White Bean Dip : White Bean Hummus

French

This creamy white bean dip brings together soft white beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and roasted garlic for a smooth, flavourful spread.

It’s quick to prepare, naturally nutritious and perfect for serving with vegetables, crackers or warm, freshly toasted bread.

Creamy White Bean Dip: Quick, Flavorful & Protein-Packed

White bean dip is one of those recipes that feels effortless yet tastes wonderfully satisfying.

Soft white beans are blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and a touch of spice to create a smooth, flavourful spread that instantly elevates any snack or appetizer.

I first stumbled upon this idea years ago while watching a cooking show on a local British channel.

Since then, whenever I prepare my red-sauce white bean stew (loubia), I always set aside a small portion of the beans, cooked until tender and left without sauce, just so I can make this dip afterwards.

Roasted garlic brings a deep, mellow richness that transforms the mixture, while fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant lift.

The combination is so balanced and vibrant that I remember thinking, from the very first taste, this recipe was made for me.

And I’m clearly not alone. Every time I make a white bean cassoulet, my husband appears the next day asking if I’ve whipped up “that white bean dip” again.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Creamiest White Bean Dip

• White beans (2 cups, cooked or canned, drained) : Use canned beans for convenience or cook dried beans until tender. Their mild, buttery flavour creates an ultra-smooth and creamy base.
• Tahini (2 tablespoons) : This sesame paste adds richness and a classic hummus-style depth. If you don’t have tahini, smooth peanut butter works as a substitute, though the flavour will be slightly different.
• Fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon) : Freshly squeezed lemon is essential for brightness and balance. It lifts the flavours far better than bottled juice.
• Roasted garlic (5–6 cloves) : Roasting softens the sharpness of raw garlic and brings a sweet, mellow aroma that transforms the dip.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons) : Extra-virgin olive oil adds silkiness and that unmistakable Mediterranean touch. You can use another mild oil, but it won’t offer the same flavour.
• Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon) : Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the beans beautifully.
• Paprika or piment d’Espelette (a pinch) : For colour, a hint of heat and extra depth.
• Fresh basil (a few leaves) : Brings freshness and a herbal lift to the final blend.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper : Season to taste, keeping in mind that canned beans may already contain salt.

How to Roast Garlic for the Best White Bean Dip

Oven Method (Best Flavour)

• Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F). This high heat helps the garlic soften and caramelise gently.
• Prepare the garlic bulb. Remove the loose, papery outer layers while keeping the cloves intact in their skins. Slice about 5 mm off the top of the bulb to expose the cloves.
• Wrap and roast. Place the bulb cut side up on a sheet of aluminium foil. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly, and bake for around 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden and fragrant.

Stovetop Method (Quick Option)

• Peel the cloves completely. Use a sharp knife to trim and remove all the skins.
• Cook gently. Add a small amount of oil to a heavy pan and scatter the cloves in an even layer. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to sizzle (2–3 minutes).
• Slowly soften the garlic. Reduce the heat to very low and let the cloves cook slowly for 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly golden.

Storage Tip

Use the roasted garlic immediately in your dip, and store any extra in a sealed jar in the fridge. It’s perfect for sauces, spreads or adding flavour to roasted vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Creamiest White Bean Dip

• Add the main ingredients to a bowl or blender.
  Place the drained white beans, tahini, fresh lemon juice, roasted garlic cloves, cumin, salt, black pepper and fresh basil into a mixing bowl or the cup of a hand blender.
• Start blending and pour in the olive oil.
  Blend the mixture while slowly adding the olive oil in a steady stream. This helps the dip emulsify and become extra smooth.
• Blend until perfectly creamy.
  Keep mixing until the texture is completely velvety, with no visible pieces of bean or garlic. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
• Transfer and garnish.
  Spoon the dip into a serving bowl, drizzle a little olive oil over the top and finish with a pinch of piment d’Espelette or paprika for colour and a gentle touch of heat.
• Serve and enjoy.
  Pair your white bean dip with fresh vegetable sticks, warm flatbread, crackers or spread it on toast for a quick, flavourful snack.

Storage Tips

– Refrigerate promptly : Keep the dip chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 4 hours.

– Shelf life in the fridge : Properly stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

– Avoid freezing : Freezing causes the dip to become watery and lose its smooth, creamy texture.

Variations to Try

– Switch up the herbs : Replace basil with parsley, coriander or chives to change the flavour profile.

– Add a touch of heat : Stir in a little chilli powder, cayenne or harissa for a spicy version.

– Make it smoky : Mix in smoked paprika or diced roasted red peppers for a rich, smoky depth.

– Use it as a spread : Spread it on sandwiches, wraps or toast as a healthy alternative to mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

• Use as part of a mezze platter for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetiser.
• Serve with fresh vegetable sticks, warm pita bread or tortilla chips.
• Pair with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Most commun questions

– Do I have to roast the garlic? While you can use raw garlic for convenience, roasting significantly improves flavour by reducing bitterness and adding richness.

– Is tahini absolutely necessary? Tahini is the classic base for hummus-style dips and gives the distinctive creamy texture and sesame flavour. If you don’t have it, you can substitute peanut butter, though flavour will differ.

– What if I only have dried beans? No problem, soak them overnight, then cook until very tender before proceeding with the recipe. This gives a richer flavour and more of a homemade touch.

– Can I make it ahead? Yes. Prepare the dip and refrigerate. You may want to bring it to room temperature for a few minutes and stir before serving for optimal texture.

Other Dips to try

• Sweet Potato Hummus
• Creamy and smooth hummus recipe
• Cocktail Sauce for Seafood
• Smoky and creamy Baba Ganoush