Beans on Toast, But Make It Michelin

Beans on toast is a beloved British classic. According to YouGov, it’s the ninth most popular dish in the UK, outranking other lunchtime staples like tomato soup, scampi, and tuna mayonnaise sandwiches. It’s easy to see why: beans on toast is hearty, comforting, and the perfect no-fuss meal for busy days.

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People have strong opinions about how it should be served. For some, the dish is best kept simple, with warm baked beans spooned over buttered toast. “When having beans on toast, don’t drown your toast with beans, this is not your local lido,” British etiquette coach William Hanson told The Guardian. “A good butter—unsalted, of course, because we’re not heathens—will ensure it keeps its crisp crunch.”

For an extra hit of flavor or umami, many add a sprinkle of cheese or black pepper. Top British chef Gordon Ramsay takes it even further. “Chili flakes, garlic, Tabasco sauce, hot sauce. Sourdough bread—grilled—baked beans on top, with a duck egg, covered with parmesan and gratinated under the grill,” he told Bon Appétit.

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With a few easy swaps, like a vegan egg or tofu and dairy-free parmesan, Ramsay’s take can be made entirely plant-based. But you don’t have to stop there. Below, we’ve rounded up several vegan recipes that elevate beans on toast to something special. From gochujang to miso gravy, these are top-tier brunch dishes you’ll want to make again and again. 

How to make the best beans on toast

Beans are one of the most versatile and nutritious plant-based ingredients. They’re packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Traditionally, baked beans on toast are made with haricot or navy beans in tomato sauce, often from Heinz, but there are no rules about which variety you should use.

According to Sophie Waplington, recipe developer, personal trainer, and author of the new cookbook Soph’s Plant Kitchen, butterbeans have a “gorgeous texture,” while black beans offer an “earthy, nutty flavor” that “pairs perfectly with spices.” To elevate beans on toast, she suggests adding seasonal roasted vegetables, slaw, or frying up some tofu with garlic and salt and serving it on top for an extra protein boost.

Amy Lanza, recipe developer, founder of Nourishing Amy, and author of Nourishing Vegan Every Day, agrees that experimentation is key when it comes to great beans on toast.

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“There are so many types of beans, so you can play around and find out which one works best for your recipes,” she says. “Make sure to season your beans, and use the freshest tomatoes to make the sauce the tastiest. I also love to serve them with dairy-free cream cheese spread onto sourdough. The bread is just as important.”

“My top tip is to buy high-quality beans for the best recipes, they really make a world of difference. Look for ones in just bean water and salt, and the glass jars tend to be tastier and juicier,” Lanza adds. “They don’t take much cooking at all. If you’re making a saucy dish, use the bean water they come in to make a luscious and creamy sauce, or if you are using them uncooked, rinse them and you are ready to go.”

7 elevated vegan beans on toast recipes

Ready for some over-the-top, ultra-delicious beans on toast recipes? Let’s dive in.

Nourishing Amy

1 Miso Sticky Tomato Beans on Toast

In this umami-packed beans on toast recipe, Lanza combines cannellini beans with miso paste, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh chives to create a rich, flavorful topping. Served on sourdough toast with vegan cream cheese, herbs, and walnuts, it’s a truly delicious twist on the classic British dish.
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Vegan Huggs

2 Butter Beans on Toast

If you love cheesy beans on toast, you’ll adore this recipe from Vegan Huggs. It features creamy butter beans piled onto crusty bread and topped with tofu ricotta. “This recipe is made with everyday ingredients, and every bite is packed with mouth-watering flavor—satisfying but not heavy—while the rustic bread soaks up every delicious drop,” writes recipe developer Melissa Huggins. “You’ll be hooked.”
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Nourishing Amy

3 Tomato Gochujang Beans on Toast

Another delicious offering from Lanza, this flavorful beans on toast recipe combines garlic, fresh tomatoes, and gochujang paste for a true flavor bomb. “Beans are just so versatile,” says Lanza. “I love cooking with them as they lend themselves so well to a wide range of cuisines. They absorb lots of flavor, so you can add herbs, spices, sauces, and more to create something amazing.”
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Lucy and Lentils

4Curried Butter Beans on Toast

These ultra-creamy curried butter beans from Lucy and Lentils come together with just a few key ingredients: butter beans, tomato purée, shallots, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. “If you don’t have coconut milk, you can swap in vegan cream, but be sure to add plenty of lime juice and coconut oil to achieve a really rich flavor,” advises recipe developer Lucy Parker.
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Up Beet Kitchen

5 Cozy Beans, Greens, Mushrooms, and Miso Gravy on Toast

Why have just beans on toast when you can have beans, greens, mushrooms, and miso gravy on toast? This recipe from Up Beet Kitchen is delicious and comforting all year round. “Nothing beats a thick slice of hearty whole grain sourdough bread topped with umami-rich gravy, chickpeas, and veggies for lunch or quick dinner,” writes recipe developer Allison Penner.
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The New Baguette

6 Tuscan Beans on Toast

Beans on toast might be a British staple, but arguably it tastes best with an Italian twist. In this tasty recipe, Alexandra Shytsman of The New Baguette combines white beans, oregano, shallots, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil for a flavor-packed brunch. “These creamy Italian white beans—inspired by a classic dish known as fagioli all’uccelletto—are a little sweet, a little tangy, garlic-forward, and just plain cozy,” says Shytsman.
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Munching With Mariyah

7Spicy Butter Bean Toast

Finally, if you love a little spice, you’ll enjoy this spicy butter bean toast from Munching With Mariyah. It combines pantry staples like lemon juice, garlic, butter beans, and red pepper flakes with vegan pesto and dairy-free ricotta to create a delicious and satisfying dish. According to recipe developer Yasmeen Ali, “it basically tastes like a pesto pizza.”
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