White Bean Hummus

What Ingredients are in white bean hummus?

To whip up this savory spread, you’ll need to round up the following ingredients:

• Canned Cannellini Beans: Chosen for their creamy texture and mild flavor, these beans serve as a unique base for the dip, offering a smooth alternative to the traditional chickpeas used in similar recipes.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the dip, with an extra drizzle on top as an optional garnish to enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Injects a bright, citrus note that cuts through the creaminess of the beans and tahini, balancing the overall taste.
• Tahini Paste: Contributes a nutty, creamy element that complements the cannellini beans, adding complexity to the dip’s texture and flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic kick that elevates the dip, ensuring the flavors are well-rounded and robust.
• Ground Cumin: A spice that introduces warmth and earthiness, subtly enhancing the dip without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, it amplifies the natural flavors of the beans and the aromatic components of the dip.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight bite and depth, rounding out the seasoning and complementing the creamy, rich texture of the dip.

What type of beans should you use?

Cannellini beans are the preferred choice for white bean hummus due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, there are several alternatives you can use, such as:

• Great Northern Beans: Similar to cannellini beans but slightly grainier in texture.
• Navy Beans: Smaller and denser, but they become very creamy when blended.
• Butter Beans (Large Lima Beans): Offer a buttery texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

What can you serve with it?

When it comes to party dips like this, there are so many options for dipping! And as fans of traditional ranch know, it’s already one of the best, most classic flavors for pairing with a variety of foods. Feel free to use any (or many!) from the list below:

• Wheat Thins: Offer a hearty, nutty flavor that complements the earthiness of hummus.
• Carrot Sticks: Their natural crunch contrasts well with the creamy texture of hummus.
• Cucumber Slices: Offer a refreshing and light flavor that complements the richness of this dip.
• Pretzels or Pretzel Sticks: The saltiness of the pretzels enhances the flavors in the hummus.
• Bell Pepper Strips: Their crisp texture and sweet flavor pair nicely with the savory notes of hummus.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly acidic, they add a burst of freshness to the creamy dip.
• Tortilla Chips: Their saltiness and crunch offer a satisfying contrast to the smooth, rich hummus.
• Celery Sticks: Provide a crunchy, fibrous texture that balances the smooth hummus.
• Broccoli Florets: Another vegetable with a crunchy texture that works well with the dip’s creaminess.
• Cauliflower Florets: Their mild flavor doesn’t overpower the hummus, allowing its taste to shine through.

If you’d like even more dipping options (and many other useful tips), check out my ultimate guide for serving savory dips.

Can you make it in advance?

Yes, hummus can be made in advance. It typically tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Does it need to be chilled?

While this white bean hummus is delicious right after blending, you can also chill it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 hours if you’d prefer to serve it cold.

How long is it good for?

Once prepared, white bean hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can you freeze white bean Hummus?

Yes, you can freeze white bean hummus, but the texture may change during the freezing and thawing process. But if you’d still like to freeze it, just follow these steps:

• Transfer the hummus to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space at the top as the hummus might expand slightly when frozen.
• White bean hummus can be frozen for up to 4 months.

To thaw, transfer the hummus to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Before serving, stir well to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and the texture is smooth.

How long can you leave out a dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature. I recommend preparing this dip with chilled ingredients or serving it chilled, as this should give you more time (about one hour) before the dip reaches room temperature.

So, in total, this dip can be left out for about two hours, depending on the start temperature and the temperature of the room. However, be sure to still check the dip every now and then to sure it’s doing okay.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can cover the dip and place it back in the refrigerator. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Step 1 – Using a food processor, add the following ingredients: cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini paste, garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2 – Blend everything together until the consistency is smooth.

Step 3 – Serve and enjoy!