Borlotti beans substitutes
Borlotti beans substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cranberry beans
Same amount as the borlotti beans
Similar large, speckled beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
The best substitutes for borlotti beans are cranberry beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of borlotti beans | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cranberry beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Pinto beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Kidney beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Cannellini beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Lima beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
Cranberry beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, speckled beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to borlotti beans in flavor and texture.
Pinto beans
similar taste and texture
Similar beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Similar flavor profile but different appearance.
Kidney beans
similar taste and texture
Similar beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Similar flavor profile but different appearance.
Cannellini beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large white beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, pasta, salads
Larger size but similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use cranberry beans instead of borlotti beans?
Yes, cranberry beans are an excellent substitute for borlotti beans. They have a very similar mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture, making them good for the same applications.
What's the difference between borlotti beans and pinto beans?
Borlotti beans are large, pink and white speckled beans with a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture, while pinto beans are smaller, brown and pink speckled beans with a similar mild, nutty flavor. Both work well in similar applications but have different appearances.
Can I make borlotti beans at home?
Yes, you can make borlotti beans at home by soaking and cooking dried borlotti beans. However, this process can be time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid damaging the beans.
How long do borlotti beans take to cook?
Fresh borlotti beans typically take 15-20 minutes to cook after shelling and peeling. If you're using dried borlotti beans, they may take 1-2 hours to cook after soaking overnight.
Tips for substituting borlotti beans
7 tips- Borlotti beans should be soaked overnight before cooking for best texture
- Canned borlotti beans are convenient and can be used directly in recipes
- Borlotti beans pair well with herbs, garlic, and olive oil
- For salads, borlotti beans add protein and texture
- Borlotti beans can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add borlotti beans gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Borlotti beans work well in soups, stews, and casseroles