There is something incredibly comforting and vibrant about Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans that makes it my ultimate go-to dish when I want something rich, fresh, and full of personality. This recipe brings butter beans to life with a dreamy combination of silky vegan butter, tangy lemon, and the gentle warmth of garlic, all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy texture that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or a simple yet elegant veggie side, these beans are guaranteed to impress both your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share in the experience.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward but packed with purpose. Each one adds a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish sing in harmony without any extra fuss.

Small shallots: Their mild onion flavor brings a subtle sweetness that layers perfectly with the garlic.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely minced, they add that essential savory punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Vegan butter: This gives the beans their rich, creamy base and helps carry all the beautiful flavors.
Butter beans (canned): The star of the show, tender and creamy, with the liquid included to boost silkiness.
Vegan cream cheese: Adds a luscious tangy creaminess that balances the brightness of the lemon.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to give a bright, zesty lift that enlivens every bite.
Lemon zest: The concentrated oils from the lemon peel add an aromatic burst of flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pleasant pop of green and a touch of earthiness that complements the creamy beans.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Start by finely dicing the shallots and mincing the garlic cloves (a garlic press is a wonderful tool here to really get that garlicky goodness). Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s gently sizzling, then toss in the shallots and garlic. Stir them together and sauté for about 3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the shallots turn soft and translucent. This base is where the magic begins, as the fragrance will fill your kitchen and set the tone for the dish.

Step 2: Simmer the Butter Beans

Next, pour in both cans of butter beans along with the liquid from the cans—the secret to getting the beans really creamy. Stir everything together and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so the beans soften more and some of that liquid thickens and reduces, building the creamy texture that makes this recipe so irresistibly comforting.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Lemon

Now it’s time to add the vegan cream cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the bright lemon zest. Stir these into the pot until everything melts together into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the beans perfectly. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld all the flavors.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Season

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach leaves, letting their warmth wilt them just so. This adds a beautiful green color and a fresh, earthy dimension that balances the richness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that a little pepper goes a long way in bringing out all the complex flavors. Then you’re ready to serve this dreamy dish!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

Garnishes

While the dish itself is spectacular as is, adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives can inject even more freshness and a pop of color on top. A few twists of flaky sea salt or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste if you love a bit of contrast. Feel free to add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an even silkier finish.

Side Dishes

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans shine wonderfully alongside a rustic crusty bread or warm toasted baguette for dipping up all that sauce. They also pair beautifully with simple roasted vegetables or a crisp, light green salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled tofu or a flavorful plant-based sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, spoon the creamy beans over a bed of fluffy polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort plate. You could also stuff them into warm pita pockets or wrap them in soft tortillas with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist. The creamy lusciousness makes it versatile for adding your own personal flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days. This lets you enjoy the dish again without losing any of the bright, comforting notes.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans in a freezer-safe container for longer storage, up to 2 months. However, because of the lemon and cream cheese components, the texture may change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste delicious, especially when reheated gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of plant-based milk or water to restore creaminess if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the delicate flavors and prevent separation of the cream cheese. Warm it slowly until piping hot and enjoy just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butter beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen butter beans can be used, but you’ll want to cook them fully beforehand and add some vegetable broth to mimic the creamy liquid from the can. The canned liquid is key here for texture, so make sure to compensate if using fresh.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! The recipe uses vegan butter and vegan cream cheese, making it completely plant-based without sacrificing any of the creamy, buttery richness.

Can I add other greens besides spinach?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even tender arugula work great as substitutes or additions. Just add them at the end to wilt gently like the spinach.

How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider stirring in some cooked quinoa, bulgur, or even chopped nuts like toasted almonds for extra crunch and protein that complements the soft beans.

What’s the best way to get the lemon flavor just right?

Using both fresh lemon juice and zest is essential to capture the full brightness and aroma of lemon. Don’t skip the zest! Also, add lemon juice gradually to maintain balance without overpowering the creamy base.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a delightful celebration of comfort food with a fresh twist, and I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick weeknight meal or to impress friends with its bright flavor and velvety texture. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite kitchen secrets.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe is a delightful vegan dish combining tender butter beans with a luscious blend of vegan butter, cream cheese, fresh lemon, garlic, and spinach. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, perfect as a comforting side or light main served with toasted bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 cups fresh spinach

Beans & Dairy Alternatives

30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, including liquid)
1/4 cup vegan cream cheese

Fats & Flavorings

3 tablespoons vegan butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
Salt and pepper, to taste (recommend at least 1/2 teaspoon pepper)

Instructions

Prep Aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Using a garlic press is recommended for a finer mince and easier integration into the dish.
Melt Butter: Add the vegan butter to a large pot and melt it over medium heat until sizzling to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir frequently and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
Add Butter Beans: Pour in both cans of butter beans along with their liquid into the pot. Do not strain the liquid as it contributes to the creamy texture. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the beans simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce some of the liquid and allow flavors to meld.
Add Cream Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Bring the pot back to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Wilt Spinach and Season: Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach is just wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
Serve: Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with a thick slice of toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this comforting vegan dish!

Notes

Using the canned bean liquid adds extra creaminess; do not drain the beans.
For extra flavor, fresh lemon zest is preferred over dried lemon powder.
Adjust the garlic quantity if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Vegan American