What kind of beans can you substitute for great northern beans?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

While Great Northern beans are a type of white bean that offers a delicate, nutty flavor and a firm yet creamy texture, their nutritional profile is very similar to other white bean varieties. When you're out of these specific legumes, several excellent alternatives can be used without sacrificing the final dish's integrity.

Quick Summary

Excellent great northern bean substitutes include cannellini, navy, and lima beans. The ideal choice depends on the desired texture and flavor, with milder, creamier options best for soups and stews.

Key Points

Cannellini Beans: These are the closest substitute for Great Northern beans, offering a similar mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that holds its shape well in stews and salads.
Navy Beans: Smaller than Great Northern beans, navy beans are ideal for thickening soups and purees due to their soft, creamy texture that breaks down easily when cooked.
Lima Beans: Known for their rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, lima beans (butter beans) are an excellent replacement for casseroles or dishes where a larger, creamier bean is desired.
Pinto Beans: If you're looking for a heartier, earthy flavor profile, pinto beans work well in baked dishes and chili as a substitute for Great Northern beans.
Texture Matters: When substituting, consider if the recipe requires the bean to hold its shape (use cannellini) or thicken the dish (use navy beans).
Mild Flavor: Great Northern beans have a mild flavor, so choose a substitute with a comparable profile (like cannellini or navy beans) to avoid overpowering the dish.

Best Substitutes for Great Northern Beans

When a recipe calls for Great Northern beans, the best substitutes are other white beans that mimic their flavor and texture profile. While each has unique qualities, they can be used interchangeably in most dishes like soups, salads, and casseroles. When choosing, consider if you prefer a bean that holds its shape well or one that breaks down to thicken a dish.

Cannellini Beans: The Closest Match

Cannellini beans are often considered the top substitute for Great Northern beans. They are slightly larger and have a bolder, slightly earthier flavor. With a thicker skin than Great Northern beans, cannellini beans hold their shape exceptionally well during cooking, making them perfect for dishes where you want the beans to remain intact, such as salads and stews. Their creamy interior makes them a versatile choice for many Italian-style recipes.

Navy Beans: Creamy and Small

Navy beans are smaller and more round than Great Northern beans and have a notably creamy, buttery texture when cooked. They also cook a bit faster than cannellini beans, which is ideal if you're short on time. Due to their tendency to break down slightly, they excel at thickening soups, stews, and purees. Their mild flavor easily absorbs the seasonings of the dish, making them a seamless replacement for a variety of comfort food recipes.

Lima Beans (Butter Beans): Rich and Buttery

Larger and flatter than Great Northern beans, lima beans (or butter beans) offer a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture. They are an excellent substitute when you want a larger, smoother bean that adds a touch of indulgence to your dish. Lima beans hold up well in casseroles and mixed vegetable dishes, providing a hearty bite.

Pinto Beans: A Hearty Alternative

Pinto beans are a great substitute for Great Northern beans in baked dishes and casseroles, especially those with a southwestern flair. While they have a different flavor and appearance, their creamy texture and ability to absorb robust spices make them a suitable, earthy-tasting alternative. In recipes where the beans are mashed or pureed, the flavor difference is less noticeable.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Nutty and Firm

For a different texture and flavor profile, chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile replacement. They have a nutty flavor and a firmer bite than Great Northern beans, which makes them a satisfying addition to salads or pureed into a dip like hummus. Keep in mind that their flavor is more distinct, so they may change the overall taste of a delicate dish.

How to Choose Your Substitute Based on Recipe

The best substitute for your recipe depends on the bean's role. Consider these tips:

For creamy soups and stews: Navy beans or cannellini beans are excellent choices. Navy beans will create a thicker, creamier texture, while cannellini beans will hold their shape better.
For hearty salads: Cannellini beans or chickpeas are great options. They offer a firmer texture that won't fall apart when tossed with dressing.
For baked beans or casseroles: Pinto beans or cannellini beans work well. Pinto beans contribute a heartier, earthy flavor, while cannellini beans offer a milder taste.
For pureed dips: Navy beans or chickpeas are your best bet, as they both blend into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Substitute Comparison Table


Bean Type	Size	Flavor Profile	Texture	Best For
Great Northern	Medium, oval	Mild, delicate, nutty	Creamy, tender	Soups, casseroles, salads
Cannellini	Large, kidney-shaped	Mild, nutty, slightly earthy	Creamy, thick skin (holds shape well)	Soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Navy (Pea)	Small, round	Mild, sweet	Soft, creamy (breaks down easily)	Thickening soups, stews, purees
Lima (Butter)	Large, flat	Buttery, rich	Smooth, creamy	Soups, stews, casseroles
Pinto	Medium	Earthy, savory	Creamy, soft	Baked dishes, chili, Tex-Mex
Chickpea (Garbanzo)	Medium, round	Nutty, firm	Firm, crunchy	Salads, dips (hummus), stews

Conclusion

Choosing a substitute for Great Northern beans is straightforward once you know the characteristics of other white bean varieties. Cannellini beans are your closest match in both flavor and texture, while navy beans are perfect for a creamier, thicker consistency. For different flavor profiles, consider pinto beans or chickpeas based on your dish's needs. Remember that canned beans are often interchangeable in a 1:1 ratio, and adjusting cooking times is key when using dried beans. By understanding the nuances of each option, you can confidently swap out Great Northern beans and still create a delicious and satisfying meal. For more information on bean varieties, visit the Bush's Beans article, "Our Guide to the Best Cannellini Bean Substitutes".

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use navy beans as a substitute. Both are white beans with similar mild flavors. However, navy beans are smaller and tend to get creamier and break down more easily, making them ideal for thickening soups.

No, they are not the same, but they are very similar. Cannellini beans are larger and have a slightly thicker skin, which helps them hold their shape better than great northern beans during cooking.

Yes, the cooking time can vary. Smaller beans like navy beans may cook faster than larger beans. If you are using dried beans, always check for tenderness rather than relying on a specific cooking time.

For chili, cannellini beans are a great substitute because they hold their shape well. Navy beans can also work if you prefer a creamier, thicker texture. Some recipes also successfully use pinto beans for a heartier flavor.

Yes, you can typically swap canned cannellini beans for canned great northern beans in a 1:1 ratio. Just be mindful of the slightly different size and texture.

For salads where you need a firmer bean, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are an excellent choice due to their sturdy texture. Cannellini beans also hold their shape very well and are a close alternative.

Most substitutions among white beans won't drastically alter the flavor profile, but minor adjustments may be needed. Beans like pinto beans have a more distinct flavor than great northern beans, so taste as you go and adjust seasonings as necessary.