White Bean Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that requires just a few ingredients and five minutes prep time! It’s thick and creamy, and with three different variations included in the recipe, there’s something for everyone at your holiday or game day party!
This post is sponsored by Dominion as part of the #foodloversunite campaign. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Crumb Top Baking possible.
Holiday Entertaining
It’s a little over a week until Christmas! How did that happen? This year flew by quicker than any other for me, and now we’re just a few days away from the most wonderful time of the year.
Are you ready?
If you find yourself running short on time this holiday season, don’t worry. I’m right there with you. That’s why this year I’m committed to making life a little easier in the entertaining department.
One of the ways I’m doing this is by relying on my local Dominion store to have everything I need for holiday meals and last minute entertaining.
By picking up ready-made platters and ingredients for easy to assemble dishes, I’m planning to free up time to spend with family and friends. That’s because being able to enjoy cooking and eating together is what the holidays are all about. It’s also what being a food lover is all about, and Dominion is committed to uniting food lovers!
White Bean Dip – A Quick and Easy Appetizer
The holidays are truly appetizer season. While I usually have main meals and desserts well in hand, I sometimes struggle with appetizers. They really set the tone for your gathering, so they need to be delicious, plus they need to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From the hostess perspective, they not only need to be quick and easy, but also impressive. Nobody needs to know that it took you just mere minutes to whip up an amazing appetizer.
And that’s where this White Bean Dip comes into play. It’s quick and easy, and with three different recipe variations to choose from, there’s something for everyone:
- Lemon Rosemary
- Jalapeño Lime
- Garlic Herb
Why You’ll Love these White Bean Dips:
- Variety: As long as you have your base of white beans, garlic and oil, you can change up the add ins to suit different tastes.
- Quick: You just add all the ingredients to a food processor and it’s ready in less than five minutes. You could make all three dip variations in less than 20 minutes.
- Simple: You only need five ingredients plus salt and pepper for each dip.
- Affordable: This dip uses inexpensive ingredients, which you can easily keep stocked in your pantry and fridge during the holiday season.
- Versatile: Aside from a dip, it’s great as a sandwich and burger spread or as a topper for salads and grain bowls.
Ingredients to make these Easy White Bean Dips:
For the base:
- White kidney beans (or cannellini beans)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Lemon rosemary variation:
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh rosemary
Jalapeño lime variation:
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Jalapeño pepper
Garlic herb variation:
- White wine vinegar
- Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
- Additional garlic
How to make White Bean Dip (three ways):
- First, you’ll need to drain and rinse your beans.
- Next, add the beans to your food processor, along with the oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Process on high until a thick paste forms. This is your base.
- Add in the ingredients for the variation you’re making and process on high until creamy. (You may need to stop a few times to scrape down the sides).
- Scoop into a bowl and serve with veggies, crackers or bread, or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. That’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do you serve white bean dip? All three white bean dips can be served hot or cold, and pair well with veggies, chips, crackers, bread and pretzels. You can also use them as a sandwich or burger spread and as a topping for salads or grain bowls.
- How do you warm white bean dip? If you’d like to serve these dips warm, just place them in an oven safe dish and bake on 350F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately.
- How do you store white bean dip? These white bean dips should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- How long will white bean dip last? If stored properly, these dips should last for 3-4 days.
Other Tips and Substitutions for making these White Bean Dips:
- While the cold dip will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, once baked, the dip should be enjoyed right away. It loses some of its creamy texture once it’s baked and cooled, so I don’t recommend keeping leftover dip that has been warmed.
- I like to use no salt added beans in these recipes so I can better control the salt content. If you’re using beans with added salt, you may wish to reduce the amount of salt you add to the dips.
- Feel free to season these dips to suite your own taste. For instance, if you like your dips more salty, peppery or garlicky, just add more. The same goes for the other ingredients like herbs, jalapeño and lemon. Add more or less to suite your taste.
- Both the lemon rosemary and jalapeño lime dips are naturally dairy-free and vegan. To ensure the garlic herb dip is as well, make sure you’re using a vegan white wine vinegar.
Tips for each dip variation:
- Lemon rosemary: I recommend fresh rosemary, but if you only have dried, make sure you only use a teaspoon. (Dried herbs are more potent than fresh).
- Jalapeño lime: If you like your dip with extra heat, use the jalapeño with the seeds.
- Garlic herb: The recipe calls for herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, whatever you have on hand. I’ve used and enjoyed both. They each add a different herby flavour.
If you enjoy easy appetizer dips, here are a few others you might enjoy:
- Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Dip is dairy-free, vegan and ultra-creamy, with a cashew base and roasted red peppers. Pair it with some veggies and pretzels for a healthier holiday or game day snack.
- Cilantro Edamame Jalapeño Hummus is the most flavourful hummus with edamame and cilantro, a hint of lemon and jalapeño pepper, and the usual suspects of tahini, olive oil and garlic.
- Creamy Onion Herb Cashew Dip is dairy-free and vegan but has all the flavour of a classic onion and herb dip. It’s great for snacking or to add to a holiday charcuterie board!
- Mushroom Spinach Dip is thick and creamy with sautéed mushrooms, onions and spinach, lots of garlic and a hint of rosemary. It’s dairy-free and vegan and perfect for game day or a holiday party!
If you make one of these White Bean Dips, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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PrintWhite Bean Dip (Three Easy Variations)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
Description
White Bean Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that requires just a few ingredients and five minutes prep time! It’s thick and creamy, and with three different variations included in the recipe, there’s something for everyone at your holiday or game day party!
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 can (540 mL) no salt added white kidney beans (or cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Lemon rosemary variation:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Jalapeño lime variation:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
Garlic herb variation:
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic (in addition to the garlic in the base)
Instructions
- In a food processor bowl, add the beans, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Process on high until a thick paste forms.
- Add in the ingredients for the variation you’re making and process on high until creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
- Scoop into a bowl and serve with veggies, crackers or bread, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.
Notes
- Both the lemon rosemary and jalapeño lime dips are naturally dairy-free and vegan. To ensure the garlic herb dip is as well, make sure you’re using a vegan white wine vinegar.
- I like to add a drizzle of oil on top of the dips and garnish with some savoury granola, but this is totally optional.
- If you’d like to serve these dips warm, just place them in an oven safe dish and bake on 350F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately.
- While the cold dip will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, once baked, the dip should be enjoyed right away. It loses some of its creamy texture once it’s baked and cooled, so I don’t recommend keeping leftover dip that has been warmed.
- I like to use no salt added beans in these recipes so I can better control the salt content. If you’re using beans with added salt, you may wish to reduce the amount of salt you add to the dips.
- Feel free to season these dips to suite your own taste. For instance, if you like your dips more salty, peppery or garlicky, just add more. The same goes for the other ingredients like herbs, jalapeño and lemon. Add more or less to suite your taste.
Keywords: easy white bean dip, dairy-free dip
I do love a good dip, what a great idea to start with a base recipe and have the ways to customise it. I’d happily grab some veggies or pitas and dive right in (especially the jalapeno and lime one!).
★★★★★
Thanks Matt! Appreciate it!
Garlic and herb sounds fantastic for our get together this weekend. I love having something not cheese-based to much on.
★★★★★
Thanks Trish! Agreed, sometimes cheese can be a bit heavy!
Lemon rosemary is my favourite! Can’t wait to serve this dip over the holidays!
★★★★★
It’s my favourite too! Thank you!
I love a great bean dip and you’ve served up 3 delicious ones here! Perfect for over-the-holidays snacking 🙂 Have a wonderful Christmas Leanne 🙂
★★★★★
Thanks Jennifer! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Leanne, these white bean dips look AMAZING!! I love that you created 3 different varieties…I think I would definitely go for the Garlic Herb first…but those other two look phenomenal too!! Give me all of the crackers and pretzels to dip!
★★★★★
Thanks so much Haylie! Dive in! 😉
All three versions sound delicious but I’m trying the jalapeño lime first. Love how easy these are–perfect for holiday entertaining!
★★★★★
Thanks Kelsie!
White bean dip is one of my favourite last-minute quickie appetizers during the holiday season. Loving the three variations you’ve shared… the jalapeno lime sounds amazing!
★★★★★
Thanks so much Isabelle! Happy holidays!
Leanne, I never would have thought to use white beans for a dip! But of course, if you can make hummus from chickpeas, it makes so much sense. And I love all of your flavour variations. Can’t wait to try some.
★★★★★
Thanks Colleen! Hope you like them as much as we do!
Oh this dip looks so good! SOOO good! It’s perfect to serve for Xmas party. Super easy to make too. I must make this. Can’t wait!
★★★★★
Thanks Natalie! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Oh my! What a lovely trio! I don’t know where I’d start! But I do know they’d all go…quickly!! Shared!
★★★★★
Thanks for sharing Annie!
I”m definitely a big fan of all things dip! That jalapeno-lime flavor is calling my name. I’d be hovering over this platter for sure at a party. Great appetizer idea! Which, by the way, I also struggle with. They need to be delicious and please everyone, like you say. Plus you don’t want to spend TOO much time on them. These dips are a total win!
★★★★★
Thanks Katherine! Saving a few dollars where I can is important this time of year! The jalapeno lime is hubby’s fave!
I love easy appetizers like this, and I love that it’s a healthy platter to offset all the indulgent ones! I’m a huge fan of white beans and would love all three variations!
★★★★★
Thanks Marcie! It’s nice to keep appetizers light ahead of big holiday meals!
I know during the holidays everyone loves to indulge but I always like a veggie dip around so I can snack on something healthier.
★★★★★
Me too Ayngelina!
What a lovely trio of bean dips! I enjoy white beans in any imaginable preparation – have to give these a try! Perfect timing for posting the recipe! Pinned.
★★★★★
Thanks Milena! Hope you like them, and thanks for pinning!
Perfect timing. Just what I was looking for. Definitely making this for appetizer on christmas party.
★★★★★
Thanks Gunjan!
Your pictures are so stunning! I love the tray! I need to try this dip though, looks so delicious, lemon rosemary would be my variation!
★★★★★
Lemon rosemary is my fave! Thanks so much Melanie!
Your garlic and herb variation of this recipe is calling my name! Although, I would like to try them all! Great appetizer idea! I love it!
Thanks Leslie! If you like garlic, that one is for you for sure!
I love how quick and easy this recipe is. It’s great how you have have 3 different varieties with distinct tastes.
Will be perfect for last minute get togethers!
★★★★★
Thanks Terry! I’m planning to whip up another batch of dips this weekend!