August 16, 2023

White Bean and Fresh Thyme Dip

This creamy White Bean and Fresh Thyme Dip comes together quickly. The fresh herbs create a light and refreshing flavor. It’s perfect served as an appetizer or a quick snack.

The first time I made it, I was in heaven! The fresh herb and garlic blend beautifully together for nice refreshing flavors. While it is perfect right out of the food processor, it holds its flavor the next day and can be store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great dip/spread to make for when I meal prep as it can be used in a variety of ways – see below.

To make this easy dip creamy, you will need a food processor or high-powered blender. However, fret not if you have neither! You can easily mash up the beans with a potato masher or fork for a chunkier version.

My garden is filled with fresh herbs, and this year my thyme has taken over one of the raised beds I have it in. Thyme is a pretty hearty perennial herb. Once your plant takes hold, you will have all the thyme you need. I have enjoyed fresh thyme in the spring through fall months. I dry it in the summer so that I have plenty over the winter months. It also freezes well.

Ingredients for White Bean and Fresh Thyme Dip

White beans in bowl at the top left, clockwise, whole lemon, oil, wooden pepper mill, salt in a small clear glass bowl, head of garlic and a fresh bunch of thyme.

White cannellini beans rice (white kidney beans) – 2 – 15 1/2oz. cans, drained and rinsed.
Olive oil
Fresh Garlic
Fresh Thyme leaves
Fresh lemon juice
Sea salt, course
Pepper to taste

How to Make Bean Dip Recipe

Begin by heating the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat.

Chopped fresh thyme leaves and garlic sautéing in oil in a small pan.

Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for about one minute. This helps to infuse the flavors into the oil.

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.

White beans and sauteed garlic and thyme in a food processor.

Add the beans, sautéed garlic and thyme, lemon juice, and salt/pepper to the food processor.

Pureed white bean and fresh dip in a food processor.

Blend until desired texture. Pulse for chunkier texture, puree for creamy texture. Add a little water if not creamy enough.

Add an extra drizzle of olive oil and garnish with additional fresh chopped thyme leaves and some lemon zest.

Serve and Enjoy!

White bean and fresh thyme dip in a ceramic bowl with oil and fresh thyme leaves drizzled on top.Bunch of fresh thyme to side of the bowl.

FAQ’s

What to serve with white bean dip

Serve with cut-up/sliced fresh raw veggies – carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, bagel chips, or crusty bread.
Use as a spread on sandwiches
Dollop of this fresh dip in a buddha bowl

Raw

If you are following a raw diet, skip the sautéing of the garlic and thyme. Add fresh herbs and minced garlic directly to the food processor or blender.

How to store

Store dip in an airtight sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, this dip barely makes it to the fridge and rarely makes it past 1 day before it is devoured in my house! I love to add to almost anything I eat so it’s gone!

Substitutions

Beans – Don’t have cannellini beans, sub with cooked or canned navy beans, great northern beans or chick peas. Depending on the beans you may need to add water to obtain desired texture. Start with a tablespoon at a time adding only enough water to desired consistency. It’s always easier to add than take away! If using fresh cooked beans you will need 4 cups for this white beans recipe.

Thyme – While you can substitute with fresh oregano or other fresh herbs, it will change the flavor profiles. However, it will still be amazing! Try experimenting, and leave comments below.

Hummus vs Bean Dip

Traditionally, the base of hummus is made with chick peas and tahini (ground sesame seeds). Bean dip usually is made creamy with sour cream, yogurt or other creams. This recipe falls right in the middle, and could be considered a white bean hummus.

White bean and thyme dip in a bowl with sliced vegetables and crackers surrounding the bowl.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

Roasted Beet Hummus

Fresh Homemade Pesto

White Bean and Fresh Thyme Dip

This creamy White Bean and Fresh Thyme Dip comes together quickly. The fresh herbs create a light and refreshing flavor.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bean dip, Hummus, vegan

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 63kcal

Author: hungrydanekitchen

Ingredients

2 15½ oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup olive oil, additional for drizzle
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tbsp thyme leaves, fresh
2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
½ tsp course sea salt

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for about one minute. This helps to infuse the flavors into the oil.
Add the beans, sautéed garlic and thyme, lemon juice, and salt/pepper to the food processor.
Blend until desired texture. Pulse for chunkier texture, puree for creamy texture. Add a little water if not creamy enough.
Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, pita or bagel chips, etc.
Add an extra drizzle of olive oil and garnish with additional fresh chopped thyme leaves.
Serve and Enjoy!