White Bean Dip Recipe by Ina Garten for Any Occasion

White bean dip whispers Mediterranean magic into every gathering, transforming ordinary appetizers into culinary poetry.

Velvety and aromatic, this creamy concoction elevates humble ingredients with elegant simplicity.

Cannellini beans provide a luscious canvas for bold, vibrant seasonings that dance across your palate.

Garlic and rosemary weave their enchanting flavors into each luxurious bite, creating an irresistible sensory experience.

The recipe balances earthy undertones with a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, promising depth and complexity.

Packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor, this dip transcends ordinary spreads.

Unleash a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients for Ina Garten White Bean Dip

• Cannellini Beans: Choose organic canned beans for smoother texture and cleaner flavor.
• Garlic: Select fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts for robust taste.
• Lemon: Pick bright, heavy citrus with smooth skin for maximum juice.

• Olive Oil: Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin variety with rich golden color.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green leaves without wilting for vibrant color.
• Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for better mineral complexity.
• Black Pepper: Opt for whole peppercorns and grind fresh for intense aroma.

• Pita Bread: Choose thick, sturdy whole wheat pitas that won't crumble easily.
• Dried Oregano: Select high-quality, fragrant Mediterranean oregano for authentic flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use same oil as in dip for consistent flavor profile.

Equipment for Smooth White Bean Dip

• Food Processor: Perfect for blending beans into a smooth, creamy dip with minimal effort.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly cutting pita bread into crisp, even wedges.
• Large Baking Sheet: Provides ample space for spreading pita chips in a single layer for even baking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season the dip and chips with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Cutting Board: Offers a stable surface for slicing pita bread precisely.
• Spatula or Spoon: Useful for transferring bean dip to serving bowl and spreading olive oil on chips.
• Serving Plate and Bowl: Ideal for presenting warm pita chips and creamy dip attractively.

Blending Instructions for White Bean Dip

• Prep the Oven and Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for some crispy magic. Grab your baking sheet, kitchen tools, and let’s dive into a flavor adventure.

• Craft the Silky Bean Spread

Toss cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley into a food processor. Blend until the mixture transforms into a velvety smooth dip that’ll make taste buds dance. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to spark up the flavor.

• Shape and Season Pita Triangles

Slice pita breads into perfect wedges, then drizzle with olive oil. Shower them with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each chip gets a generous coating of deliciousness.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the seasoned pita wedges into the hot oven. Watch them turn golden and crisp, transforming from soft bread to crunchy chips in about 8-12 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone hovering nearby.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out your gorgeous chips and creamy dip. Arrange on a plate, and get ready for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll disappear faster than you can say “more please!

Adjusting Flavors in White Bean Dip

• Boost Chip Crispiness: Pat pita bread completely dry before cutting to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy edges.
• Herb Customization: Experiment with different dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or za'atar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of heat and complexity in your pita chips.
• Dip Storage Hack: Store the white bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and making it a perfect make-ahead appetizer option.

Serving White Bean Dip Like a Pro

• Elevate Party Snacking: Arrange the crispy pita chips and creamy bean dip on a rustic wooden board for a stunning appetizer that will impress guests at your next gathering.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Surround the bean dip and pita chips with olives, cucumber slices, and feta cheese to transform this simple recipe into a vibrant Mediterranean-style spread.
• Perfect Game Day Starter: Serve these warm, crunchy pita chips with the smooth bean dip during sports events or movie nights for a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love.
• Quick Office Lunch Companion: Pack the dip and chips separately in containers for a delicious and protein-packed midday meal that breaks the monotony of typical work lunches.

Storage Solutions for White Bean Dip

• Maximize Freshness: Store bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
• Preserve Crispy Chips: Keep baked pita chips in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their satisfying crunch.
• Quick Meal Prep: Prepare bean dip and pita chips in advance for effortless entertaining or quick snacking throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze bean dip in small portions for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Velvety Ina Garten White Bean Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s white bean dip blends creamy cannellini beans with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Guests will love this simple, elegant starter that pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or fresh vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 pitas
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup plus 4 tbsps (½ cup total) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Combine cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley in a food processor, pulsing until achieving a rustic, textured consistency with visible herb fragments.
2. Seasoning: Enhance the bean mixture with kosher salt and black pepper, fine-tuning flavors to personal preference.
3. Pita Chip Preparation: Separate pita bread horizontally, creating thin rounds, then slice each round into 8 triangular wedges positioned in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Flavor Infusion: Generously drizzle olive oil over pita wedges, then dust with dried oregano, additional kosher salt, and cracked black pepper for aromatic depth.
5. Baking Process: Roast pita chips in a preheated 400°F oven for 8-12 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform golden-brown crispy texture.
6. Serving: Transfer bean dip to a serving bowl and arrange freshly baked pita chips alongside, ready for immediate enjoyment at warm or room temperature.

Notes

• Texture Tip: Aim for a coarse, rustic consistency by pulsing beans carefully, leaving some visible herb specks for authentic homemade feel.
• Oil Quality Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the dip’s overall flavor and create a smoother, richer texture.
• Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, remembering you can always add more but can’t remove excess seasonings.
• Chip Crispness Secret: Watch pita chips closely during baking, rotating pan midway to prevent uneven browning and ensure perfect golden crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg