Kimchi White Bean Melts

By Cybelle Tondu

Updated September 14, 2026

  • Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
Media 1 of 1
Ready In
10 min
Rating
5(7)
Comments
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Kimchi and cheese are a wildly popular duo for a reason. In these open-face melts, buttery white beans and sourdough toast provide a substantial vehicle for the spicy, funky and gooey combination. Crushing some of the beans bumps up the creaminess and helps the mixture hold together, staying neat and contained while piled high on the bread. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, as kimchi can vary greatly in flavor. One can of beans makes the perfect amount of filling for two melts (which fit perfectly into a toaster oven!) but the recipe can also be scaled up easily. 

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, rinsed and drained

  • 1 cup chopped kimchi, plus any accumulated juices

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

  • 2 scallions, sliced

  • Salt 

  • Unseasoned rice wine vinegar, as needed

  • 2 (¾-inch thick) slices toasted sourdough bread

  • 4 slices Muenster, Colby Jack or American cheese

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

125 grams carbs; 54 milligrams cholesterol; 924 calories; 8 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 13 grams saturated fat; 28 grams fat; 16 grams fiber; 2146 milligrams sodium; 46 grams protein; 9 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Use a fork to lightly mash about one-third of the white beans in a medium bowl. Add kimchi, sesame oil and scallions and stir to combine. Taste and add salt and rice wine vinegar, a little at a time as needed, until the mixture is intensely seasoned. The mixture can be made and stored, covered, in the refrigerator, up to 3 days ahead. 

  2. Step 2

    Heat broiler and position an oven rack so it sits 4- to 6-inches below it. Spoon the bean mixture onto the toast slices and spread in a thick, even layer, then top each toast with two slices of cheese. Place toasts on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the cheese is fully melted. 

  3. Step 3

    Cut each toast in half and serve.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
7 user ratings
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Comments

M

Awesome and very easy!! Next time I will reduce the sesame oil though, it was a little strong. Used pepper jack as the cheese and it was great. This would also make a great cold sandwich, I think.

bagelsandmoxie

Completely grossed out my husband with this but it combines all of my favorite things (but with cheddar).

George

@bagelsandmoxie Can’t wait to try this. My SO asked if I wrote your review. ;-)

M

Awesome and very easy!! Next time I will reduce the sesame oil though, it was a little strong. Used pepper jack as the cheese and it was great. This would also make a great cold sandwich, I think.

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