Easy Mediterranean French style dinner pot
This cozy skillet bake combines creamy white beans, deeply caramelized onions, and garlicky olive oil, all topped with crispy toasted bread and melted cheese. It’s rich without cream, full of Mediterranean flavor, and ideal for brunch, lunch, or a vegetarian dinner.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Bean & Onion Base
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 cans (400 g each) white beans (butter beans / cannellini), drained & rinsed
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cheesy Bread Topping
2–3 cups rustic bread, torn into chunks
1½ tbsp olive oil or butter
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 fresh grated garlic clove)
¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat.
Add onions and cook slowly for 18–22 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and jammy.
Add sliced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Build the Bean Base
Stir in white beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly saucy.
3. Prepare the Bread Topping
Toss bread with olive oil/butter and garlic powder.
Scatter bread evenly over the beans.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
4. Bake Until Golden
Transfer skillet to a 200°C (400°F) oven.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese melts and bread is crisp.
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra golden tops.
5. Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips & Variations
More Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or a fried egg on top
Extra Mediterranean: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or rosemary
Creamier Texture: Mash a few beans before baking
Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble everything except bread, refrigerate, then add topping and bake fresh.
Q: What bread works best?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or any crusty artisan bread.
Q: Can I use chickpeas instead?
Absolutely—chickpeas work great.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 9 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 480 mg