Out of Cannellini bean, one case
Cannellini bean substitute, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Great Northern beans
Same amount as the cannellini bean
The best substitutes for cannellini beans are great northern beans (1:1 ratio), navy beans (1:1 ratio), lima beans (1:1 ratio), and white kidney beans (1:1 ratio). Each offers similar texture and mild flavor for different applications.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full cannellini bean card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cannellini bean | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Northern beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Navy beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | White kidney beansall applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Lima beanssoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Chickpeassalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Butter beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
Great Northern beans
similar taste and texture
The closest substitute to cannellini beans with similar size, texture, and mild flavor
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, pasta dishes, purees
Very similar in size, texture, and flavor to cannellini beans.
Navy beans
similar taste and texture
White kidney beans
identical taste and texture
Identical to cannellini beans - just a different name for the same bean variety
- Best for
- all applications
Same bean variety, good substitute with identical properties.
Lima beans
different taste, similar texture
Large, creamy beans with buttery texture and mild flavor
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, purees
Slightly different flavor but similar creamy texture.
Chickpeas
different taste, similar texture
Round, nutty-flavored beans that work well in many cannellini applications
- Best for
- salads, soups, stews, pasta dishes
Different shape and nuttier flavor, but good texture.
Butter beans
similar taste and texture
Large, creamy beans with buttery texture and mild flavor
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, purees
Very similar to lima beans, creamy texture, mild flavor.
The longer answer
About this case
Cannellini beans are large white kidney beans with a creamy texture and mild flavor, popular in Italian cuisine. When you can't find them, several excellent substitutes can work in their place.
Tips for substituting cannellini bean
8 tips- Great northern beans are the closest substitute for cannellini beans in most recipes
- White kidney beans are identical to cannellini beans - just different naming
- Navy beans work well but are smaller, so you may need to adjust quantities
- Lima beans have slightly different flavor but similar creamy texture
- Chickpeas work well in salads and some soups but have different shape
- All substitutes work well in Italian dishes like pasta e fagioli and minestrone
- Canned beans are convenient and work well in most recipes
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content
Notes on cannellini bean
- Pasta e fagioli with great northern beans
- Minestrone soup with navy beans
- White bean salad with lima beans
- Italian wedding soup with white kidney beans
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for cannellini beans?
Great northern beans are the best substitute for cannellini beans. They have very similar size, texture, and mild flavor, making them good for most cannellini bean applications.
Are white kidney beans the same as cannellini beans?
Yes, white kidney beans and cannellini beans are the same bean variety. Cannellini is the Italian name, while white kidney beans is the English name. They're identical in flavor, texture, and cooking properties.
Can I use navy beans instead of cannellini beans?
Yes, navy beans work well as a substitute for cannellini beans. They're smaller but have similar creamy texture and mild flavor. They're also more widely available and affordable.
What's the best substitute for cannellini beans in soup?
For soup, great northern beans or navy beans work best as substitutes. They have similar creamy textures and mild flavors that work well in brothy dishes like minestrone or pasta e fagioli.
Can I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans?
Chickpeas can work as a substitute, but they have a different shape and slightly nuttier flavor. They're good in salads and some soups, but may not be ideal for dishes where the creamy texture of cannellini beans is important.
How do I cook dried cannellini beans?
Soak dried cannellini beans overnight, then drain and rinse. Cook in fresh water with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs for 45-60 minutes until tender. Add salt only in the last 10 minutes of cooking.