If you have a craving for something warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, then you are going to love this Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe. It’s a cozy dish featuring a creamy, protein-rich filling made with tender white beans, earthy mushrooms, vibrant peas and carrots, and just the right touch of fresh thyme, all cuddled under a beautifully golden, flaky crust. This recipe brings together simple yet essential ingredients that balance flavors and textures perfectly – making it an absolute favorite for chilly evenings or anytime you want to treat yourself to some nourishing comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but crucial ingredients sets the stage for this hearty pot pie. Each one plays a vital role—from the umami richness of cremini mushrooms to the creamy texture given by white beans, plus the mix of veggies adding color and nutrition.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a luscious base for sautéing and enriches the filling’s flavor and mouthfeel.
- Cremini baby bella mushrooms (10 ounces): Offers deep, earthy taste and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- Celery (2 medium stalks, diced): Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, aromatic undertones.
- Garlic powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances savory complexity without overpowering.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors just right.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mild spice to deepen the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce; swap with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Unsweetened almond milk (2 cups): Creates a velvety, dairy-free base; feel free to use your favorite milk alternative.
- White beans (1 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained): Packs protein and creaminess to keep the filling hearty and satisfying.
- Mixed peas and carrots (1 12-ounce bag): Adds sweetness, color, and freshness with zero hassle—no need to thaw!
- Frozen pearl onions (½ cup): Provide pops of sweetness and a mild bite without extra prep.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped) or dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an herbaceous note that elevates all the vegetables.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavor with a subtle tang, balancing out the creaminess.
- Prepared pie crust: The crowning glory of this pot pie; opt for dairy-free or whole wheat versions as preferred.
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Ensures a glossy, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Start by positioning your oven rack in the lower third and preheating the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with baking spray. This step ensures your pot pie will bake evenly and come out cleanly when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high, melting the butter until shimmering. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring now and then, to coax out their natural juices and develop a beautiful, caramelized color. Toss in the diced celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. This combination creates a harmonious aroma that signals flavor is building wonderfully.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Sprinkle the flour evenly over your bubbling vegetables. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the almond milk in small increments while stirring constantly, which prevents lumps and encourages a silky texture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any savory brown bits from the pan’s bottom—it’s pure flavor magic! Let the sauce thicken for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick or burn.
Step 4: Add Beans, Veggies, and Seasonings
Stir in rinsed white beans, peas and carrots, frozen pearl onions, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. These additions not only boost the taste but add beautiful pops of color and texture that make every bite delightful and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Pot Pie
Transfer the luscious mixture into your prepared pie dish. Roll out the pie crust into a circle slightly larger than your dish, then brush the dish’s edges with the egg wash to help the crust stick. Gently place the dough over the filling, trimming any excess to about half an inch beyond the dish edge. Press the crust onto the sides to seal the filling inside, then paint the top with the remaining egg wash for that signature shine. Cut five small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pie on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills, then slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through for even browning, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling inside is hot and bubbly. Let the pot pie rest for a few minutes once out of the oven—this waiting time helps the filling settle perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top adds a vibrant green freshness and an extra herbal touch that makes the pot pie feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pot pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of homemade tomato soup. Both add brightness and balance to the richness of the filling and crust.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual pot pies in small ramekins topped with mini pastry lids. Alternatively, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze across each slice before serving to add a tangy contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe tastes best fresh when the crust is at its crispiest, but leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain flavor and moisture.
Freezing
The filling can be prepared and frozen for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy. To prevent a soggy crust, add the pie crust right before baking your pot pie fresh from the fridge or freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the microwave for convenience or pop them in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Oven reheating helps restore some of the original crispness of the crust and ensures the filling is heated evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans in this pot pie?
Absolutely! While white beans offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that fits perfectly, you can try cannellini or navy beans if you prefer. Just ensure they’re cooked and drained well to maintain the right filling consistency.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for olive oil and choose a dairy-free pie crust. The almond milk used keeps the filling creamy without dairy, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I make the pot pie gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your preferred gluten-free flour for the filling thickener and select a gluten-free pie crust. These swaps keep the pot pie delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works wonderfully here. Use about one-third the amount of fresh thyme called for since dried herbs are more concentrated. It will still impart that lovely herbaceous flavor.
How can I make this recipe quicker?
Use pre-sliced mushrooms and frozen mixed vegetables to save chopping time. Additionally, preparing the filling a day ahead allows flavors to meld and speeds up assembly when you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe is truly a treasure—easy to make, nourishing, and filled with comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Go ahead and dive into this cozy classic with a wholesome twist; your taste buds will thank you!
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Vegetarian White Bean and Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe
This cozy vegetarian pot pie features a creamy and healthy filling packed with white beans, carrots, peas, mushrooms, and a flavorful thyme and balsamic vinegar seasoning. It’s a comforting, protein-rich meal encased in a flaky pie crust, perfect for a wholesome dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces cremini baby bella mushrooms
- 2 medium stalks celery, diced (about a slightly heaping 1/2 cup)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (swap 1:1 gluten free flour to make GF)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 (15-ounce) can reduced sodium white beans, rinsed and drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked white beans)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag mixed peas and carrots or mixed frozen vegetables of choice (no need to thaw)
- ½ cup frozen pearl onions (no need to thaw)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Pie Crust and Topping
- 1 prepared pie crust (dairy free if needed; used whole wheat pie crust)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water (to create an egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pie Dish: Place an oven rack in the lower third and preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch pie dish with baking spray and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Vegetables: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add butter, then mushrooms, and cook for 6 minutes until beginning to brown, stirring occasionally. Add diced celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook about 3 more minutes until mushrooms brown further and celery softens.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook 2 minutes until white disappears and vegetables appear dry. Slowly pour in almond milk in small splashes, stirring constantly. Bring to a low boil, scraping browned bits from the pan bottom. Let bubble until thickened for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in white beans, peas and carrots, frozen pearl onions, thyme, and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared pie dish. Roll out pie dough into a circle large enough to cover the dish. Brush edges of the dish with egg wash, place dough over the top, allowing it to overhang by 1/2 inch. Trim edges and gently press dough onto sides to seal. Brush entire top with remaining egg wash and cut 5 slits in the crust to vent steam.
- Bake the Pie: Place pie dish on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly and crust is deeply golden, rotating the pan halfway through baking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pot pie rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating). Add crust just before baking.
- TO STORE: Best eaten the day made for crisp crust. Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Warm gently in microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.
- TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE: Use gluten free flour and a gluten free pie crust.
- TO MAKE VEGAN: Substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free pie crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian