Cannellini beans are the creamy, mild-flavored stars of countless recipes.
Whether you’re whipping up a hearty soup, a robust salad, or a luscious dip, these white beans deliver the perfect mix of texture and taste.
But what happens when you open your pantry and—you guessed it—no cannellini beans in sight? Panic? No way.
The good news is there are plenty of substitutes that will keep your dishes just as satisfying.
The secret to a good swap lies in understanding why cannellini beans work so well. They’re tender without being mushy, have a mild flavor, and soak up other ingredients like a dream.
The alternatives below may vary slightly in taste or texture, but with the right tweaks, they’ll shine just as brightly in your favorite recipes.
7 Dependable Cannellini Bean Substitutes
These substitutes bring versatility to your cooking. Whether you’re aiming for similar flavors, a comparable texture, or a creative twist, there’s an option for every dish.
1. Great Northern Beans – A Near-Twin Choice
If you’re after a substitute that keeps you as close to the original as possible, Great Northern beans are your best bet. They’re also mild and creamy, though a little smaller than cannellini beans. They’re the perfect swap for soups, stews, and casseroles where a subtle flavor plays well.
Substitute these in equal amounts—1 cup of Great Northern beans for 1 cup of cannellini beans—and you won’t notice much difference in taste or texture.
For more white bean options, visit Great Northern bean substitutes to see what else works.
2. Navy Beans – A Creamy Alternative
Navy beans are tiny but mighty, offering a creamy, smooth texture that’s perfect for purees, soups, and baked dishes. Their flavor leans on the milder side, much like cannellini beans, which makes them a solid swap.
Use a 1-to-1 ratio for navy beans in your recipes. Keep in mind that because they’re smaller, they might cook faster—so check for doneness early if you’re making a stew or chili.
Discover more ideas with navy bean substitutes to mix things up.
3. Butter Beans – A Softer Option
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, bring a velvety texture to the table (literally). They’re slightly softer than cannellini beans, so they work best in creamy dishes like purees, dips, or slow-cooked soups. Their mild, buttery flavor complements a variety of recipes.
For most dishes, you can swap butter beans at a 1-to-1 ratio. Just be mindful of their softer texture if you’re aiming for a firmer bite in mixed salads or grain bowls.
Learn more about replacements at butter bean substitutes for more cooking inspiration.
4. Chickpeas – A Nutty Twist
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are different in texture and flavor from cannellini beans, but they can still make a fantastic substitute. They’re firmer and have a slight nuttiness, making them ideal for hearty salads, curries, or even bean spreads.
Use equal amounts, but remember that chickpeas hold their shape a bit more, so they might not be the best choice for recipes that rely on the creamy texture of cannellini beans.
Check out options like chickpea substitutes to keep things versatile in your cooking.
5. Pinto Beans – For Earthier Flavors
Pinto beans bring a slightly earthier flavor profile to dishes, but they’re a great stand-in, especially in soups, stews, or chili. They’re soft, mashed easily, and pair well with similar seasonings, making them a good alternative in Mexican-inspired dishes or hearty main courses.
Use a 1-to-1 substitute ratio for pinto beans to cannellini beans, but expect your dish to have a deeper, slightly smoky flavor that can work beautifully.
Explore more ideas with pinto bean substitutes to suit your recipes.
6. White Kidney Beans – The Similar Swap
White kidney beans live in the same family as cannellini beans—they’re just slightly smaller and a touch softer. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them an almost identical swap for cannellini, especially in soups, pasta, or side dishes.
Substitute them in equal amounts, keeping the flavor profile of your dish perfectly balanced. Whether baked or stewed, they’re an easy fix when you’re out of cannellini beans.
Visit kidney bean substitutes for different varieties to explore.
7. Black-Eyed Peas – For a Unique Take
Black-eyed peas might not be the first thing you think of, but these legumes can hold their own as a cannellini bean substitute. They’re firm, creamy, and slightly nutty—a bit more distinct in flavor but still highly adaptable. Black-eyed peas shine in soups, stews, and casseroles and add a twist to traditional recipes.
Use them in equal amounts and taste-test as you cook to ensure the flavor works with other ingredients. Their uniqueness might even win you over.
For more ideas, check out black-eyed pea substitutes for fresh inspiration.
