If there’s one recipe breaking the internet right now, it’s pizza beans — the viral high-protein dinner that turns a humble can of white beans into a bubbling, cheesy, pepperoni-topped masterpiece. Think of it as the love child of your favorite pizza and your favorite cozy bean dip: creamy cannellini beans tossed in pizza sauce, blanketed with low-moisture mozzarella and mini pepperonis, then broiled until golden and bubbly.

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The best part? Each generous serving packs about 25 grams of protein and just ~380 calories. Whether you’re chasing your protein goals, feeding hungry kids, or just want a fast weeknight dinner that tastes like a cheat meal, these pizza beans deliver — with minimal effort and only a handful of pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High-protein powerhouse: Around 25g of protein per serving thanks to the white beans, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
  • Ready in 15 minutes: Five minutes of prep and just 3–5 minutes under the broiler. That’s it.
  • Budget-friendly: Two cans of beans plus pantry staples keep this meal incredibly affordable.
  • Endlessly customizable: Swap in your favorite pizza toppings — mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, sausage, or extra cheese.
  • Kid-approved: It looks and tastes like pizza. Enough said.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini white beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves, for topping
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
Close-up of a spoon lifting bubbly, cheesy pizza beans

How to Make Pizza Beans (Step-by-Step)

  1. Preheat the broiler. Set your oven’s broiler to 450°F and position a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  2. Toss the beans. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the drained cannellini beans with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
  3. Spread evenly. Spread the bean mixture into an even layer so every bite gets its fair share of sauce.
  4. Top with cheese and pepperoni. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the beans, then scatter the mini pepperoni slices on top.
  5. Broil until bubbly. Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Watch closely — broilers work fast!
  6. Rest and serve. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves and serve warm, straight from the dish.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 380 calories and 25g of protein, plus about 12g of fat and 28g of carbohydrates. (Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on the exact brands you use.)

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Tips for Crispy, Bubbly Cheese

  • Use low-moisture mozzarella, not fresh mozzarella — it melts into that perfect golden, stretchy layer without watering down the dish.
  • Pat the beans dry after rinsing so excess moisture doesn’t pool in the dish.
  • Don’t walk away from the broiler. The jump from perfectly golden to burnt can happen in under a minute.
  • Broil in a wide, shallow dish so more cheese gets direct heat and turns irresistibly crisp at the edges.
  • Finish with basil after broiling so the leaves stay bright and fragrant instead of wilting.

Storage & Reheating

To store: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave works in a pinch (about 2 minutes), though the cheese won’t re-crisp quite the same way. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well — the beans can turn mushy after thawing.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes! Cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but great northern beans or navy beans work well too. Avoid chickpeas — they’re a bit too firm for this recipe’s cozy, pizza-like texture.

How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based pepperoni alternative. The beans and cheese already provide plenty of protein.

Can I make pizza beans ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish (beans, sauce, cheese, and toppings) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready, broil straight from the fridge — just add an extra minute or two of cooking time.

If you try these viral pizza beans, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out — and what pizza toppings you added! This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat.