Legume | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber Low Fat

Great Northern Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Allergen-Free
great northern beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American|French
  • Seasonality Year-Round (Dried)
  • Source Bean plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of the white bean family, prized for its subtle flavor and velvety texture."

Definition

Medium-sized white beans with a delicate, nutty flavor and a firm yet creamy texture, commonly used in soups and stews.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Nutty, Earthy
TextureCreamy, Mealy, Firm
AromaEarthy, Subtle
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Consumption

Widely consumed, with "common beans" (P. vulgaris) being a staple worldwide.

Protein Content

Approx. 15g per cup (cooked).

Storage Life (Dried)

1-2 years in a cool, dark pantry.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup (130g)
Calories130 kcal
Total Fat0.4 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein9 g
Total Carbohydrate23 g
Dietary Fiber6.6 g
Total Sugars0.3 g
Calcium74 mg
Iron2.1 mg
Potassium405 mg

Chef’s Secret

Adding a bay leaf or kombu to the cooking water of dried beans can aid digestion and add subtle umami.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cannellini Beans

1:1

Closest match for texture and mild flavor; ideal for soups, stews, and salads.

Navy Beans

1:1

Slightly smaller and creamier, excellent for purees and baked bean dishes.

Lima Beans

1:1

Larger with a more distinct, buttery flavor; good for succotash or as a side.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo)

1:1

Firmer texture and nuttier flavor, suitable for salads or roasted.

Buying Guide

Opt for dried beans for best texture and flavor, or canned (rinse well).

Flavor Pairings

Ham bacon sage thyme tomatoes greens root vegetables.

Recipes Using Great Northern Beans

Occasion Weeknight Occasion Oven

Better Then Bush's Baked Beans

This isn't your average can of baked beans! This recipe, a true labor of love, delivers intensely flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth baked beans that surpass even the best store-bought brands. Double the recipe for an even better result – perfect for potlucks or large gatherings! Get ready for the most delicious baked beans you've ever tasted.

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Soups Stews Dinner Party Main Ingredient Vegetables

Blond Minestrone

Say goodbye to tomato-based woes with this vibrant and nourishing Blond Minestrone! Perfect for those with tomato allergies or simply seeking a lighter, brighter twist on a classic. This flexible recipe boasts a medley of fresh vegetables and hearty beans, creating a comforting and flavorful soup that's sure to become a new favorite. Easily adaptable for tomato lovers too!

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Food Processor Blender Occasion Equipment Small Appliance

1 Hour Ham And Bean Soup

Enjoy a hearty, homemade ham and bean soup in just one hour! This recipe skips the soaking time for dry beans, using canned beans for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Savory ham, tender vegetables, and a smooth, flavorful bean puree combine for a delicious soup the whole family will love.

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Number Of Servings Time To Make Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less

3 Way Bbq Baked Beans Oamc

Elevate your BBQ game with this incredibly versatile 3-Way BBQ Baked Beans recipe! Perfect for meal prepping and freezer-friendly, this recipe lets you customize your bean blend (use any 3 types!). After mixing, choose your cooking method: freezer storage for future meals, slow-cooking in a crockpot for ultimate tenderness, or classic oven baking for a delicious crust. Adapted from a beyond-macaroni-and-cheese favorite, this recipe is a must-try for busy families and BBQ enthusiasts alike. Get ready for the most flavorful baked beans you've ever tasted!

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American Beef Black Beans Winter

5 Bean Chili

This hearty 5-Bean Chili recipe from Better Homes & Gardens is packed with flavor! Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, this chili is easily customizable to your spice preference. Add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!

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Easy Soups Stews Time To Make Dietary

Alton Brown's Winter Vegetable Soup

A hearty and flavorful winter vegetable soup inspired by Alton Brown's recipe from 'Good Eats'. This comforting soup is packed with mushrooms, carrots, celery, squash, kale, and beans, simmered in a rich broth with aromatic herbs. Easily customizable to be vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a chilly evening!

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Beans Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Ingredient Preparation

Amazing Crock Pot White Chili W Chicken

Craving a creamy, flavorful white chicken chili? This recipe is unbelievably easy and delivers big on taste! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe is ready in just hours using your slow cooker OR on the stovetop for even quicker results. Served with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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Beans Stove Top Course Main Ingredient

Amazing Kahlua Baked Beans

Spice up your weeknight dinner with these unbelievably delicious Kahlua Baked Beans! This recipe skips the oven for a quick and easy stovetop preparation, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a homemade flavor explosion. Sweet and savory perfection in just 30 minutes! Perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully, making this an ideal 'once a month' cooking (OAMC) recipe. #kahluabakedbeans #bakedbeans #stovetopbeans #easyrecipe #quickdinner #oamc #mealprep

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Side Dishes Healthy 1 Day Or More 5 Ingredients Or Less

Baked Beans A Family Recipe From Chef Patrick O Connell

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, Chef Patrick O'Connell's Grandma's Baked Beans are slow-cooked to perfection in an earthenware pot, unlocking an unparalleled depth of flavor. The overnight soak and long baking time create incredibly tender beans with a rich, savory sweetness. Enjoy them hot or at room temperature – a comforting classic for any occasion!

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Course North American Course Main Ingredient

Barbecue Baked Beans

These irresistible Barbecue Baked Beans, adapted from Steven Raichlen's "Barbecue Bible," are a sweet and smoky masterpiece! Perfect for your next barbecue alongside ribs, these beans are bursting with flavor thanks to fresh garlic and ginger (don't skip them!). While the ingredient list is comprehensive, most items are pantry staples. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing side dish that's unbelievably easy to make.

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Beans Main Dish Pork Sausage One Dish Meal

Bbq Beans And Sausage Crock Pot

Fall-off-the-bone tender sausage simmered in a rich and smoky BBQ sauce with hearty beans! This easy crock pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready for a crowd-pleasing BBQ feast!

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Beans For Large Groups Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less

Bean And Macaroni Soup

This cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free bean and macaroni soup is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying! Our secret? Separately cooking the pasta prevents it from absorbing all the delicious broth, leaving you with perfectly cooked macaroni and a flavorful, hearty soup every time. Get ready to enjoy a light yet filling meal the whole family will love! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy weekend lunch.

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Preparation Time To Make Cuisine Preparation

Bean And Tomato Salad

This vibrant bean and tomato salad is the perfect complement to any Italian meal! Made with fresh, ripe tomatoes (the best kind!), this simple recipe comes together in minutes. Enjoy its burst of summery freshness as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. #beansalad #tomatosalad #italiansalad #summerrecipe #easyrecipe #quickrecipe

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Stove Top Main Ingredient Easy Time To Make

Beans And Greens

This hearty Beans and Greens recipe is inspired by a family favorite! A quick and easy chili-style soup perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender beans simmered with sweet romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens like spinach or turnip greens) in a flavorful broth. This simple recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is incredibly satisfying. Top with cheese and serve with crusty bread for dipping – pure comfort food!

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Course Main Dish Main Ingredient Stove Top

Beans And Greens Of Provence

Transport your taste buds to the sunny hills of Provence with this hearty vegetarian dish! Inspired by an Atlanta restaurant and originally featured in the newspaper, this recipe is bursting with flavor. Enjoy tender beans and vibrant greens in a rich, satisfying sauce – a delicious and memorable meal your whole family will crave. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Holiday Event Occasion Superbowl

Fast And Easy Southwest Chicken Chili

Craving a flavorful and healthy Southwest Chicken Chili without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe is your weeknight lifesaver! Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant chili is packed with tender chicken, savory spices, and a hint of smoky heat. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

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Course Chicken Breasts Beans Soups Stews

Low Fat White Chicken Chili

This award-winning white chicken chili recipe is a healthy and delicious crowd-pleaser! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next potluck, this lightened-up chili boasts tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a subtle kick of spice. Win your next chili cook-off with this easy-to-make recipe.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Winter Oven

Smoked Sausage Cassoulet

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Smoked Sausage Cassoulet, a classic French recipe elevated for the modern palate. This hearty one-pot wonder is bursting with smoky sausage, tender beans, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs. The recipe's slow-simmered magic develops incredible depth, making it taste even better the next day! Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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