Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet elegant tart featuring a buttery crust filled with creamy white beans and fresh herbs, baked until golden and crisp. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add 3 tbsp ice water and pulse until the dough begins to clump together.
  2. Step 2: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom, then chill for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.
  3. Step 3: Drain and rinse 1 can cannellini beans, then mash 3/4 cup beans with 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Spread the bean mixture evenly into the chilled tart shell, then brush the top with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and the top is slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (45 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crisp-Topped White Bean and Herb Tart vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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