• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Kitchen Prep Blog

Easy Recipes with a Fresh Twist

  • Home
  • About Dianna
  • Recipe Index
  • Work With Me
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Dianna
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers

    White Bean Dip

    Published: Jul 6, 2021 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    White Bean Dip! This smooth and creamy dip is perfect for serving with pita chips or vegetables as an appetizer or as a part of a Mediterranean spread.

    White Bean Dip in a white ramekin atop a turquoise plate with pita chips scattered around.

    Note: This recipe was originally published on April 1, 2011 and updated on July 6, 2021.

    Are you a fan of hummus or other smooth and creamy bean dips? Then you'll love this simple White Bean Dip!

    Cannellini beans are blitzed with other flavorful ingredients in the food processor for a simple dip or spread that comes together in a snap. Use it as a sandwich spread or as a healthy, protein-packed snack served with your favorite crunchy dippers.

    Ingredients

    One of my favorite things about this white bean dip is that it's basically made up of pantry staples and ingredients that I always have on hand, so it makes for a perfect last minute recipe.

    • Cannellini beans. I always have a can or two of these white kidney beans in my pantry to add to soups, stews and salads. They're creamy and delicious!
    • Garlic. Love garlic? Feel free to go heavy handed for extra flavor in this dip.
    • Onion powder. I ran out of onion powder and used onion salt in its place and it worked perfectly.
    • Greek yogurt. Rich and creamy, yogurt adds a little tang and a smooth texture.
    • Olive oil. Choose an olive oil with a flavor that you enjoy as it will be detectable. You may omit olive oil if you prefer, but the dip will be less silky.
    • Lemon juice & zest. I love adding lemon to all kinds of recipes for a pop of bright flavor!
    Hand dipping a pita chip into White Bean Dip.

    While these basic ingredients make up the base of this recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins for extra flavor and different variations. A few good options include:

    • Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, dill, basil or parsley
    • Sundried tomatoes or roasted red peppers
    • Marinated artichoke hearts
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Pesto or olive tapenade

    Directions

    Making this dip could not get any easier! You can toss everything into the bowl of a food processor and blend it until the desired consistency is reached, but I prefer combining the ingredients in this order:

    1. Place the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, garlic, onion powder and yogurt in the bowl of a food processor.

    2. Add the lemon juice. Place the lid on the food processor and pulse the mixture together until everything begins to combine.

    Collage of the steps for making White Bean Dip.

    3. If your food processor has a feed tube, drizzle in the oil while processing. Otherwise, just remove the lid, add the olive oil and continue processing until the desired smoothness is reached.

    White Bean Dip in a white ramekin with olive oil and herbs on top.

    4. Just before serving, drizzle with remaining olive oil and fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crunchy pita chips or with raw veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers or carrots!

    FAQ's

    What are cannellini beans?

    Cannellini beans are also known as white kidney beans. They're tender with a nutty, earthy flavor and retain their shape and texture well, making them ideal for salads, soups, stews, and chili. They are used in many Italian dishes such as Minestrone and Ribollita.

    Can I use another type of bean for white bean dip?

    Absolutely. Great northern beans or even butter beans could work, although the flavor and texture may be a bit different. White bean dip made with chickpeas is hummus!

    Can I use home-cooked beans instead of canned?

    Sure! I hardly ever cook beans from scratch because it's so easy to open up a can for recipes, but if you like to cook your own beans, feel free to use them here. Never cooked your own beans but want to try? Give this recipe a go.

    How long does white bean dip keep?

    In an airtight container, homemade white bean dip should keep in the refrigerator about 3-4 days.

    Can I make this white bean dip vegan?

    Yes! Just omit the Greek yogurt and add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, or substitute your favorite vegan "sour cream" or yogurt if desired.

    More Dip Recipes

    Dips like this one are such an easy thing to whip up last minute for parties or as an everyday snack! Check out these other easy dip recipes:

    • Dill Pickle Dip
    • Cuban Black Bean Dip
    • Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
    • Meyer Lemon Mascarpone Fruit Dip
    White Bean Dip in a white ramekin atop a turquoise plate with pita chips scattered around.

    White Bean Dip

    The Kitchen Prep
    This simple white bean dip comes together in minutes and is great for serving with pita chips, fresh vegetables or as a spread for wraps!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Chilling Time 2 hrs
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
    • 2 small garlic cloves
    • ¼ cup plain Greek whole milk yogurt
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder or onion salt
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ cup olive oil divided

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients except olive oil into food processor.
    • Process ingredients, streaming in 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth consistency is reached.
    • Place in a serving bowl. Cover and chill to allow flavors to marry, if desired.
    • Before serving, drizzle with remaining olive oil and fresh herbs, if desired.

    Notes

    • This dip can be eaten immediately or chilled to allow the flavors to marry. It's delicious either way! 
    • Looking for a vegan white bean dip? Simply omit the yogurt or use a dairy-free version.
    « Dill Pickle Dip
    Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Dianna. I used to think cooking had to be complicated to be good, so I never considered it "my thing." Now I know that's far from true, and my mission is to create & share easy, mouthwatering recipes - from weeknight dinners to simple bites for entertaining - that anyone can make! Join me in my South Florida kitchen and let's get cooking!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Fork and knife cutting into a stuffed cubanelle pepper.
      Stuffed Italian-Style Cubanelle Peppers
    • Benedictine Spread for Kentucky Derby in a white bowl with a piece of pumpernickel toast in the foreground slathered with spread.
      Benedictine Spread - A Derby Classic
    • Close up of Italian Easter Cookies on a light blue platter.
      Italian Love Knot Cookies
    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
      Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta

    As Seen In

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy

    Subscribe

    • Sign Up! and get recipes delivered to your inbox.

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    Copyright © 2023 · The Kitchen Prep ·