This Canned Pantry Staple Is The Key To More Flavorful Scrambled Eggs

Whether you eat scrambled eggs as part of a cooked breakfast, on toast for lunch, or as a side dish for dinner, there's no denying that they're quick and easy to make. But the next time you crack your eggs into a pan with some milk and butter, why not upgrade them with a certain canned ingredient? That's right, a simple pantry staple can give you an exceptional scramble, and that staple is none other than white beans. Not only are they packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, but they'll also enhance your eggs' flavor.

When mashed or otherwise incorporated into this classic dish, a can of white beans will make the texture more dense and creamy, creating a richer, earthier, and more satisfying meal. Furthermore, their mild profile allows them to handily absorb spices such as cumin and smoked paprika, as well as ingredients like cheese, without overpowering the eggs' natural taste. Of course, white beans won't add much in terms of color, so why not try adding bell peppers, kale, or spinach to ensure your scramble look good on the plate?

Canned white beans come in various shapes and sizes, but a couple specific types work best with scrambled eggs, and those are cannellini and Great Northern. The former, also known as white kidney beans, are large legumes with a nutty, earthy flavor and creamy texture. Their comparatively thicker skin helps them hold their shape during cooking, which means they'll do well in the pan when whisked in with your eggs. Great Northern beans have a more delicate, mild flavor and are also slightly nutty. While they're slightly smaller than the cannellini variety, they also hold their shape well during cooking.

Luckily, canned white beans are usually very affordable, costing between $1 and $3 per can. Most supermarkets sell various brands, such as Eden Foods, Goya, Bush's Best, and DeLallo. Those who prefer organic products might reach for Eden Foods, as it pressure-cooks its white beans without chemical additives and packages them in BPA-free cans. But whatever brand you choose, there are some tips to remember if you want your canned food to taste better. Draining and rinsing canned white beans before adding them to your whisked eggs, for example, will remove some of the excess sodium, preventing your meal from tasting overly salty.