This Beans on Toast Recipe upgrades the classic with chickpeas in garlicky marinara and wilted spinach, served over crusty bread, fried toast, or couscous.
Beans On Toast Recipe
My husband lived in London for a couple of years and one of his go-to meals there was Beans on Toast. Saucy beans served on toast are still total comfort food to him to this day and it’s one of his go-to quick meals.
While this is not a traditional British Beans on Toast (this is more traditional), it’s my take on one of his favorite straightforward meals. The kids love it, he loves it, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s such an straightforward dinner that’s filling, nutritious, satisfying, and so tasty!
Beans On Toast Recipe Main Ingredients
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Great plant-based protein for a balanced, filling meal.
- Baby spinach: Fresh spinach cooks down fast; chop for easier eating, especially for kids.
- Unsalted butter: Lets you control salt levels since marinara is already seasoned.
- Paprika: Adds depth; use smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
Shortcuts
- For the marinara sauce, we highly recommend Rao’s® marinara sauce: (not sponsored). This marinara has a deep, intense flavor, tastes from-scratch, and is thick and hearty. A good marinara sauce makes the biggest difference in this recipe. By using Rao’s, we greatly cut down on ingredients because it has so many additions included (olive oil, onions, garlic, fresh basil, pepper, oregano, etc.).
- Pre-diced onions. Most grocery stores sell diced yellow onions in the produce section of the store. Alternatively, frozen diced onions are often found by the other frozen veggies and can be used in this recipe. Or, use a food processor to quickly chop an onion.
- Garlic. home cooks enjoy Dorot’s® cubes which are crushed garlic that you can keep handy in the freezer and pop into this (and other) recipes when needed. (Check if your local store carries them; they’re typically found with frozen veggies in the grocery store). Another option is to use refrigerated minced garlic.
Beans On Toast Recipe Serving Options
There are three ways to serve these saucy chickpeas. Obviously on toast, but a reliable way is with crusty, slightly crispy fried bread. Let’s break down the options below:
- Toast bread: Toast sourdough (or thick bread) and top with saucy chickpeas, Parmesan, and herbs. Serve right away.
- Over couscous: Use small Moroccan couscous for a quick 5‑minute base. Fluff, bowl it up, and top with saucy beans. Serve with toast for dipping.
- Fried bread: Pan-fry sourdough in olive oil until the edges turn golden and crisp-chewy. Drain on paper towel, salt, then top with saucy chickpeas.
Quick Tip
Once the beans and base are ready, top with Parmesan, fresh herbs (basil or parsley), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Storage
- Make Ahead: The marinara and bean filling stores well and re-heats nicely, making this a great dish to prepare ahead of time.
- Storage: The beans will store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chickpeas on the stove or microwave. Make toast, fried bread, or couscous fresh when serving.
More Chickpea Recipes:
Dinner
Mexican Chickpeas
Lunch
Chickpea Salad Sandwich Recipe
Soups And Stews
Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup
