
A vibrant and healthy vegetarian side dish featuring burst cherry tomatoes, tender green beans, and a creamy white bean base, all topped with a crispy cheddar breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple Sunday roast accompaniment.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6). Place the cherry tomatoes in a roasting tin or casserole dish; if they are on the vine, leave them attached to enhance the flavor. Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, thyme leaves, and the finely chopped red onion. Season with salt and pepper, then roast for 15–20 minutes until the tomatoes just begin to burst.
While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the gratin components. In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, and a generous grinding of black pepper. In a second bowl, mix the ricotta with the canned white beans and their liquid. Use a fork to lightly mash about half of the beans into the ricotta to create a creamy, chunky base.
Remove the roasting tin from the oven. Add the sliced garlic, trimmed green beans, and the ricotta-bean mixture, stirring well to combine with the roasted tomatoes. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Serve immediately.
For a vegan alternative, replace the ricotta and cheddar with plant-based soft cheese and vegan hard cheese. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bean mixture before the final bake.





