This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Ready for a quick and satisfying breakfast in just 20 minutes or less? Look no further than this mouthwatering Smoky Beans on Toast recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this dish is perfect for busy mornings when you need a filling meal to start your day off right.
Beans on toast is an amazing breakfast food for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's super easy and quick to make. You can have a delicious and filling breakfast with minimal effort.
So that means you can hit the snooze button a few more times and still have time for breakfast. Plus, the protein and fiber in the beans will help keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
Another great thing about beans on toast is that it's versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding different spices, veggies, or toppings. The possibilities are endless, so you can keep things interesting and never get bored.
Oh, and of course you can enjoy this meal for lunch and dinner or a late-night snack, too. It'll always hit the spot!
Ingredients Needed
Here's what you'll need to make the best beans on toast recipe and helpful substitute ideas:
- Beans - great northern or navy beans would be my first choice, but you can also use cannellini beans.
- Red onion: yellow onion or shallots will work well too.
- Garlic: fresh is best, but you can also use a ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic.
- Tomato paste: if you don't have it you can use passata or unsweetened ketchup.
- Smoked Paprika: replace with regular paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.
- Cumin: replace with chili powder for depth of flavor.
- Chili Flakes: A dash of cayenne or hot sauce will add a nice kick too.
- Vegetable broth: I like to use a flavorful broth such as Better Than Bouillon vegetable base.
- Brown sugar: agave or maple syrup will work too.
- Blackstrap Molasses: this adds such a wonderful robust flavor to the beans, but if you don't have it, you can omit it (don't use regular molasses).
- Tamari: replace with soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Apple cider vinegar: red or white wine vinegar will work but I would reduce the amount by half so it doesn't overpower the other flavors.
- Bread: a sturdy variety such as my no-knead artisan bread is recommended. You don't want to use soft bread because it will likely fall apart.
How to make Beans on Toast
Alright, so here's how you make a delicious batch of Beans on Toast
- 1 - Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet then sauté onions until softened.
- 2 - Add the garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 3 - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30-60 seconds until slightly darkened.
- 4 - Add the spices and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5 - Add the broth, sugar, molasses, tamari, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a mild simmer.
- 6 - Add the beans and stir to combine.
- 7 - Gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed.
- 8 - Lightly toast the bread then top each piece with a spoonful of beans.
Make-Ahead + Storing
Make-Ahead - To make things even easier, you can make the beans the night before and just heat them in the microwave or stovetop for 1-2 minutes the next morning.
Storing - Place the beans in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for 2-3 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight.
Topping Ideas
These beans are flavorful and filling all on their own, but toppings are never a bad idea: Here are some ideas to try:
- Grilled Tomatoes: Slice a tomato and grill it until slightly charred for a smoky-sweet and savory addition to your beans on toast.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in vegan butter and garlic for an umami-packed topping.
- Vegan Bacon: Add some crispy vegan bacon bits for a salty and smoky flavor. If you can't find them you can make my rice paper vegan bacon recipe and crush it up.
- Vegan Cheese: A sprinkle of this vegan parmesan or mozzarella shreds are a heavenly addition.
- Sliced Avocado: Add a few slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. It's SO good!
- Fresh Herbs: Add some chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Hot Sauce: add a few dashes on top for a spicy kick.
- Pickled Onions: top with quick pickled red onions for a tangy and subtly sweet crunch. Pickled jalapeños are a tasty addition too and will add a little kick.
- Vegan Yogurt: Add a dollop of vegan Greek-style yogurt or vegan sour cream for a creamy and tangy finish.
FAQs
Beans on Toast is a beloved staple of British cuisine that has been around for over a century. During World War II, the working class was struggling to put food on the table and canned beans were an affordable and nutritious option, and toast was a common breakfast food. So, it's no surprise that the two were combined to create the iconic dish that we know and love today.
More breakfast recipes to try
Here are a few more breakfast recipes that are easy to make and delicious!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!
⭐️ Subscribe to the Vegan Huggs Newsletter and receive weekly recipes straight to your inbox! You'll also receive my FREE eCookbook featuring my top 10 recipes.
Recipe
Smoky Beans on Toast
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or preferred cooking oil
- 1 small red onion , finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vegetable broth , low sodium
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- 1 tablespoon tamari , low sodium (sub soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 15-ounce can great northern beans or navy beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 2-4 slices rustic bread
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden. About 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30-60 seconds until slightly darkened.
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broth, sugar, molasses, tamari, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a mild simmer.
- Add the beans and stir to combine. Gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed.
- Lightly toast the bread then top each piece with a spoonful of beans. Enjoy!
Notes
- See the post above for step-by-step photos, extra tips, topping ideas, and FAQs
G
This recipe was fantastic! Will definitely be on regular rotation.
Melissa Huggins
I'm so happy it was a hit. Thank you for sharing feedback. 🙂
Margo
So delicious! Vegans and non vegans alike loved them. I added black vinegar by accident (thought it was soy sauce) and a few squirts of liquid smoke. I used two can beans, one cannellini and one black beans. Making again today! Yum yum. Thank you!
Melissa Huggins
You're welcome, Margo! I'm so happy the recipe was a hit! Thank you for trying the recipe sharing wonderful feedback. 🙂
Natalie
I’ve never had a breakfast like this and now I’m hooked! I prepared it the night before and warmed it the next day. So savory and filling. Thanks!
Melissa Huggins
You are welcome, Natalie.I am so happy you loved it. 🙂
Nicole
This looks delicious! I need to make and freeze portions for easy and fast breakfasts! Thank you!
Melissa Huggins
You are welcome, Nicole. 🙂