Pin It Last summer, my friend Sarah brought this white bean dip to a casual porch gathering, and honestly, I couldn't stop eating it. Something about that creamy texture and bright lemon punch just made everything else on the table fade into the background. Now it's my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly, which happens more often than you'd think.
I made this for my book club last month, and one member texted me three days later saying she'd made it twice already. There's something deeply satisfying about serving something that looks impressive but required zero actual cooking effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans: Cannellini beans hold their shape beautifully but blend into silkiness, and rinsing them well removes that metallic canned taste
- 2 garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives you that aromatic punch without the harshness of pre-minced stuff
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Good olive oil makes all the difference here, so reach for the nice bottle you save for special occasions
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: This brightens everything up and cuts through the bean richness beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Beans need salt to wake up their flavor, so don't be shy with it
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Fresh pepper adds that subtle warmth that pre-ground just can't match
Instructions
- Blend your base:
- Combine the beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in your food processor
- Pulse to perfection:
- Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides so everything gets incorporated evenly
- Taste and tweak:
- Give it a try and adjust with more lemon, salt, or oil until it hits that perfect balance for you
- Add your personality:
- Toss in cumin or fresh herbs if you're feeling fancy, then blend briefly to mix them through
- Finish with flair:
- Transfer to a pretty bowl, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with herbs before serving
Pin It My sister-in-law requested this for her birthday instead of cake, which says everything about how addictive it really is.
Serving Suggestions That Work
I've learned that warm pita bread transforms this into something next-level, but fresh vegetables like cucumber slices and bell peppers make it feel lighter and fresher. Sometimes I even spread it on sandwiches instead of mayo for an unexpected protein boost.
Make It Your Own
Adding a tablespoon of tahini creates this incredible nutty undertone that reminds people of hummus, though the texture stays uniquely creamy and light. Roasted red peppers blended in give it a gorgeous color and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days, actually developing more flavor as the ingredients meld together. The oil might solidify slightly when chilled, but just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and give it a good stir before serving.
- Double the batch and freeze half in an airtight container for emergencies
- Thin leftovers with a splash of water or lemon juice for an instant salad dressing
- Layer it in a jar with roasted vegetables for a stunning make-ahead appetizer
Pin It Hope this becomes your emergency crowd-pleaser like it did for me.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dip actually develops better flavor after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Store in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving. Drizzle with fresh olive oil and herbs right before presenting.
- → What type of white beans work best?
Cannellini beans are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. Great northern beans also work beautifully. Avoid using navy beans, which can become too starchy when blended. Always drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly for the smoothest consistency.
- → How can I make the dip extra smooth?
For the silkiest texture, remove the skins from the beans before blending—simply pinch each bean between your fingers. Adding a tablespoon of tahini also creates a more luxurious mouthfeel while contributing subtle nutty flavor notes.
- → What should I serve with this dip?
Crisp raw vegetables like cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and radishes provide refreshing crunch. Warm pita triangles, crusty bread slices, or gluten-free crackers are classic accompaniments. The dip also works beautifully as a sandwich spread.
- → Can I customize the flavors?
Certainly. Ground cumin adds warm earthiness, while fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill bring brightness. A touch of roasted red pepper blends in beautifully for color and sweetness. Adjust lemon juice and garlic to suit your taste preferences.