Main Dish Sandwiches Vegetarian

White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich

August 25, 2014

Yep, still on my kick of not cooking. I’m in salad and sandwich overdrive. I want meals that are full of flavor, but don’t leave me in the kitchen having to turn the oven or stove on. It’s way too hot for that. I’m also starting to become obsessed with white beans. I really didn’t like them as a kid, but lately I’m appreciating how hearty and flavorful they are. That’s why I was drawn to this White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich. The beans are marinated in balsamic vinegar and paired with fresh mozzarella and arugula. It’s a little messy, but I’ve always said, the messier the sandwich, the better!

White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich

So, how’s it taste?

If you’re a white bean fan like I am, you’ll love this. After the success of my Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wraps, I was so excited about this recipe. This one calls for canellini beans, which hold their shape more than the ones I used for the wraps. This is good because you don’t want the bean mixture turning to mush in the marinade.

White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich

The beans mix with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. There’s so much flavor! Creamy beans with a nice tang from the vinegar and just a touch of sweet from the peppers. The best part is the ooey gooey fresh mozzarella. I love this stuff! It melts so beautifully and doesn’t compete with the beans. Peppery arugula gives some crunch.

White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich

The sandwich does get a little messy with beans falling out, but that could be because I piled mine high! You could also use the bean mixture as a side dish and add chunks of the mozzarella. I think I’m on to something!

Yield: 4 servings

White Bean & Mozzarella Sandwich

Ingredients:

15.5 oz. can canellini beans, drained and rinsed
12 oz. jar roasted red bell pepper, drained and chopped
8 basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
8 slices bread (I used Genesis bread)
4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
arugula

Directions:

1. Combine beans, peppers, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Top four slices of bread with mozzarella. Using a toaster oven or broiler, toast slices of bread with mozzarella on top until the mozzarella melts. Toast remaining four slices of bread.

3. Spoon bean mixture on top of mozzarella. Top with arugula. On remaining slices of toast, drizzle a bit of the liquid marinade from the beans. Top sandwiches with bread, marinade side down. Serve.

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  • Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice August 25, 2014 at 7:22 am

    What a creative sandwich, Leah! I would’ve never thought to add in beans. This looks delish!

  • Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com August 25, 2014 at 10:39 am

    Wow!! Look at this! What a fun, alternative, unique sammie!! Very creative my friend! 🙂

  • Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy August 25, 2014 at 11:06 am

    This sounds delicious! I am always on the lookout for more vegetarian sandwich ideas.
    It is so cold in the UK at the moment. I have been having soups and stews.

  • cheri August 25, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Hi Leah, what a great idea, I make a white bean mash and put it on sandwiches. Love your combination here!

  • Annie @Maebells August 25, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    I was crazy about that white bean wrap you shared so I am sure I will love this! I am with ya on not turning on the oven. I am smothering!!!

  • Lesley Eats August 25, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    Ooh, this sounds great! And I love arugula on a sandwich. I put it on everything.

  • Isadora August 25, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    I’m also all about the no cook easy and fast dinners! I’m so happy when I can find a sandwich that is dinner worthy and also looks delicious! This one definitely delivers and I can’t wait to try it out!

  • Crystal | Apples & Sparkle August 26, 2014 at 12:38 am

    What a great idea!! I know I would absolutely love this sandwich! Thanks for sharing. : )

  • Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! August 26, 2014 at 11:24 am

    You make the best sandwiches! I love that you’re still in salad and sandwich overdrive – I like knowing that I’m not the only one :). Thanks for another great combo!!

  • Olivia - Primavera Kitchen August 26, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Wow I LOVE this sandwich. I am a huge white beans fan since I was a kid since in Brazil beans are so tradicional and this type of beans is a hit down there!! But, I’ve never eat beans in sandwich. I don’t know why I’ve never thought about that. So clever idea! I can’t wait to try this one 😉

  • Kelly - Life Made Sweeter August 26, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    This sandwich looks fantastic, Leah! I am a big fan of white beans and it sounds amazing with the mozzarella and roasted red pepper! Looks like the perfect light and healthy meal!

  • Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron August 27, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I would never think to put beans on a sandwich, but this looks super delicious! Love the simplicity of it.