White Bean Dip

My creamy white bean dip is a terrific alternative to classic hummus, loaded with lots of flavor. Prepared with navy beans, lemon, garlic, and herbs, plus a sprinkle of apple-smoked bacon for even more savory flavor, this recipe is perfect paired with chips, pretzels, or crackers when the craving hits for a satisfying snack!

White beans whirled up into a creamy dip

Friends, I must admit that I’m a snacker by nature.

I love to nibble a bit here, nibble a bit there. I love to open up my cupboards and peruse, open up my fridge and graze...

Maybe I’ll start with a sweet treat, and then, move on to something on the salty side. Perhaps I’ll have something creamy, and next something crispy!

But the one snack that I find myself craving often is a good dip. And this creamy white bean dip with smoky bacon sprinkled in for extra deliciousness is what I'm talking about!

Delectably unique and utterly mouthwatering, this recipe is just the thing to scoop up with my favorite crackers or pretzels. It makes for a fantastic protein-packed snack (or appetizer) I can feel great about enjoying!

My white bean dip recipe

A simple dip is a simple pleasure! And while you can find many dips in the markets these days, none taste quite as delicious as homemade.

My white bean dip is filled with ingredients that I love (with no additives or preservatives!). Navy beans, some garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, plus a hint of smoky and crispy bacon make it something special.

It's creamy and delicious paired with pita chips, grainy crackers or even cut veggies. It's wonderfully healthy and satisfying, and easy to whirl up in my food processor in no time, just like my recipe for classic hummus or even my edamame hummus recipe!

Here's a glance at my recipe for white bean dip:

(or just jump to the full recipe...)

1. To get started, I drain and rinse thoroughly a couple of cans of organic white beans.
2. Next, I add the beans to my food processor, along with a little garlic for extra flavor, and some lemon juice for a touch of brightness, plus salt and pepper.
3. I process the mixture until smooth, and then with the processor running, I drizzle in some good olive oil.
4. To finish, I fold in my crispy chopped bacon and herbs.
5. I serve the white bean dip in a large bowl, drizzle with a touch more olive oil and some garnish, and enjoy!

Recipe

White Bean Dip

by Ingrid Beer

Print Recipe

This white bean dip has the addition of apple-smoked bacon, and is a tasty option when a savory, protein-packed snack is what you crave!

Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Yield: Serves 8

Nutrition info: 234 calories (per serving)

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (to cook bacon)
Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans or small white beans, drained and rinsed well
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup olive oil, plus a drizzle, divided use
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon reserved for garnish
• 4 strips apple-smoked bacon, cooked and finely chopped (about ¼ cup), 1 tablespoon reserved for garnish

Preparation:

1. Begin by gathering and prepping all of your ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
2. Place the white beans, the garlic, the lemon juice and zest, the salt and pepper into the bowl of a food processor and process until well combined and mostly smooth.
3. Then, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup of olive oil, and continue to process until the dip is completely smooth.
4. Spoon the dip out into a large bowl, and add in the chopped parsley and the bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon of each of those for garnish, and fold those into the dip. Give the dip a taste to see if any additional salt or pepper is needed.
5. Finally, spoon the dip into a serving bowl, and finish by drizzling over a tiny bit more olive oil, and sprinkling the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley as well as the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped crispy bacon.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite chips, crostini or veggies, or cover and chill.

Tips & Tidbits for white bean dip recipe:

• Use navy beans or small white beans: The smaller white beans are best for this recipe, as they are quite tender and creamy with a thinner skin. My preference is to use organic navy beans.
• Olive oil for flavor: Olive oil offers a nice richness to this recipe, and a little hint of extra flavor. You can also use avocado or another neutral oil.
• To chill or not to chill: While you should keep any uneaten portions of this white bean dip in a covered container in the fridge (it keeps well for about 4 to 5 days), you can serve it at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
• What to dip into this white bean dip: Flavored or plain pita chips are delicious with this dip, as well as crostini, veggie sticks, pretzels, or bagel chips.

Craving more delectable dips? Check out my recipe for Healthy Spinach Dip, Mediterranean Feta Dip, Mexican Corn Dip, Loaded Hummus, my Easy Guacamole Recipe, my recipe for Edamame Hummus, or my classic Hummus recipe!

Cook's note: This recipe was updated in 2018, and has now been updated again, with even more love!