White Bean Dip
Nothing beats a creamy, flavorful dip that brings people together, and this White Bean Dip is just that! With a silky texture, nutty undertones from slivered almonds, and a hint of roasted garlic, it’s a perfect blend that will have your friends coming back for seconds. I remember first making this dip for a casual gathering, and to my delight, it was the star of the evening. The layers of flavor not only elevate your everyday snacking but also impress any guests you might have over.

This recipe for White Bean Dip is simple yet delightful, requiring just seven ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether served with fresh veggies, pita chips, or just a spoon (no judgment here!), it’s a fantastic way to satisfy those snack cravings without breaking the bank—or a sweat in the kitchen. You’re going to love how easy and versatile this recipe is!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep this dip in just 10 minutes and roast the garlic while you relax.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic, fresh lemon, and rosemary creates a heavenly taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s creamy with a touch of texture from the almonds, and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s visually stunning.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s great for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bulb garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its pungency and adds a sweet, rich flavor to the dip.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: This helps to roast the garlic and adds a light flavor.
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: These soft white beans are creamy and make the perfect base for your dip.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality olive oil enhances the dip’s richness.
- ¼ cup slivered almonds: They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced: The acidity balances the creaminess and brightens up the dish.
- 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust to your taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a subtle kick that complements the flavors.
- 2-3 tablespoons water: Optional, used to achieve a smoother consistency if needed.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely minced: Adds a fragrant touch; save some to sprinkle on top.
- Black pepper to taste: A fresh grind adds depth to the flavor.
- Garlic-infused olive oil or rosemary-infused, if possible: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle on top.
- Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch that elevates every bite.
- Fresh vegetables: Slice up cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, jicama, and celery for dipping.
- Pita wedges, pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzel chips, or potato chips: Choose your favorite for an enjoyable scooping experience.

How to Make White Bean Dip
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Remove the loose papery skin from the garlic bulb and slice about ¼ inch off the top to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of foil, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and wrap it into a sealed packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet or cast iron pan, and roast for 40–50 minutes, until very soft—test by sliding a knife into the cloves.
- Cool the Garlic: Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely. If you’re short on time, feel free to roast the garlic up to five days in advance; just store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Blend the Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, the cooled roasted garlic, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup slivered almonds, the zest and juice from the lemon, 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture is combined.
- Achieve Creaminess: With the processor running, drizzle in water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add Flavor: Toss in 2 tablespoons of finely minced fresh rosemary and pulse just until it’s incorporated. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more salt, pepper, or cayenne according to your preference.
- Serve: Transfer the white bean dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and the reserved rosemary. Enjoy immediately, or cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days for the flavors to meld.

Storing & Reheating
To keep your white bean dip fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To refresh the dip’s texture, blend it again with a splash of water or olive oil, bringing it back to a creamy consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid using raw garlic; roasted garlic adds a sweeter, mellower flavor that elevates the dip.
- Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve the dip’s flavor.
- Adjust the thickness based on your preference by adding more or less water when blending.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs—basil or parsley could be excellent alternatives to rosemary.
- Consider topping it off with additional olive oil or even some crumbled feta cheese for an extra touch!
This white bean dip not only brings incredible flavor to your table but also is a delight for all your senses. With its creamy texture and aromatic qualities, it can easily become a household favorite. While this recipe is completely satisfying as is, I’d love for you to get creative with your serving options. You can also try mixing in spices or adding toppings that resonate with you!
Recipe FAQs
What can I serve with white bean dip?
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
How long will leftover white bean dip last?
Can I make this dip without garlic?
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White Bean Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This White Bean Dip is a delightful blend of roasted garlic, creamy beans, and fresh herbs. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a quick and healthy snack that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 bulb garlic see notes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cans 15.5 ounces cannelini beans drained and rinsed, or great northern beans
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin, high-quality oil
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
- 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons water if needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely minced (reserve a little to sprinkle on top)
- black pepper to taste
- Garlic infused olive oil or rosemary-infused, if possible
- Flaky sea salt
- fresh vegetables cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, jicama, celery
- pita wedges, pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzel chips, or potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Remove the loose papery skin from the garlic bulb and cut about ¼ inch off the top to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it in foil to create a sealed packet.
- Place the packet on a baking sheet or in a cast iron pan and roast for 40–50 minutes until the garlic is very soft.
- Allow the garlic to cool completely; it can be roasted up to a week in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
You can use garlic-infused olive oil or rosemary-infused olive oil for added flavor.
This dip pairs well with fresh vegetables or a variety of chips for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg




