Name: Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 large onion, roughly chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; Extra-virgin olive oil – 1/8 cup for sautéing + extra for finishing; 6 Tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) water; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed (or the largest beans you can find); Kosher salt (about 1/2 teaspoon total, divided); 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish; 1/2 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 dried bay leaf; Creamy feta cheese, crumbled; Rustic bread

Jump to Recipe·4 from 42 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a true taste of the Mediterranean to your table, you absolutely must try this Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe. It’s a heartwarming dish packed full of tender, buttery beans baked in an aromatic tomato sauce bursting with fresh herbs and subtle spices. This recipe combines humble ingredients that come together to create a cozy comfort food with layers of flavor and a beautiful rustic presentation. Perfect as a main or side, Gigantes Plaki is genuinely one of those Greek dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate filled with large white beans is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by various small white bowls and loose ingredients. To the left of the plate, a small white bowl holds bright red chopped tomatoes in sauce, while a smaller white bowl contains two white blocks of soft cheese. Above, there is a cluster of three garlic cloves, a fresh orange carrot, and a small white bowl with different spices mixed in four sections showing brown, red, black, and green colors. A white scalloped bowl holds fresh green parsley leaves, and a small white bowl contains fresh chopped herbs. Nearby, a long green celery stick lays horizontally next to a small glass of clear liquid and a dried bay leaf. A small wooden bowl with white salt sits near a small white bowl with golden yellow olive oil. Finally, a piece of sliced baguette with a golden crust rests on the left side. All items are arranged neatly over the smooth white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Gigantes Plaki recipe are wonderfully simple yet each one plays a vital role in building the depth of flavor, color, and texture that makes this dish so irresistible. From the creamy beans to the fresh herbs and warm spices, these ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only wholesome but truly memorable.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity foundation and a silky mouthfeel to the dish.
1/2 large onion (roughly chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and body to the tomato base.
1 large carrot (peeled and roughly chopped): Brings a subtle natural sweetness along with texture.
1 celery stalk (roughly chopped): Adds aromatic freshness and a slight crunch.
2 large garlic cloves (minced): Gives a savory punch and wonderful fragrance.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): The luscious base of the sauce that anchors the beans beautifully.
6 tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) water: Helps balance the sauce consistency during cooking.
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley: Adds vibrant color and fresh herbal brightness.
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Lends subtle earthy notes, deepening the flavor profile.
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean warmth and aroma.
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick of heat that lifts the entire dish.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild pungency to balance sweetness.
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces an unexpected warmth and subtle complexity.
1 dried bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a delicate herbal fragrance.
1 (15-ounce) can butter beans (drained and rinsed): The star ingredient with creamy, giant beans that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Creamy feta cheese (crumbled): Adds a salty tang and luscious texture when served.
Rustic bread (for serving): Ideal for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

How to Make Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe

A black pan filled with a colorful mix of diced red tomatoes, bright orange carrot pieces, chopped green celery, and translucent white onions. There is a single large dried bay leaf resting on top near the center. A wooden spoon with a natural wood texture is placed inside the pan, angled from the right side with a woman's hand holding the spoon. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the vegetables look fresh and chunky, with a few scattered green herbs mixed in. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by positioning a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 375°F. This ensures the beans and sauce will bake evenly and develop that signature golden top.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1/8 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roughly chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic with a pinch of kosher salt to balance their natural sweetness. Stir often and cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the savory flavor base that the sauce will rest on.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the measured water. Sprinkle another pinch of salt, then add your fresh parsley, thyme leaves, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cinnamon, and the dried bay leaf. Stir everything together to marry the flavors before moving on to the star ingredient.

Step 4: Stir in the Giant Beans

Gently fold in the drained and rinsed butter beans, allowing them to soak in the bubbling sauce as you cook everything for an additional 5 minutes over high heat. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed before transferring the skillet to the preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfection

Bake the beans uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely and the top layer turns a light golden brown. This slow baking melds the flavors and gives the beans that delightful tender yet slightly firm texture that makes Gigantes Plaki so special.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and add a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Crumble creamy feta cheese over the top just before serving, and don’t forget the rustic bread for savoring every last bit of that gorgeous sauce.

How to Serve Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe

Garnishes

Simple fresh parsley adds a burst of color and brightness to the dish’s rustic look, but crumbled feta cheese is the real showstopper garnish. It brings salty creaminess that perfectly balances the earthy, herby sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty rustic bread, which is perfect for dipping into the sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness of the beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive presentation, serve Gigantes Plaki in individual earthenware dishes or colorful ceramic bowls. Top with a flourish of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side for an added pop of flavor and elegance at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Gigantes Plaki keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers a delightful treat for lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and consider leaving out the feta, adding it fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it back up.

FAQs

What beans are best for Gigantes Plaki?

Butter beans (also known as lima beans) are traditional for this dish because of their large size and creamy texture. If fresh giant white beans are available, those work wonderfully as well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese garnish or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly Gigantes Plaki.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The beans and vegetables themselves are naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what bread you serve—choose a gluten-free option if needed to keep the meal entirely gluten-free.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?

The amount included in the recipe adds a mild warmth without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust or omit red pepper flakes to suit your perfect level of spiciness.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak dried giant white beans overnight and cook them until tender before starting the recipe. Using dried beans will enhance the texture but requires extra time upfront.

Final Thoughts

This Gigantes Plaki (Greek-Style Baked Giant Beans) Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels comforting and elegant at the same time. With its heart-warming flavors and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a cozy night in. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try; it will become one of your cherished go-to meals that captures the spirit of Greek home cooking beautifully.