White Bean Dip

I love a good bean dip. It’s super easy to make and a great high-protein snack or appetizer you can have at a party or potluck. This white bean dip is cheesy, garlicky, and delicious. I really think you’re going to love this one!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This White Bean Dip

• Filling: The white beans make this dip protein-packed, filling, and genuinely satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples that deliver impressive results.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

🍲 Ingredients

White Beans (Navy Beans) – White beans are loaded with plant-based protein (about 15g per cup) and soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. They provide iron for oxygen transport, magnesium for muscle and nerve function, and folate for cell growth and DNA synthesis. The antioxidants in white beans, particularly polyphenols, help protect cells from damage and may reduce inflammation throughout the body. You can find navy beans in any grocery store.

Cheddar and Queso Cheese – Cheese provides complete protein with all essential amino acids plus calcium for strong bones and teeth. It’s rich in vitamin B12 for nerve function and red blood cell formation, vitamin A for immune health and vision, and zinc for wound healing. The fats in cheese help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and provide satiety, while aged cheeses contain beneficial probiotics from the fermentation process. Find these cheeses in the dairy section of any grocery store.

Fresh Garlic – Garlic contains allicin, a powerful sulfur compound with antibacterial and antiviral properties that supports immune function. It provides manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C while offering cardiovascular benefits by helping reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular garlic consumption is associated with improved antioxidant status and may support detoxification processes in the body. I recommend purchasing fresh local garlic whenever possible to avoid bleaching and pesticides that are often used on garlic from overseas.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I always reccomend purchasing a really good high-quality olive oil have on hand in your pantry. Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. It contains powerful antioxidants, including oleocanthal (which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen) and vitamin E for skin and cellular health. The polyphenols in olive oil may help protect against oxidative stress and support brain health while improving nutrient absorption from other foods.

👩‍🍳 How to Make White Bean Dip

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400F, line a baking tray with parchment paper and prepare an 8- or 9-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
2. 2. In a food processor (or blender), add all of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.
3. 3. Adjust flavor to taste, and add more water if it’s too thick.
4. 4. Transfer to the small casserole dish.
5. 5. Bake for 20 minutes and set the baking tray on the rack underneath.
6. 6. Remove from the oven and add all of the extra grated cheese on top.
7. 7. Bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown on top.
8. 8. Set the oven to broil for a couple of minutes if needed.
9. 9. Serve immediately with chopped chives and tortilla chips.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

• Texture & Smoothness (the secret): Blend 2–3 minutes until glossy, thin with 1–3 tbsp water/broth, and finish with a drizzle after baking for shine. If using a blender instead of a food processor, add the liquid ingredients first to help the blades catch and blend smoothly without stopping.
• Flavor Depth: Roast garlic beforehand for sweeter, mellower flavor, or use raw for sharper, more pungent taste.
• Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Creative Additions: Fold in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs before baking for customized variations. The potential additions are endless! Think sun-dried tomatoes + olive mix, roasted red peppers, crispy pancetta, chili crisp + parsley, lemon-zest gremolata, tahini & garlic.
• Temperature Control: Let dip rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and to prevent burning mouths on molten cheese.
• Crispy Edges: Use a wider, shallower dish for more crispy, golden edges that everyone fights over.

🗒 Substitutions

• Vegan Option: To make a vegan white bean dip, simply use your favorite vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast for a completely plant-based white bean dip.
• Beans: Cannellini beans or great northern beans work equally well as navy beans.
• Cheese Varieties: Any melting cheese works – try Gruyère, fontina, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
• Herbs: Add fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, or thyme for aromatic Mediterranean variations.
• Serving Options: Toasted sourdough, pita bread, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables all pair beautifully.

🗒 Best served with

• Homemade Potato Chips (Loaded Greek-Style)
• Fluffy Greek Pita Bread Recipe
• Greek Fried Bread Stuffed with Cheese
• No-Knead Bread

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store white bean dip in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for 5-7 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.

Looking to make-ahead & reheat?

• Assemble up to 24h in advance;
• Bake +10 min from cold;
• Reheat covered 350°F 15–20 min

🤔 Common Questions

White Bean Dip

5 from 10 votes

🧑‍🍳 Make the best hot white bean dip! Cheesy, garlicky, and ultra-creamy. Step-by-step, toppings, vegan option, make-ahead + reheat tips.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Vegetarian

Cuisine American-Inspired

Servings 4

Calories 231 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• half medium yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1- 540 ml can white kidney beans
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp minced onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp bouillon paste
• 3 tbsp water
• ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
• ¼ cup soft queso cheese
• 3 tbsp chives chopped
• extra 2/3 cup cheese grated

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Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400F, line a baking tray with parchment paper and prepare an 8- or 9-inch casserole dish. Set aside. 
• In a food processor, add all of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.
• Adjust flavor to taste, and add more water if it’s too thick.
• Transfer to the small casserole dish.
• Bake for 20 minutes and set the baking tray on the rack underneath. 
• Remove from the oven and add all of the extra grated cheese on top.
• Bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown on top. 
• Set the oven to broil for a couple of minutes if needed. 
• Serve immediately with chopped chives and tortilla chips. 

Notes

Replace cheese with your favorite vegan cheeses!

Add some of your favorite ingredients; sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs, etc. Create something delicious!

Enjoy this dip with toasted sourdough or pita bread!

Even heat your tortilla chips in the oven and add some extra seasoning!

Store in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for 5– 7 days. Reheat to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 4 | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.4g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 13.5g | Saturated Fat: 7.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 38.1mg | Sodium: 856.4mg | Fiber: 3.6g | Sugar: 2.6g

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