This spicy white bean dip is a quick, delicious, creamy appetizer that is packed with bold and spicy flavors. You’ll make this dip in just 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer with crackers, pita chips or fresh vegetables to dip.

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Most people are familiar with classic dips like hummus, baba ganoush or Greek tzatziki, often served as appetizers at dinner parties. And for good reason, as both are delicious and easy to prepare. Using white beans as a base for a dip offers a great alternative.

White beans have a naturally smooth and creamy texture, making them perfect for a velvety, rich dip. They are also packed with nutrients, budget-friendly and their mild flavor makes them versatile for adding a variety of other seasonings and flavors into the dip.

Spicy white bean dip ingredients

• White Beans: I use cannellini beans but any other white beans are fine, like navy beans or great northern. For this recipe I use canned white beans
• Garlic: This white bean recipe calls for fresh garlic cloves. As fresh garlic can be very pungent, I recommend starting with 1 clove then adding more according to taste.
• Olive oil: Olive oil gives the dip a smooth consistency with a creamy texture. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a rich yet subtle flavor that complements great with the mild taste of white beans.
• Lemon zest and juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh and zesty flavor and will brighten up the taste. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and also the lemon zest.
• Red pepper flakes: This will provide a nice and spicy kick to the creamy dip. Depending on the heat of the red pepper flakes and your personal taste, add more or less than written in the recipe.
• Paprika: A dash of sweet paprika powder offers extra depth of flavor. Use smoked paprika if you love to add a smoky taste.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning use salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Useful tips & tricks

• Beans: Use either canned or jarred white beans, or make it from scratch with dried beans. When using dried beans, cook these first according to the instructions on the packet, leave to cool and start making this recipe.
• Food processor: You’ll need a good blender or food processor to make this dip extra smooth. Add all the ingredients in the food processor or blender and mix until you get your desired texture, which can be extra smooth or slightly lumpy.
• Immersion blender: If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can use a good high powered immersion blender. Add all the ingredients in a tall and narrow container and place the immersion blender on top. You might have to add some water as it can be more difficult to get everything blended smoothly.
• Add herbs: In addition to the seasoning, you can add fresh or dried herbs to this dip, like thyme or oregano.

How to store

When making this spicy white bean dip recipe in advance or when having leftovers, store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Before serving, give the dip a stir and if needed, adjust seasoning.

How to serve

Serve as a dip in a bowl alongside pita chips, crackers or vegetable sticks, like cucumber, celery, bell pepper or carrots. Drizzle extra olive oil and extra red pepper flakes on top for garnish and extra taste. Cut a few lemon wedges and serve in a small bowl in case anyone wants to add more freshness.

More creamy dip recipes to try

• Creamy leek dip or Heksenkaas
• Roasted red pepper hummus
• Homemade guacamole
• Chestnut hummus