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Cheesy White Bean Cakes Recipe

Contributors: Janice Bissex, MS, RDN

Reviewers: Academy Staff RDNs

Published: October 24, 2018

Reviewed: January 12, 2026

Cheesy White Bean Cakes Recipe
Rebecca Clyde, MS, RDN, CD

These savory cakes replace crab with cannellini beans for a delicious vegetarian treat! Beans are an affordable, fiber-rich alternative to crab. Serve these tasty cakes alongside salad for a refreshing family dinner.

Ingredients

1 (15½-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
¾ cup dried bread crumbs, divided
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup light canola mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ to 1 cup pasta sauce, warmed

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

  1. Mash beans in a large bowl using a potato masher or the back of a large fork or spoon until smooth but still a bit chunky. Add corn, cheese, ½ cup bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste; mix well to combine.
  2. Shape the mixture into eight ½-inch thick patties and coat with the remaining bread crumbs. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
  3. Serve with warm pasta sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 2 cakes
Serves 4

Calories: 350; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Sodium: 710mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugars: 5g; Protein: 16g.

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