White Cannellini Bean Dip with Toasted Pita Chips
Home » COOK » Recipes » Sauces & Dips »Cannellini Bean Dip—the answer to all your snacking and party appetizer needs! Deliciously creamy and bursting with fresh flavors, this white bean dip is ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
This easy dip is sure to impress. Give mundane snacks a miss and dive into this dip’s irresistible charm!
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While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we suggest reading the entire blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
White Cannellini Bean Dip
The star of this show is the humble can of cannellini beans—the tangy brightness of fresh garlic, lemon juice, and sage leaves lifts the mild flavor of the white beans to create a delicious, creamy white bean dip.
No cooking* is involved to make the dip. Just pop the dip ingredients into the bowl of a food processor (or into a high powered blender) and whizz until smooth.
*If you want to serve your dip with pita chips, as we have done in this recipe, then some toasting in the oven is required!
Delicious Appetizers
The easy white bean dip recipe is a great addition to any party food spread, as well as an afternoon snack with some rice crackers, a quick appetizer for movie nights, or to pack up for a picnic or potluck.
It’s a perfect dip for a Greek Meze (think of it like a white bean hummus!). or as a healthy bean dip on a sharing platter with crusty bread, raw veggies like carrot sticks, bell peppers, radish, and cucumber slices.
Be sure to check our FAQ section for more bean dip ideas to try – they really are a perfect appetizer!
What Can I Serve With White Cannellini Bean Dip?
- Vegetable Crudité Platter: Serve an assortment of fresh and crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips alongside the dip.
- Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with a spoonful of the bean dip and garnish with cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Pair the dip with succulent grilled chicken skewers for a protein-packed and flavorful combination.
Ingredients & Equipment Used In This Recipe
The ingredients and tools in this recipe are conveniently linked to online retailers like Amazon or Amazon Fresh.
Ingredients Needed For White Cannellini Bean Dip
- Fresh Produce – Garlic, Lemons, Sage
- Pantry – Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Black Pepper
- Pita Bread
- Canned Cannellini Beans
- Cayenne Pepper
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post.
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Equipment Needed For This Recipe
- Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper – also known as baking paper or greaseproof paper.
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping/Cutting Board
- Citrus Juicer
- Food Processor or Blender – for making the bean dip.
- Rubber/Silicone Spatula – or you could use a Wooden Spoon.
The Purple Pumpkin Blog uses both cups and weighted measurements in its recipes, making American cups and kitchen food scales valuable tools for trying all the recipes. We provide US customary, imperial, and metric measurements. Still, it’s important to note that while you can combine cup measurements with weighted measures, never mix US customary/imperial (pounds, ounces, pints, etc.) with metric (kilograms, grams, liters, etc.).
Reasons Why You’ll Love White Cannellini Bean Dip
- Creamy and smooth texture that works as a dip and a sandwich spread—try it on warm pita bread with some prosciutto.
- It tastes great the next day, so you can enjoy leftovers as a healthy snack with veggie sticks.
- Bursting with flavors from fresh garlic, lemon juice, and sage
- Versatile dip that complements a variety of dishes and snacks
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions
You’ve made the appetizer, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Soup: Chilled Creamy Yellow Tomato and Pepper Soup
- Salad: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Main Dish: One-Pan Lemon Chicken with Summer Squash
- Side Dish: Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
- Cocktail: Raspberry Lime Vodka Cocktail
- Dessert: Summer Citrus Yogurt Cake
How Do I Make White Cannellini Bean Dip?
The printable recipe card with the ingredients list and instructions can be found at the end of this post.
Number of Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: n/a | Total Time: 15 minutes
Step 1 – Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C/Gas 5. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Season & Bake Pita: Cut each pita into 8 equal-sized wedges. Lightly brush pita wedges with olive oil on both sides and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Season the pita with salt and pepper before placing it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pita wedges are golden brown, flipping them halfway through. Remove from the oven and set them aside.
Step 3 – Make Dip: Add the cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, sage leaves, and olive oil to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve: Pour the cannellini bean dip into a small bowl for serving. Drizzle with good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve with seasoned pita chips and/or vegetable crudités.
More Recipes Using Cannellini Beans
One of the hero ingredients in this recipe is cannellini beans, so here are some more using the same:
Recipe Tips
- A little bit of fresh sage goes a long way. If you aren’t sure how much to use, start with a small amount. Then taste and add more, if desired.
- Adjust the consistency of the dip by adding more or less olive oil to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for a more or less tangy flavor.
- Garnish the dip with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or a few sage leaves, for extra flavor.
- Although you can use the same extra virgin olive oil for the entire recipe, adding a drizzle of a higher-quality variety right before serving will add an extra pop of flavor.
- Experiment with different flavors. Try roast garlic instead of raw garlic; use fresh parsley instead of sage; or, for a nutty flavor, toast some sesame seeds and blend them with the beans.
- Check our FAQ section for more bean dip combinations to try.
Storing Leftovers & Freezing
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftover cannellini bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Stir the dip well before serving refrigerated leftovers to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Freezing Instructions:
- While making and enjoying this dip fresh is the best; you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container and label with the contents and date to keep track of your food storage.
- To defrost the dip, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight (or at least 12 hours).
- You may need to reblend it in a food processor or add extra seasoning to taste.
- With all leftovers, ensure the food looks and smells okay before consuming.
- You can always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Standards Agency (UK) | Food Safety (USA).
Printable White Cannellini Bean Dip Recipe Card
Below is the printable recipe card. To save ink, any demonstration photos on the recipe card are not printed out.
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Cannellini Bean Dip
Experience the divine taste of our homemade White Cannellini Bean Dip, guaranteed to become the star of your snack table.
Ingredients
For the Pita Chips
- 6 pitas
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dip
- 1 (15-oz400g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 fresh garlic cloves , peeled
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 - 3 large fresh sage leaves
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Dash cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C/Gas 5. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each pita into 8 equal-sized wedges. Lightly brush pita wedges with olive oil on both sides and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season the pita with salt and pepper before placing it in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pita wedges are golden brown, flipping them halfway through. Remove from the oven and set them aside.
- Add the cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, sage leaves, and olive oil to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cannellini bean dip into a small bowl for serving. Drizzle with good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve with seasoned pita chips and/or vegetable crudités.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 663mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 5gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g
This site uses Nutritionix to provide estimated nutrition. Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
More Dip Recipes
Dips are a perfect appetizer for entertaining (or as a delicious snack!). Click the links below for the full recipe.
FAQs About Bean Dips
Here are some questions people often ask about making dips with beans.
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post!
With their creamy texture and mild flavor, Cannellini beans are a versatile addition to various dishes. They’re excellent in soups, stews, salads, and of course, as the star in our creamy bean dip.
Cannellini beans and navy beans are both types of white beans, but they do have differences. Cannellini beans, often referred to as white kidney beans, are larger and have a slightly firmer texture than navy beans.
Yes, canned beans, including cannellini beans, are pre-cooked, which makes them a convenient option for quick and easy meals.
While it’s safe to eat cannellini beans straight from the can, they taste better when drained and rinsed from the brine they were packed in.
Unless a recipe instructs otherwise, it’s advisable to rinse canned cannellini beans before using them. This process removes the starchy liquid and reduces sodium, improving the beans’ flavor in your dishes.
If you don’t drain and rinse canned beans, the starchy liquid can make your dishes denser and might also alter the taste.
No, canned cannellini beans don’t need to be soaked. They’re already cooked and ready to use straight from the can, making them a handy ingredient for this easy bean dip.
Cannellini beans make a great addition to various dishes, including hearty stews, protein-packed salads, and comforting pasta dishes. They also serve as a fabulous base for homemade dips, just like in our cannellini bean dip recipe.
There’s a wide world of bean dips out there! Try a traditional hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice for a Middle Eastern touch. Or why not a black bean dip with a hint of spice? It pairs well with tortilla chips. For something different, go for a lentil dip. Just cook red lentils until soft, then blend them with fresh herbs, roasted garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a delightful spread.
Easy Bean Dips To Make
Healthy White Bean Dip with Lemon Zest: Blend a can of great northern beans with a good amount of fresh basil, lemon juice, and a little olive oil. Add lemon zest for an extra citrus kick. Serve with fresh veggies for a delicious appetizer.
Spicy Red Onion and Pinto Bean Dip: Start by sautéing chopped red onion and fresh chilies on medium heat until soft. Blend with a can of pinto beans, a touch of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy finish. Best served at room temperature.
Avocado Hummus: This is a fresh take on traditional hummus. Blend canned chickpeas with ripe avocados, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
South American Black Bean Dip: Blend black beans with a dollop of sour cream, a splash of orange juice, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Top with crumbled queso fresco (or Feta) and serve with tortilla chips for a fusion of Central and South America.
Lemon Peel and Lima Bean Dip: Mix lima beans (known as butter beans in the UK) with your favorite ingredient, be it roasted garlic or sundried tomatoes. Add lemon peel for a zesty flavor boost, and serve with various raw vegetables for a healthy crunch.
Roasted Red Pepper and Kidney Bean Dip: Blend a can of red kidney beans with roasted red peppers, fresh chilies, a good amount of fresh garlic, and a little olive oil. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley and some toasted pine nuts. This is not just a good dip; it’s a great one!
Remember, the best part of creating a homemade dip is that you can tweak the ingredients to your liking. So feel free to experiment with these suggestions and make them your own!