of baked beans (400g)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 slices of bread
2 tbsp butter
Instructions
:
Warm Up The Beans: In a saucepan, heat up the baked beans with the BBQ sauce and smoked paprika for about 10 minutes on medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
Make the Bread: As the beans heat up, toast the bread until golden.
Butter the Toast: Spread butter evenly on each slice of toast.
Top with Beans: Spoon the BBQ beans mixture over the buttered toast.
Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or grated cheese for extra flavor.
8. Avocado Beans on Toast
The perfectly soft and creamy avocado spread on top of the spicy beans on the crispy toast is a really strong breakfast. A balanced combination of protein and healthy fats, this meal satisfies me like no other.
Avocado Beans on Toast:
Ingredients
2 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread
1 ripe avocado
1 cup cannellini or black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread to your desired crispiness.
Mash Avocado: In a bowl, mush together the ripe avocado with the juice from the lemon, until rich, smooth and well seasoned with salt and pepper. — Heat Beans Warm drained and rinsed beans over medium heat in a small saucepan.
– Make the Toast: Spread the avocado mash onto each slice of toasted bread.
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Add Beans & Serve: Scoop the warm beans over the avocado spread.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
9. Mediterranean Beans on Toast
I’m a big fan of fast, nutritious-yet-delicious foods, and my meal of choice for filling all of those boxes comes from the Mediterranean diet. This flavor-packed, healthy-fat and plant-protein-rich recipe is my go-to when I’m hungry and need something fast.
It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner, and brings a taste of the Mediterranean coast to my kitchen.
Mediterranean Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices of rustic bread
Optional: crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the beans: Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat.
Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Season the beans: Add cannellini beans, dried oregano, salt and pepper to the skillet.
Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through and nice and soft on the edges.
Toast the bread: As the beans are cooking, toast the slices of rustic bread until golden brown.
Build the toast: Once the toast is toasted, spread the seasoned beans over each slice.
Serves: 4.
10. Sriracha Beans on Toast
There is an odd addictiveness about the peppery flavor combining with umami and then there is the chili hot sauce. Spicy beans on toast Yum!
It’s a staple. You get your gut warmth, a little healthy protein.
Add a dollop of my favourite hot sauce and it goes to another level.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) navy beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
2 slices of your choice of bread, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the drained and rinsed beans.
Stir in the Sriracha sauce and tomato sauce until well combined.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly thickened. Salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Spoon the Sriracha beans over the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.
11. Breakfast Beans on Toast
This classic hearty breakfast is near and dear to my heart and combines the creaminess of beans with the crispiness of toast.
Perfect on a weekend morning or as a quick fix on a busy workday, the simplicity of this dish is present in every mouthful. I’m excited to explore why this is a favorite go-to meal for many.
Breakfast Beans on Toast:
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) baked beans
4 slices of whole-grain bread
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the Beans: Heat up the baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat. Smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper if you like, make it extra good.
Toast the Bread: While the beans are heating, toast the slices of whole-grain bread until golden brown.
Butter the Toast: Spread butter on both slices of toast (spread it fine when it is hot).
Assemble: Spoon the warm baked beans generously over the buttered toast.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with herbs or grated cheese, if desired.
Enjoy your tasty Breakfast Beans on Toast!
12. Smoky Baked Beans on Toast
A quick comfort food is a plate of rich, smoky baked beans on toast. I love the richness of the smoky flavor and like to sit down for breakfast, lunch or light evening meal.
It’s such a versatile dish, I can vary the components adding spiciness or sweetness to suit my mood.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of smoked barbecue sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp of molasses
4 slices of whole grain bread, toasted
Instructions
Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent.
– Stir in the navy beans (drained), barbecue sauce and molasses; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Toast the slices of whole grain bread until golden brown.
Spoon the smoky baked beans onto the toasted bread and serve immediately.
13. Italian Beans on Toast
I am always happy to tinker with a classic recipe, and this mélange of a comfort food from two shores is a great example of how the taste memories of Italy can find a happy home with traditional British beans on toast.
With a handful of ingredients and five minutes’ prep, this is a mouthful of comfort and taste, and a small burst of the Med, right in your midday. Here’s how to make it.
Italian Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 slices rustic Italian bread
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the cannellini beans and the handful of oregano and cook until the beans are slightly mashed and warmed through.
Toast the slices of Italian bread until golden and crisp.
Spoon the bean mixture evenly over each slice of toast.
Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.
14. Butter Bean and Tomato Toast
I love making tasty yet simple food, and one of my favourite quick meals is based on the creaminess of butter beans together with the juicy burst of tomatoes. The combination of the two on toasted bread is so satisfying; easy, quick and healthy – whether for breakfast, lunch or even light dinner.
It’s quick and easy to make, so it’s one of my staples.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 slices of your favorite rustic bread
Instructions
:
Heat the oil in a pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until just golden.
Add the diced tomatoes, and cook until they soften and begin to release their juices.
Stir in the butter beans and cook for another 5-6 minutes until heated through.
Toast the bread slices to your desired crispness.
Spoon the butter bean and tomato mixture over the toasted bread and serve immediately.
15. Curried Beans on Toast
I love beans and I love curry and something about a poor man’s beans and the spicy opulent curry together feels… perfect.
I adore the warm spices on the beans, this curry toast is one of my favorites. I often need something fast and tasty and satisfying, and this is always a go-to.
Curried Beans on Toast:
Ingredients
1 can of baked beans
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 slices of bread
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté the chopped onion in a pan over medium heat until softened.
Add the curry powder and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the baked beans and heat through, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispness.
Serve the curried beans over the toasted bread slices.
16. Sweet Chili Beans on Toast
If you want robust flavors, earthy bursts of textures and a quick yet hearty kind of meal, this recipe is sure to crawl back to your kitchen time and time again. Beans with a Thai twist, what more could you want?
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) of white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread, toasted
Instructions
Here’s how you do it:
- Sauté a chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until translucent.
- Add 1 can each of beans (both drained and rinsed), and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika; season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Serve the beans over toasted bread slices, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired.
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17. Pesto Beans on Toast
When I feel like injecting a little pizzazz into my morning toast, this is the stuff that I turn to. It’s dynamic in the way that only a classic can be, but with the kick of green punch that only rich pesto can provide.
It’s an unimposing peasant fare, yet it hits the tastebuds with flashy forced vigor. Goes well with breakfast, brunch – a good refresher from the usual circuit.
Pesto Beans on Toast
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons pesto sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
2 slices of rustic bread, toasted
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Stir the cannellini beans and pesto into the skillet, and gently toss to incorporate and warm through.
Toast the slices of rustic bread until golden and crisp.
Spoon the pesto beans evenly over the toasted bread.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.