Name: White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 slices sourdough bread, cut into 1/4″ to 1/2″ cubes; 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; Pinch of freshly ground black pepper; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 12 oz. smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced 1/4″ thick; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 1/2 bunch Tuscan kale, thick stems and ribs removed, chopped; 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional); 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped sage or 1 tsp. dried sage; 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped thyme or 1 tsp. dried thyme; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 (14-oz.) cans cannellini beans, 1 drained and rinsed, 1 with liquid; 1/2 (5.2-oz.) block Boursin cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 148 reviews

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that comes together without fuss but delivers a punch of flavor, you’re going to absolutely love this White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe. I first made this on a chilly weekend when I wanted something cozy yet bright enough to keep from feeling too heavy—trust me, this skillet hits every note! From smoky sausage bites to tender beans swimming in herb-infused sauce, topped with crisp homemade croutons, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and super satisfying. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your skillet turns out just as delicious every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: The smoky sausage combined with herbs and tender white beans creates a rich but not overpowering taste.
Customizable and Flexible: You can easily swap sausage types or add in veggies you love, making it your own.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends.

A round silver pan filled with three main layers visible from top view: the bottom layer is creamy white sauce mixed with white beans, the middle layer is dark green leafy spinach spread unevenly, and the top layer consists of evenly scattered browned sausage slices in rich reddish-brown color. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan touching the food. To the right, a rusty metal baking tray holds scattered golden brown croutons. The entire scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet, hearty sausage and bean skillet, quick sausage and bean dinner, one-pan sausage recipes, easy comfort food skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe comes from simple, quality ingredients working together. I love using fresh herbs and smoky sausage for that cozy flavor, and the sourdough cubes you toast yourself? Game changer for texture! Here’s a rundown on some ingredients and a few shopping tips.

Flat lay of two slices of sourdough bread cut into cubes, a few whole brown smoked sausage slices, a small bunch of chopped deep green Tuscan kale, a peeled shallot bulb finely chopped, three fresh garlic cloves finely chopped, a small sprig of fresh sage, a small sprig of fresh thyme, three oil-packed anchovy fillets finely chopped in a small white bowl, two small white bowls each with extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, one small white bowl holding drained and rinsed white cannellini beans with a few whole beans visible, a half block of creamy white Boursin cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs (to indicate freshness and naturalness), and a small white bowl of kosher salt with black peppercorns scattered nearby, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet, hearty sausage and bean skillet, quick sausage and bean dinner, one-pan sausage recipes, easy comfort food skillet

Sourdough Bread: Choose a sturdy loaf with a good crust so your croutons turn out crunchy and flavorful, perfect for topping the skillet.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth; I always keep a good quality one on hand for cooking and finishing.
Smoked Sausage: I use andouille or kielbasa—both lend that perfect smoky, slightly spicy note that makes this recipe sing.
Shallot: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor that blends beautifully with the herbs and garlic.
Tuscan Kale: I prefer this type of kale for its tender texture once cooked and its deep green color, which brightens the skillet.
Oil-Packed Anchovy Fillets (optional): Don’t let anchovies scare you off! They dissolve into the sauce and add umami richness without any fishiness.
Garlic: Essential for depth and aroma — fresh and finely chopped is the way to go.
Fresh Herbs (Sage & Thyme): I use fresh whenever possible — they add bright, woodsy notes that lift the dish.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: For deglazing and adding moist heat, making sure everything melds perfectly.
Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that give body and protein; draining one can but adding the liquid of the other balances texture.
Boursin Cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts into the beans to add lusciousness and slight tang — totally worth seeking out!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making this White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe my own depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry. You might want to try swapping sausage types or tossing in extra veggies. Don’t hesitate to experiment — that’s how cooks develop their favorite versions! Here are a few variations I personally enjoy.

Meat-Free Version: I once made this with smoked tempeh instead of sausage, and it was surprisingly satisfying — great for a vegetarian twist.
Add More Greens: Spinach or swiss chard work beautifully if you want a slightly different texture or want to use what you have on hand.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce right at the end kicks it up a notch without overshadowing other flavors.
Different Cheese: If you can’t find Boursin cheese, try cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs for a similar creamy tang.

How to Make White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Toasting the Perfect Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and tossing those sourdough cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I like to use about a tablespoon of oil here — just enough to help them crisp up without being greasy. Spread them out on a baking sheet to ensure even toasting, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Keep a close eye toward the end because those croutons can go from golden to burnt quickly — you want that perfect crunch for topping your skillet.

Step 2: Browning the Sausage

While the croutons are in the oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer — no overcrowding here — and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps them brown nicely on one side. Then turn and brown the other side. I discovered that this step really builds flavor and texture, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the sausage to a plate to keep warm.

Step 3: Cooking the Shallots and Kale

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil then toss in your finely chopped shallots with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant — about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add your chopped kale and keep stirring regularly until it just starts to wilt, which takes around 2 more minutes. I love how the kale adds a fresh, slightly earthy tone to the dish while keeping things hearty.

Step 4: Building the Flavor Base

Push the kale aside to make a small space in the center of your skillet, then add your last tablespoon of olive oil. If you’re game, add those finely chopped anchovy fillets here for extra umami punch—trust me, they melt away but bring incredible depth. Toss in the garlic, fresh sage, and thyme and cook gently for about 2 more minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using your spoon to scrape up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Simmering the Beans and Melting Cheese

Add both cans of cannellini beans—don’t forget to drain and rinse one can but keep the liquid from the other for creaminess. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then start mashing a few beans with your spoon to thicken the sauce. This step makes the skillet cozy and creamy without needing extra cream or flour. After about 5 to 7 minutes, stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts completely—this adds a velvety touch that I just adore. Finally, return the browned sausage to the pan and toss everything to combine. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serving It Up

Spoon the white bean and sausage mixture into bowls and pile on those golden homemade croutons right before serving. The croutons add that satisfying crunch contrast to the creamy beans and tender kale that makes each bite so memorable. I honestly think this is where the dish shines—textural balance is everything!

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Pro Tips for Making White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe

Choose the Right Sausage: I always pick smoked sausage with a good fat content—it browns beautifully without drying out and packs that smoky flavor.
Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme make a huge flavor difference compared to dried; if you only have dried, just use a bit less to avoid bitterness.
Watch Your Heat: Keep your skillet at medium to medium-low when cooking the veggies and herbs so nothing burns and everything softens evenly.
Crisp Croutons Matter: Baking your own croutons is worth the effort — they keep their crunch much better than store-bought, even when sitting on top of saucy beans.

How to Serve White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe

A close-up of a creamy stew with several layers visible: the bottom layer is a smooth, light cream sauce, mixed with soft white beans scattered throughout. Above this, dark green leafy vegetables add texture and color contrast. Large slices of browned sausage with a crispy outer edge and reddish-brown color sit on top within the stew. Golden brown croutons are placed on the top layer, adding a crunchy texture. The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet, hearty sausage and bean skillet, quick sausage and bean dinner, one-pan sausage recipes, easy comfort food skillet

Garnishes

I personally love finishing this skillet with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few extra sage leaves on top for an herbal pop. Sometimes I’ll grate a little parmesan if I want an extra cheesy note. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving adds a lovely shine and richness that takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Since the skillet is quite hearty on its own, I like pairing it with something fresh and simple, like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you want something more substantial, a crusty baguette works beautifully for mopping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this right in individual cast iron skillets — it looks so inviting and keeps the meal warm. For brunches, topping it with a poached egg adds richness and makes it a complete meal. It’s also great plated with a drizzle of chili oil for some heat and garnished with microgreens to brighten the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals. I keep the croutons separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This skillet freezes well if you omit the croutons beforehand. I portion the bean and sausage mixture into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed properly in the fridge overnight, it reheats just as deliciously.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the skillet in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. If you have croutons saved, toast them again separately to restore crispness before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in the White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While smoked andouille or kielbasa sausages are classic choices, you can substitute with any smoked sausage you prefer, including turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s sliced evenly to ensure even cooking and that it has a good flavor to complement the beans and herbs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for smoked tempeh, mushrooms, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use a vegan cream cheese in place of Boursin cheese. Keep the anchovies out for a fully vegan skillet.
What is the purpose of the anchovies in this recipe?

Anchovies dissolve into the sauce, adding a deep umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall savoriness without tasting fishy. They’re optional but highly recommended if you want to boost flavor complexity subtly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Reheat croutons separately in the oven or toaster to restore crispness.
Can I use canned beans other than cannellini?

Yes, you can use other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in this skillet.

Final Thoughts

This White Bean and Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that’s both satisfying and full of homey flavor, without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope once you try it, it becomes a staple for you like it has for my family. Give it a go and don’t be afraid to make it your own — I promise it’s as forgiving as it is delicious!