Comedian and TV star Bob Mortimer, aged 67, has shared his signature beans on toast recipe that replaces basic tinned beans with a healthier alternative. The recipe, featured on the show Gone Fishing where he stars alongside Paul Whitehouse, was later reshared on social media by Bold Bean Co., who praised Mortimer as a 'certified BEAN CHAMP.'
Mortimer's recipe uses Queen Butter Beans from Bold Bean Co., which retail at around £3 per jar in most supermarkets. Instead of opening a tin of baked beans, he slow-roasts vine cherry tomatoes with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, then adds the butter beans and their stock to create a rich, jammy sauce. The dish is served on toast—brown bread according to Mortimer, or sourdough as recommended by Bold Bean Co.—topped with crumbled feta cheese and black pepper.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
Bold Bean Co. posted the recipe on social media, describing it as 'slow-roasted toms, garlic, herbs, sumptious, fat, juicy QUEEN BUTTER BEANS + a bit of FETA CHEEEESE.' Fans responded enthusiastically, with one commenting, 'My favourite breakfast is exactly that, but without your beans…. because I never thought to add them!! From now on I will though. I love your beans!' Another added, 'Love this and LOVE Bob Mortimer more than ever now we know he loves a bit of feta!'
Full Recipe: Bob Mortimer's Beans on Toast
Ingredients (Serves two):
- One jar of queen butter beans, along with their stock
- 250g vine cherry tomatoes
- Two to three garlic cloves, whole and with their skin on
- Three to four sprigs of rosemary (alternatively, use thyme, oregano, or a mixture)
- Olive oil
- Two to four slices of bread (brown bread or sourdough)
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the vine tomatoes in a roasting dish with the garlic and herbs, ensuring they are close together to stew and caramelise in their own juices. Drizzle generously with olive oil, season well, and roast for 25–30 minutes until the tomatoes have nearly collapsed and turned jammy. Pour in the butter beans and their stock, stir gently, and return to the oven for six to seven minutes until the beans are hot and coated in tomato juice. Meanwhile, toast the bread. Once the beans are done, squeeze the soft garlic from its skins and mash it lightly onto the toast. Pile on the beans and tomatoes with all the juices, then crumble feta over the top and add black pepper if desired.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic
Mortimer's recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional tinned baked beans, which often contain added sugar and preservatives. By using butter beans, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, the dish provides more protein, fibre, and natural flavours. The recipe is simple to prepare and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an accessible option for a nutritious breakfast or light meal.
