Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

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This creamy white bean dip recipe is a cinch to make and is the perfect appetizer or healthy snack. Fragrant with garlic, rosemary and lemon it’ll transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for dipping, or spread it on toasted baguette slices for an elegant white bean crostini—I’ll show you how!

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (1)

As I’ve mentioned in this ricotta crostini post, while I love offering my guests a delicious nibble or two when they arrive, appetizers usually take last priority when I entertain. That’s why I adore fuss-free, make-ahead hors d’oeuvres that go big on flavor. This white bean dip is one of my favorites. It’s easy-to-make, it can be prepared days ahead, and it’s naturally vegan, making it ideal for all eaters.

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (2)

What is white bean dip made of?

  • Canned cannellini beans (or navy beans) give the dip a thick, creamy texture.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs and a garlic clove provide flavor.
  • Dried oregano and red pepper flakes lend more flavor and a touch of heat.
  • Lemon zest and lemon juice brighten everything up.
  • Extra virgin olive oil rounds out the flavor and texture.
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (3)

How to make this vegan white bean dip:

  • In a small skillet or pot, combine the olive oil, a smashed garlic clove, whole rosemary sprigs, dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden in spots.Cooking the aromatics in the olive oil for just a few minutes blooms the flavors and softens the garlic, giving the white bean dip a richer, smoother flavor.
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (4)
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (5)
  • In a food processor, combine cannellini beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, salt and pepper. Add 3 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, along with the cooked garlic clove (you can leave the garlic clove out for a milder flavor).
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (6)
  • Process until smooth.
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (7)
  • Scrape the dip into a serving bowl and drizzle with the remaining oil from the skillet.
Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (8)

Serving suggestions:

Serve the dip with your favorite crackers (or toasted bread, see below), or with sliced crudité (raw veggies) for dipping—think fennel, carrots, cucumbers and/or radishes. It’s also awesome as a healthy afternoon snack straight out of the fridge!

White bean spread for crostini

For a passed appetizer, spread the white bean dip over toasted baguette slices (see how to make crostini in this whipped ricotta post). To take the white bean crostini over the top, layer them with sautéed spinach and shavings of Parmesan cheese (if you’d like). It’s an elegant appetizer that also makes for a damn fine meal.

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (9)

FAQs

How long does homemade bean dip last?

White bean dip can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

How do you thicken white bean dip?

The dip is thickened simply with white cannellini or navy beans, which lend a creamy texture. The dip will thicken further when refrigerated. I prefer to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (10)

Recipe tips:

  • If you don’t have a food processor you can use a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix to make the white bean dip recipe.
  • If you’re sensitive to garlic, cook it in the oil but don’t add the cooked clove to the dip (it will still flavor the oil and taste amazing!).
  • For instructions on making crostini, see this Ricotta Crostini Post.

*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (11)

Other easy appetizers to try:

  • Bacon Wrapped Dates with Maple Rosemary Glaze (aka Devils on Horseback)
  • Whipped Ricotta Crostini
  • Yogurt Feta Dip
  • Sriracha Cream Cheese Dip

Stay connected

I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

Get the recipe!

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (12)

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Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip (Vegan!)

This creamy white bean dip recipe is a cinch to make and is the perfect appetizer or healthy snack. Fragrant with garlic, rosemary and lemon, it’ll transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for dipping, or spread it on toasted baguette slices for white bean crostini (see the Notes below). Cooking the aromatics in the olive oil blooms the herbs and softens the garlic, resulting in a richer, smoother flavor. You can remove the garlic before blending the dip, or you can leave it in for a slightly stronger flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: vegan bean dip, white bean dip recipe

Servings: 1 ¼ cups

Author: Nicki Sizemore

Equipment

  • Food processor or high speed blender

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
  • 2 rosemary sprigs (4-6 inches)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 15-ounce can cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • Juice of ½ lemon, plus more to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Put the olive oil, garlic clove, rosemary sprigs, dried oregano and red pepper flakes in a small skillet or pot, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden in spots, about 4-6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Discard the rosemary sprigs or save them for garnish.

  • In a food processor, combine the cannellini beans, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of water. Add 3 tablespoons of the oil from the pan (be sure to get some of the dried herbs too), along with the cooked garlic clove if you’d like (you can omit the garlic clove for a slightly milder flavor—it’s still delicious!). Season with salt and pepper.

  • Process until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice, if needed. If you prefer a thinner dip, blend in another tablespoon of water.

  • Transfer the dip to a bowl and drizzle with some of the remaining oil. Serve with veggies and crackers, or spread the dip over toasted crostini.

Notes

Do Ahead: The dip can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Tips:

  • If you don’t have a food processor you can use a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix to make the dip.
  • If you’re sensitive to garlic, cook it in the oil but don’t add the cooked clove to the dip (it will still flavor the oil and taste amazing!).
  • To make white bean crostini, spread the bean dip over toasted baguette slices(see how to make crostini in thiswhipped ricotta post). To take the crostini over the top, layer them with sautéed spinach and shavings of Parmesan cheese (if you’d like).

More Gluten Free Easy Appetizers

  • Lamb Flatbread Pizzas with Mint Pesto (Gluten Free Option!)
  • Life Changing Grilled Potatoes Recipe
  • Ultimate Romesco Sauce Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)
  • Easy Homemade Sushi: How to Roll Sushi Without a Mat

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dinah Baker says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (17)
    Delicious! Devoured quickly.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      So glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

  2. Maggie says

    If I make this a few days ahead, can I reserve the infused oil for drizzling on top when it's time to serve it? Or should I just discard it and instead drizzle a bit of high quality olive oil on top? Thanks! This recipe - and the crostini - sound very appealing.

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Maggie! You can absolutely reserve the infused oil in a small jar and drizzle it over the dip before serving. However, the dip will still be delicious with just a drizzle of good quality olive oil. I hope you enjoy!

      Reply

  3. Kathryn Jones says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (18)
    Very easy and super good. Thank you for sharing and for the clear instructions.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      I'm so glad you enjoyed, Kathryn!

      Reply

  4. Hilary says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (19)
    Thank you Nicki for this lovely dip recipe. I have been looking for quite some time to find one that is not only tasty but the right texture. I'm having it for lunch but also looking forward to trying it with the spinach on crostini. While I eat it I will be checking out all your other recipes. 😋

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Hilary! Thanks much for your comment, and I'm so happy to hear you like the dip. I hope you enjoy my other recipes. 🙂

      Reply

  5. Kathleen says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (20)
    This is so good! I put most of the oil and all of the garlic in with the beans. So good with everything from chips to crackers to carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Kathleen, thank you for your comment, and I'm so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

  6. Kathleen says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (21)
    Thanks for the recipe. This is very good! I wasn’t reading carefully and put the garlic clove through a garlic press. Still turned out great. I ended up adding about 4 tablespoons of the olive oil mixture as it was so good. Highly recommend and definitely will make this again.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Kathleen, thank you for your comment, and I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the dip!

      Reply

  7. Melody Sieglitz says

    Hi there am vegan and don't do any oils can this still be tasty? Omit it or sub something else? All thoughts appreciated

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Melody! While I haven't tested this recipe without oil so can't guarantee the results, I do think it will still be tasty. Swap out the oil for water, and be sure to season the dip well with salt and pepper. I hope you enjoy!

      Reply

  8. Sherrie Nachamkin says

    Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (22)
    I LOVE THIS!

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Thank you Sherrie!!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip Recipe (Vegan) | From Scratch Fast (2024)

FAQs

What is white bean dip made of? ›

In a food processor, pulse the cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. With the food processor running, slowly add the water and process until smooth. Blend in the fresh herbs, if desired. Serve with veggies or pita.

Are cannellini beans the same as white beans? ›

White beans are a group of legumes with white casings and starchy insides which include navy beans, cannellini beans, “great northern” beans, and lima beans. Navy beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans are grown from the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, while lima beans are grown on the Phaseolus lunatus plant.

What are the creamiest beans? ›

Cannellini Beans.

They are one of the creamiest beans that are widely available in canned form. I absolutely adore them. If you cannot find them, you can substitute another white bean, but the end result won't be as creamy.

How long does homemade bean dip last in the refrigerator? ›

How long does bean dip last? Bean dip that has continually been refrigerated can last approximately 3-4 days as long as it had been tightly sealed. This specific recipe doesn't have anything that would spoil quickly as long as it is refrigerated after use.

What is the creamiest white bean? ›

Baby Lima Beans. Also called “butterbeans”, Baby Lima beans are small, smooth, and creamy with a rich, buttery texture. They're starchier than other beans and are often used in soups, stews, succotash, and casseroles, or just cooked simply with herbs and spices.

How do you thicken bean dip? ›

You can add a pinch of flour to thicken the sauce. Add a thickener. Depending on your requirements, you can use a roux*, some potato flour, tapioca flour, some (but not solely) tomato paste or xanthan gum (a corn-derived thickener) to bind up some of the extra liquid and give body to your sauce.

What is the healthiest white bean? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Are white beans good for gut? ›

Beans, particularly small white navy beans, are full of gut-supporting fibers, amino acids, and other nutrients, which can help the beneficial bacteria in your colon flourish, supporting immune health and regulating inflammation, Daniel-MacDougall explains.

What does white beans do to the body? ›

Rich in folate, magnesium, potassium, protein, complex carbs, good fats, iron, copper and other array nutrients, these white flat beans should be part of your regular diet plan for losing weight, maintaining healthy cardiac health, improving brain function, building muscles and repairing tissues.

Is there a difference between white beans and great northern beans? ›

Cannellini Beans are larger and heartier than Great Northerns and are sometimes referred to as “white kidney beans” because of their traditional kidney shape. You'll often find them mixed with pinto beans.

What are the best canned beans to eat? ›

The 5 Healthiest Canned Beans, According to a Dietitian
  1. Adzuki Beans. Also known as red mung beans, adzuki beans are prized for their sweet, nutty flavor; they are commonly mashed into a paste and used in Asian sweets like cakes, pastries, and even ice cream. ...
  2. Soybeans. ...
  3. Chickpeas. ...
  4. Navy Beans. ...
  5. Black Beans.
Mar 9, 2023

What are the best white beans? ›

Great Northern Beans: These white beans are medium-sized and firm with a slight nutty taste. Cannellini Beans: Also called white kidney beans, are larger and heartier, but they do have a nice creamy texture when cooked.

What is Frito Lay bean dip made of? ›

Ingredients. Water, Pinto Beans, Vinegar, Corn Oil, Salt, Maltodextrin (Made from Corn), Dried Onion, Sugar, Jalapeño Peppers, Spice, Chili Pepper, Dried Garlic and Natural Flavors.

Why does bean dip get watery? ›

Dips can turn watery if food, such as chips or vegetables like carrots and celery, is being dipped directly into the container and then refrigerated and re-opened for later use.

Is bean dip just refried beans? ›

While refried beans usually resemble a chunky, mashed mixture perfect for spreading on tortillas or serving alongside warm rice, bean dip can be made with whole beans with a fresh appeal similar to classic pico de gallo or puréed into a smooth consistency with several different ingredients.

What kind of bean is a white bean? ›

What is a White Bean? Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans.

What is white bean hummus made of? ›

Creamy White Bean Hummus, Mediterranean Style

The creamiest hummus made from white beans, with delicious Mediterranean toppings! Use a food processor to puree the beans, olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice. Top with fresh herbs and pine nuts.

Are white beans cannellini or butter beans? ›

White beans are a family of beans, including Cannellini, navy, Great Northern, and butter beans. Although each variety is wonderfully versatile, they do have unique qualities. Cannellini beans are large and firm, so they hold up well in low and slow recipes like stews.

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