White Bean Dip

White bean dip is smooth, creamy, and full of subtle, savory flavors. It’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with veggies, bread, or crackers. For more dip options, take a look at my dip recipes.

It’s ideal for anyone who wants to make something tasty and healthy, but doesn’t have much time to spare. 

When you’re done, you’ll have a delicious white bean dip that will be great for snacks and appetizers. It tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff!

What herbs are best in this white bean dip recipe?

In this recipe, I’ve opted for a mix of fresh rosemary, parsley and thyme. There’s a lot of different combinations you can go for.

• Mint – add a fresh fragrant taste to this bean dip for veggies.
• Basil – this herb is full of flavor and will taste great with this recipe, especially if you add some tomato-based ingredients, or pair it with tomato crudités.  
• Oregano – this is an earthy herb with a flavor that packs a punch. Oregano works especially well when paired with garlic, perfect for recipes like this one.
• Chives – a fresh oniony taste will take this recipe in a totally different direction. You could even leave out the garlic for a lighter, fresher flavor.
• Dill – if you’re planning on using this cannellini beans dip with fish snack recipes, dill is a great herb to add. Crispy shrimp recipes like this king prawn butterfly one would taste amazing when dipped in a white bean and dill dipping sauce.
• Rosemary – if you can’t find fresh rosemary, use dried rosemary instead.
• Parsley – dried parsley will work in this recipe if you can’t get hold of fresh parsley.
• Thyme – dried thyme tastes great and is a good substitution if you can’t find it fresh.

Black pepper and garlic really bring a great depth of flavor, but you could also make this dip extra tasty with a few more spices thrown in.

• Cumin – this recipe calls for cumin, an earthy aromatic spice that really adds a great depth of flavor and works well with the garlic and lemon flavors.
• Caraway – this distinctive mild herb will add a subtle anise flavor to this cannellini beans dip
• Curry powder – add a little spicy kick with a tablespoon of curry powder. If you’re making a big batch, add 2 tablespoons.
• Turmeric – a super spice with a mild earthy flavor, turmeric would be a great spice to add. 
• Fenugreek – an underrated spice, fenugreek tastes amazing and will give this dip a subtle depth of flavor.
• Chili powder – a tablespoon of chili powder would add a nice bite to this bean dip. Again, if you’re making a big batch, add 2 tablespoons.
• Ground mustard – if you want an extra bit of heat and tang, a little ground mustard will do the job.

For whole seeds, you’ll need a mortar and pestle to grind them into a powder before adding them into the food processor with the other ingredients.

Other ingredients you could add to a white bean dip

There are a few other ingredients you could throw into the mix. For a bit of sweet heat and a Mexican twist, add some jalapeno peppers. Adjust according to how hot you like it.

You could also leave out the garlic and lemon and instead add lemon aioli. It’ll make it even creamier.

If you want an extra garlic and lemon taste, leave both in and add the aioli. You could also add sriracha aioli for a sweet, hot, garlicky kick.

If you want to experiment, you could also use different types of garlic. Each time you make the dish, try each one and see what works for you.

As well as fresh garlic and garlic granules, you can use garlic powder, garlic spread, garlic salt, minced garlic or black garlic. 

How to make vegan bean dip

Making this white bean recipe is really easy. It just involves blitzing up white beans and mixing them with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper and some fresh fragrant herbs.

The spicy twist is the secret to this white bean dip recipe that really makes it special. Two teaspoons of cumin give it an extra dimension of flavor.

It’ll bring a kind of earthy, spicy taste that will take it from a plain old dip to something a lot more exciting.

Another way to make white bean dip

Instead of putting all the ingredients straight into the food processor, you could first sauté the garlic, herbs and lemon juice in olive oil, before adding them to the blitzed beans.

This will give you a more concentrated flavor. Of course, the dip will be warmer. So, if you don’t want a warm dip, you’ll have to let it cool down for about 20 minutes.

Other ways you can use white bean dip

Dip recipes are the perfect way to complement finger foods and other snacks that need a little extra taste. They make more than just a great tip though.

Have you ever thought about using dips as burger toppings? Just imagine how amazing these minted lamb burgers would taste when topped with a delicious beans dip!

If you thin the dip a little you can use it as a dressing to salad recipes. This pumpkin and feta salad would be extra delicious when combined with your bean dip and a drizzle of olive oil. 

Can you make white bean dip without oil?

You can make cannellini beans dip without using olive oil. Just add a little splash of water in place of the oil. Add little by little until you reach your desired consistency.

If you want to replace the olive oil with healthy natural fats, you can add some avocado. This will give it a creamier texture.  

Can you heat up white bean dip?

If you prefer to serve your dips warm, you can heat it up easily. Just place in an oven safe dish and gently heat for 10–15 minutes at around 350°F (180°C).

Can you freeze white bean dip?

Chances are, you’ll devour this divine dip within a day. If you manage to resist, it’ll store just fine in the fridge for around four days.

If you’ve made a big batch and want to store it for longer, you’ll want to know if this white bean dip is freezable. The good news is yes – you can freeze it, no problem.

Place your remaining dip in a storage container, making sure it’s airtight. Label it with the date, so you know when you froze it.

It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to six months.

Is bean dip good for you?

Beans are great for you! They’re a really good source of fiber for a start. Many of us don’t get enough fiber, so beans make a great addition to your diet.

Fiber keeps you regular and can aid digestion, lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and high cholesterol.

They’re also a great way to get some low-fat, low-calorie protein. A single cup of beans contains around 15g of protein – about twice as much as rice or wheat.

Beans contain a special protein building block called lysine. Lysine is really important – especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, as you might not get enough. 

Beans are also proven to help weight loss. Studies have shown that if you eat beans as your main source of protein, you’re more likely to lose weight.

The other ingredients in this white bean recipe are also great for your health. Cumin is a bona-fide super spice that can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol, prevent diabetes, lower stress and prevent memory loss.

Lemons are packed full of vitamin C, soluble fiber and plant compounds, and can help you lose weight, aid digestion and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats you can use. It’s full of antioxidants and healthy fats and contains anti-inflammatory substances. 

Garlic is also a super healthy ingredient. Aside from keeping vampires at bay, it can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of heart disease.

Blend all these together and you’ve got an incredibly healthy, delicious little dip!

Pita chips with white bean dip

Bean dip recipes like this one go perfectly with pita chips. You can make pita chips easily by cutting a pita into wedges, sprinkling with salt, pepper and herbs, and baking in the oven for about 10 minutes. You could even add garlic for extra flavor.

Once they’re nicely toasted and golden brown, they’ll taste absolutely delicious with a big scoop of white bean dip. 

Crudités with white bean dip

Crudités are raw vegetables that are normally served up on a platter with a variety of dips. Like a lot of great recipes and cuisine, the idea for crudités started in France.

Crudités with bean dips are perfect for parties or when served as an appetizer to a main meal.

Great crudités to serve with recipes like this one include carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, celery, broccoli (especially the stalks!) and lightly steamed asparagus.

What else do you eat white bean dip with?

Here are some tasty recipes to serve with your white bean dip.

• Parmesan parsnips – this tasty, crunchy, sensational finger food will go great with your white beans dip.
• Baked parma ham parmesan croquettes – ok, so they already taste incredible. Add a white bean dip into the mix and you’ve got an off-the-chart tasty snack.
• Parmesan crisps – forget snacking on boring old crisps… try this amazing recipe and take things to a new level by dipping these super-charged crisps into a supremely tasty dip.
• Parmesan arancini – if you’ve never tried arancini, you’re in for a treat. Make it an extra special treat and double up with dip.
• Chia seed bread – spread 2 tablespoons of your divine dip on a slice of homemade bread and slip away to a land of bliss.
• Veggie puffs – a vegetarian delight, mix these veggie puffs with your bean dip.
• Salt and chili chips – chips and dip are all you need. Keep it simple and make this salty spicy recipe, sprinkle over some fresh rosemary, then add your white bean dip into the mix. Pita chips would also taste great, as would any other chips.

More amazing dip recipes

Use your food processor to whizz up some more classic dips.

• Chilli and lime yoghurt dip – a simple yet delicious dip, it’s versatile and fresh. This fresh dip works particularly well with spicy starters like potato bhajis, as well as hot curries.
• Avocado dip – another vegetarian dip, this recipe is creamy heaven! With cream cheese, lemon juice, a little salt and some black pepper, it’s simple yet takes snacks to another level.
• Roasted beetroot dip –  a tasty dip with a little summer sweetness, this one gives you a nice fresh feeling. The pistachios add a little salty, nutty depth, and the Greek yogurt gives it a creamy texture.
• Melitzanosalata – this traditional Greek eggplant dip is fresh and creamy, with a little smoky undertone – it tastes fantastic! The secret is to char the eggplant. It gives this dip a unique flavor.
• Guacamole – a classic vegan dip, this Mexican dip is fresh and tasty. Add tortilla chips to complete the experience!
• Roasted carrot hummus – so simple, yet so moreish! This dip makes the perfect addition to so many snacks and finger foods.
• Taramasalata – make this amazing Greek dip and you’ll never buy the dull store-bought stuff ever again.

What are your favorite dip recipes? Let me know in the comments below!

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