Roasted Garlic & White Bean Dip
Silky smooth and packed with mellow, nutty roasted garlic, this white bean dip comes together in minutes. It's a lighter, brighter alternative to hummus that works beautifully as a spread, dip, or even a sandwich base. Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal hands-on effort.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the garlic.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top quarter of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a sheet of foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap tightly.
TIPDon't skimp on the foil wrap — a tight seal steams the garlic inside, making it soft and spreadable. - roast · ~30 min
Roast the garlic until golden and soft.
Place the foil-wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until the cloves are deeply golden and completely tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
TIPRoasting mellows the garlic's sharp bite, turning it nutty and sweet. Don't rush this step. - mix · ~2 min
Blend all the ingredients until silky smooth.
1.Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a food processor.2.Add the cooked cannellini beans, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ice water, salt, and black pepper.3.Blend for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.TIPAdding ice water makes the dip surprisingly light and airy — don't skip it. - rest · ~10 min
Rest the dip for the flavors to meld.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This allows the roasted garlic flavor to bloom.
- garnish
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley.
Just before serving, create a shallow swirl on top with the back of a spoon, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the silkiest texture, peel and discard the skins from the cooled roasted garlic cloves before blending.
- 2If using canned cannellini beans, rinse and drain them well, then simmer in water for 10 minutes to soften before blending.
- 3Let the dip rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after blending—this lets the roasted garlic flavor fully bloom.
- 4Make ahead: store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; stir in a splash of water if it thickens.
- 5For an extra-smooth dip, run the food processor for a full 2 minutes and scrape down the sides halfway through.
- 6Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled—cold dip mutes the roasted garlic's mellow sweetness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb & lemon
Add 1/4 cup fresh basil or dill and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for a brighter, herbaceous dip.
spicy harissaSpicy harissa
Blend in 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste for a smoky, spicy kick that complements the mellow garlic.
smokySmoky
Replace smoked paprika garnish with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika blended in, and add a pinch of chipotle powder for deeper smokiness.
dairy free & creamyDairy-free & creamy
Add 2 tablespoons of tahini for a nuttier, richer dip—still fully plant-based.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Cannellini beans provide a generous amount of plant-based protein, making this dip a satisfying snack or sandwich spread.
Rich in Fiber
White beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are associated with cardiovascular health.
Garlic's Immune Support
Roasted garlic retains beneficial sulfur compounds that may support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Use one 15-oz can, rinsed and drained. For the silkiest texture, simmer the drained beans in water for 10 minutes before blending.
