5 Ingredient White Bean Dip
This creamy white bean dip is so easy to make, but it’s loaded with flavor! It’s the perfect spread to serve with veggies or pita chips!

If you love hummus, give this white bean dip recipe a try! It has a similar consistency and flavor to hummus, but it’s a little bit creamier and the flavor of the beans is a bit more buttery and mild. It’s really easy to make in the food processor, and it’s a great snack to make before a party! If you want a spicy version, try my spicy white bean dip!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Great Northern Beans– These beans are medium-sized with a delicate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Lemon Juice โ Lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy tang to the hummus. You can substitute the lemon juice with a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Olive Oil โ Olive oil helps create a smooth texture and it adds a little richness to the dip. Just a little oil helps give this hummus a rich and creamy taste.
- Zaโatar Seasoning โ Zaโatar is a Middle Eastern spice mix that includes herbs like thyme and oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac, adding a savory and aromatic element to the dish. If you donโt have zaโatar seasoning, you can use any seasonings you like! Try it with smoked paprika or add “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning. Consider this white bean hummus a blank canvas.
Types of White Beans
There are many different types of white beans, each with unique characteristics and uses. I used Great Northern Beans in this recipe, but here are some of the other common types of white beans you might find at the grocery store:
- Great Northern Beans: These beans are medium-sized with a delicate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. This is my favorite type of white bean for this dip recipe.
- Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are large, white beans with a creamy texture and a nutty flavor. They are popular in Italian cuisine and are often used in dishes like minestrone and pasta e Fagioli. They’re a great substitute for Great Northern Beans beans in this recipe.
- Navy Beans: Navy beans are small, oval-shaped beans with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in dishes like baked beans and navy bean soup. They don’t blend quite as smoothly as cannellini beans, but they can work in this recipe.
- Butter Beans: Butter beans are large, flat beans with buttery texture and a slightly sweet flavor. I love them in this tomato and butter bean dish, but they don’t blend as smoothly for a recipe like this one.
How to Make White Bean Dip
What is za’atar seasoning?
I try to avoid using any specialty ingredients because I know it’s annoying having to buy an ingredient for one recipe. BUT, za’atar seasoning is so versatle and it’s truly one of my favorite seasonings to have in my pantry! Za’atar seasoning is typically a blend of dried thyme, marjoram, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt. You can find it at most larger grocery stores, near the other spice blends. I’ve even found it at Trader Joe’s! You can also find it at spice stores like Penzys or you can even get it on Amazon! Once you have it, try it on roasted chickpeas.
What to Serve with White Bean Dip
I love pairing this dip with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, but itโs also delicious with pita bread, naan, or even this homemade whole wheat flatbread. It makes a delicious sandwich spread and itโs also a great thing to stuff inside mini sweet peppers.
How to Store Leftovers
To store this white bean dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days. This dip is actually better after it’s had a couple of hours to sit in the fridge so it’s a great one to make in advance of a party or gathering! This recipe also works great for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it with cut veggies for a healthy snack.
PrintWhite Bean Dip
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy white bean dip is so easy to make, but loaded with flavor! It’s the perfect spread to serve with veggies or pita chips!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) Great Northern Beans or Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 1/2 teaspoons zaโatar seasoning (see note)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the beans, lemon juice, and salt.
- With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add additional salt to taste.
I made this recipe for my book group and it was a huge hit. The za’atar seasoning really added unique flavor to it. I will be bookmarking this recipe and coming back to it for sure.
This is my kind of dip! I love that there’s only 5 ingredients in it, and is it ever good! I had it with pita chips and celery – yum! It was practically a meal!