Creamy White Bean Hummus Dip

Step aside, chickpeas! There's a new legume in town, and it's bringing a creamy twist to the hummus game. Get ready to dip into the world of white bean hummus, where smooth, velvety goodness meets a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Say hello to a hummus revolution that will leave you craving for more (and reaching for extra pita chips).
post featured image Try our white bean hummus for a rich, creamy, and dreamy spread for your grazing board!
A bowl of white bean hummus. Try our white bean hummus for a rich, creamy, and dreamy spread for your grazing board!
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Grab hold of your hat as we delve into the delicious world of white bean hummus thanks to this fantastic vegan white bean dip! How did such a humble bean like this become the most appealing appetizer and delightful dip in history? We’ll share the essential ingredients that make it truly irresistible, as well as tips for enjoying this dip to its fullest.

From plump white beans to fragrant garlic and a touch of tahini, you’ll discover the art of creating a velvety and flavorful dip that will elevate your snacking experience to new heights. Get ready to indulge in the creamy bliss of white bean hummus like never before!

Raise your hand if you’re ready to whip up a batch of white bean hummus. We know we are!

A bowl of white bean hummus, garnished with olive oil and pine nuts.

Why You Need to Try This Hummus with White Beans

If you’re a die-hard champion for chickpeas (and will welcome no other bean), we want to share the reasons why this homemade hummus is worthwhile. If we could give you a tempting taste through this text, we would! But, until that time, here is why we think you’ll love this recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is done in five minutes flat. How’s that for awesome?
  • High on the Health Benefits: Not only is this dip seriously delicious, but it’s both high in protein and fiber. Just a few tablespoons can totally satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.
  • Incredibly Versatile: Once you have a batch of this out-of-this-world hummus prepped and ready to go, you can put it on virtually anything. Besides veggies, breads, crackers, and sandwiches, think out of the box and use it on pasta or even fresh fruit!
  • White Beans are a Worthy Alternative: While chickpeas have more iron, potassium, calcium, and folate, navy beans are higher in fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B1.

Key Ingredients

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds! White bean hummus, a Mediterranean delight, boasts the perfect blend of plump white beans, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant garlic, creating a dip that’s both irresistibly smooth and utterly satisfying. Let’s delve a little deeper into these simple ingredients.

White Beans (Navy or Cannellini Beans): A more neutral alternative to chickpeas that has the same amount of starchiness, fiber, and protein. You can use navy beans or cannellini beans for this recipe—and don’t toss the liquid! That bean liquid is called “aquafaba” and is essential in creating the creamy texture in this dip.

Tahini: This nutty ingredient brings in all the creaminess, healthy omega-3 fats, and savory flavor. There are also almost 3 grams of protein per tablespoon (woo!) and many essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, folate, and manganese.

Garlic: For some (like us!), there can never be enough. But, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic in this recipe if needed. Garlic has wonderful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s not only fantastic for flavor, but great for the immune system.

Lemon Juice: Adding a bit of acidity to your hummus balances out the richness of the hummus and also lightens the flavor. Lemon juice gives a little extra boost of vitamin C, as well.

Key ingredients for white bean hummus.

Types of White Beans to Choose From

When it comes to making a creamy and flavorful white bean dip, the choice of white beans you use can make all the difference. White beans, known for their mild flavor and creamy texture, are the perfect base for a dip that’s both nutritious and indulgent. But did you know that there are several varieties of white beans to choose from? Each type brings its own unique characteristics to the table. Let’s take a closer look at some popular white bean varieties that you can use to elevate your dip game.

Cannellini Beans: Also known as white kidney beans, these are one of the most well-known and widely used white bean varieties. They have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Cannellini beans blend easily into a smooth and velvety consistency perfect for dips.

Great Northern Beans: These beans are smaller and slightly firmer than Cannellini beans, which can add a pleasant texture to your dip. They have a delicate, earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Great Northern beans are ideal if you want a dip with a bit more substance.

Navy Beans: Often used in baked beans, Navy Beans are small, oval-shaped beans with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Navy beans create a creamy dip that’s perfect for those who prefer a sweeter undertone in their dip. They work wonderfully with ingredients like roasted garlic and rosemary.

Butter Beans: Also known as lima beans, these offer a unique twist to your white bean dip. They are larger and have a buttery, rich flavor that can give your dip a decadent touch. Butter beans are especially delightful when blended with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and color.

Baby Lima Beans: If you want a milder flavor and a smoother texture in your dip, consider using baby lima beans. These beans are smaller and more delicate than regular lima beans, making them perfect for achieving a velvety consistency in your dip. They pair well with fresh herbs and lemon zest for a bright and refreshing flavor profile.

Cassoulet Beans: Cassoulet beans are another fantastic option for white bean dip enthusiasts. These beans are medium-sized and have a robust, nutty flavor. They are excellent for creating a dip with a heartier, rustic quality.

A plate of vegetables and crackers with white bean hummus.

How To Make This White Bean Hummus Recipe

This hummus is so rich and creamy, and will only take about five minutes to make. Grab a food processor and follow these two simple steps! You’ll have the most delectable dip ready in no time and you might even have a little leftover for later.

Step One: Place all of the hummus ingredients into a food processor.

Ingredients for white bean hummus in a food processor.

Step Two: Blend until completely smooth. Add one tablespoon of water, if needed, to loosen it up, and repeat as needed. You want the final texture to be thick and creamy. That’s it!

White bean hummus, blended in a food processor.

Enjoy the hummus right away for the best taste.

Best Things To Eat With Hummus

When it comes to hummus, the possibilities are as vast as the universe (well, almost). From crispy carrot sticks that engage in a delightful crunch-a-thon to the glorious union of warm pita bread and smooth hummus, we’ve embarked on a flavor-filled quest to uncover the best companions for this creamy dip.

  • Veggies Galore: Choose from a wide variety of healthy, fiber-filled vegetables such as baby carrots, chunks of red onion, crunchy celery sticks, red peppers pieces, broccoli trees, cauliflower crowns, and cool cucumber circles.
  • Bring on the Bread: There’s nothing better than bread as a vehicle for heavenly hummus. Think homemade pita, warm tortillas, focaccia bread, or even crunchy crackers.
  • Daring Dressing: Did you know that you can pour hummus like a sauce onto pasta, salad, and rice? You won’t believe how delicious it is as a tomato-based alternative.
A cracker being dipped in white bean hummus.

How To Store Leftover Bean Hummus

To keep any remaining dreamy bean hummus fresh, store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re a huge hummus lover, it probably won’t even last that long! Otherwise, just give it a quick mix with a spoon before serving the next time. It’s possible to freeze a sealed container of hummus for up to 4 months, but keep in mind that there might be a change in both texture and flavor once thawed.

FAQs

Can you make this white bean hummus without tahini?

Yes, you sure can! A great substitution for tahini is cashew butter, whether you’re allergic or just don’t like the taste. You still get the creaminess and plant-based fat, but with a milder flavor.

Is it possible to use lime juice instead of lemon?

Yup. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but the tart flavor and acid component will still be there. In a pinch, you could also use apple cider vinegar. Though, this would definitely change the flavor profile.

Would I be able to swap out the navy bean for cannellini or great northern beans?

Definitely! Any starchy white bean would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to save some of the brine from the can to blend along with the beans. Using the bean aquafaba makes the hummus much creamier and lighter in texture.

What is a good substitute for chickpeas in hummus?

Any bean can be made into hummus, but for a similar color choose other white beans like navy beans, cannellini, and great northern beans. For a more adventurous hummus try black beans, kidney beans, or even green peas!

A bowl of white bean hummus.

More Delicious Dips and Creamy Beany Recipes to Try

Creamy White Bean Hummus Dip

Author: Ashley Madden
5 from 8 votes
This is a multipurpose bean spread that you can also use as a vegetable dip, on sandwiches, or even stirred into hot pasta! It's creamy with a little extra hint of garlic. I love navy beans for their mild taste. They're also a convenient source of iron. This recipe yields 3⅓ cups of hummus.
A bowl of white bean hummus.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 15.5-ounce can navy beans or cannellini beans (including the brine in the can)
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons stirred tahini, or cashew butter
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
  • Water, if needed

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine the beans and brine, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Process continuously for a few minutes, until smooth.
  • Add water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, to thin it out. You want the hummus to be thick and creamy.

Notes

This recipe was slightly adapted from Plant-Based Delicious by Ashley Madden to adjust for one can of white beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 598mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg
Course Appetizer or Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword no-oil hummus, white bean hummus, white bean spread

Next time you find yourself craving a dip that’s as smooth as butter but without the actual butter (because, hey, we’re dairy-free here), reach for this wonderful white bean hummus and let it whisk you away to a world of flavorful indulgence. Your taste buds will thank you, and your veggies will be doing a happy dance in that creamy goodness!

This White Bean Hummus recipe is adapted from the Plant-Based Delicious cookbook by Ashley Madden. Page Street Publishing Co. 2023. Thanks to our amazing navy bean hummus recipe tester Mylie Thompson for testing out this recipe! Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan.

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Recipe Rating




8 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Such a delicious high-protein snack!

  2. 5 stars
    Hey there! Just wanted to drop by and say how much I enjoyed your post on white bean hummus. Your recipe is an absolute gem! The creamy texture and delicate flavors of the hummus were simply delightful. I loved how you balanced the ingredients perfectly, resulting in a harmonious blend that was both satisfying and nutritious. Your step-by-step instructions were easy to follow, making it a breeze for me to recreate this delicious dip in my own kitchen. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe—I’ll definitely be coming back for more culinary inspiration from you! Keep up the fantastic work!

  3. 5 stars
    I’m so with you on the white beans. This hummus is incredibly smooth, creamy and delicious.

  4. Beatriz Buono-Core says:

    5 stars
    I had never tried this and it is so yummy! White beans for the win 🙂

  5. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    love how simple this hummus is to whip up. so creamy and delicious!

  6. 5 stars
    I think I may like this hummus even better than regular hummus and I didn’t think that was possible! This came out so creamy and delicious!

  7. 5 stars
    I never thought to use any bean besides chickpeas for hummus, so this is a revelation! Delicious!

  8. 5 stars
    I’ve made this hummus twice now. Love that it’s so simple and has no added oil!

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