Creamy White Bean Hummus Dip

If you’re craving something creamy, zesty, and totally snack-worthy, white bean hummus is the way to go! It’s smooth, flavorful, and takes just minutes to whip up with a few simple ingredients. All you need is a can of white beans (like Great Northern), some lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil—and boom, you’re in business. It’s perfect for dipping crunchy veggies, spreading on toast, or dolloping onto grain bowls.

This isn’t your average hummus—white beans make it extra silky and give it a mellow, buttery flavor that pairs well with just about anything. You can keep it classic or add fun extras like fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or a pinch of spice. It’s a great way to mix things up and bring something new to the snack table. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times!

Raise your hand if you’re ready to whip up a batch of white bean hummus. We know we are!

Table of Contents

Why You Need to Try This Hummus with White Beans

If you’re a die-hard champion for chickpeas (and will welcome no other bean), we want to share the reasons why this homemade hummus is worthwhile. If we could give you a tempting taste through this text, we would! But, until that time, here is why we think you’ll love this recipe:

Super Smooth and Creamy. White beans blend up into a silky texture that’s extra creamy—even without a ton of oil. It’s perfect for spreading, dipping, or just eating with a spoon!
Mild Flavor That Goes With Everything. White beans have a gentle, slightly nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients. That means you can keep it simple or dress it up with herbs, garlic, or spices.
Quick and Easy to Make. All you need is a can of white beans and a few pantry staples. Toss everything in a blender or food processor, and it’s ready in minutes!
Full of Good-For-You Stuff. This hummus isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and iron. It’s a snack you can feel good about.
Perfect for Meal Prep. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge for quick snacks, lazy lunches, or easy dinners all week long. It stays fresh and tasty for days.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

White bean hummus, a Mediterranean delight, boasts the perfect blend of plump white beans, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant garlic for a smooth, satisfying bite. Let’s delve a little deeper into these simple ingredients:

Ingredients for white bean hummus with labels.

White Beans (Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini Beans) – Give your hummus that smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor. Use canned beans for a shortcut, or cook your own for extra flavor. You can use any of the three beans for this recipe—and don’t toss the liquid! That bean liquid is called “aquafaba” and is essential in creating the creamy texture in this dip.
Tahini – Lends a rich, slightly nutty taste and creamy texture. It helps everything blend together smoothly. Stir tahini well before using—it can separate in the jar. No tahini? Try sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or even a splash of olive oil (as in this citrus olive oil cake) for creaminess.
Garlic – Adds a bold, savory kick that makes hummus extra tasty. A little goes a long way, especially when raw. If raw garlic feels too strong, roast it first or use garlic powder. Shallots or a tiny bit of onion powder can add a milder flavor.
Lemon Juice – Gives brightness and a little tang that lifts all the flavors. It balances the richness of the beans and tahini. Tip: Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference, but bottled works in a pinch. Try lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar if you’re out of lemons.

Types of White Beans to Choose From

Want to make the creamiest, tastiest white bean dip ever? The type of white beans you use can totally change the flavor and texture—in the best way! White beans (especially when made fresh in a pressure cooker) are naturally smooth and mild, which makes them perfect for a dip that feels fancy but is super easy to make. And guess what? There’s more than one kind to choose from, and each one has its own little personality. Let’s check out a few popular white beans you can try to mix things up and make your dip extra delicious!

Cannellini Beans

Also known as white kidney beans, these are one of the most well-known and widely used white bean varieties. They have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Cannellini beans blend easily into a smooth and velvety consistency perfect for dips.

Great Northern Beans

These beans are smaller and slightly firmer than Cannellini beans, which can add a pleasant texture to your dip. They have a delicate, earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic, lemon, and herbs for a delicious northern bean hummus. Great Northern beans are ideal if you want a dip with a bit more substance.

Navy Beans

Often used in baked beans, Navy Beans are small, oval-shaped beans with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Navy beans create a creamy dip that’s perfect for those who prefer a sweeter undertone in their dip. They work wonderfully with ingredients like roasted garlic and rosemary.

Butter Beans

Also known as lima beans, these offer a unique twist to your white bean dip. They are larger and have a buttery, rich flavor that can give your dip a decadent touch. Butter beans are especially delightful when blended with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and color.

Baby Lima Beans

If you want a milder flavor and a smoother texture in your dip, consider using baby lima beans. These beans are smaller and more delicate than regular lima beans, making them perfect for achieving a velvety consistency in your dip. They pair well with fresh herbs and lemon zest for a bright and refreshing flavor profile.

Cassoulet Beans

Cassoulet beans are another fantastic option for white bean dip enthusiasts. These beans are medium-sized and have a robust, nutty flavor. They are excellent for creating a dip with a heartier, rustic quality.

How To Make This White Bean Hummus Recipe

This hummus is so rich and creamy, and will only take about five minutes to make. Grab a food processor and follow these two simple steps!

Best Things To Eat With White Bean Hummus

Much like regular chickpea hummus, this white bean hummus pairs with just about everything. Here are some of our favorites:

Crunchy Veggie Sticks – Carrots, cucumbers, broccoli trees, bell peppers, and snap peas are perfect for dipping. The crisp texture goes great with the creamy hummus. Consider tangy pickled veggies for a fun variation!
Pita Chips or Warm Flatbread – Scoop it up with baked pita bread or chips, or soft, toasty focaccia flatbread. It’s a simple combo that never gets old. Don’t forget warm tortillas and crunchy seed crackers, too!
Avocado Toast Upgrade – Spread a layer of hummus on your toast (or sweet potato toast) before adding avocado. It adds extra flavor and makes your toast even creamier.
Roasted Veggie Wraps – Smear some hummus inside a wrap with roasted rainbow veggies and greens. It adds flavor, moisture, and a little protein boost.
Daring Dressing – Did you know that you can pour hummus like a sauce onto your grain bowl (like this vegan poke bowl), pasta with tomatoes, fresh greens salad, and savory rice? You won’t believe how delicious it is as a tomato-based alternative.

How To Store Leftover Bean Hummus

To keep any remaining dreamy bean hummus fresh, store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re a huge hummus lover, it probably won’t even last that long! Otherwise, just give it a quick mix with a spoon before serving the next time. It’s possible to freeze a sealed container of hummus for up to 4 months, but keep in mind that there might be a change in both texture and flavor once thawed.

FAQs

Can you make this white bean hummus without tahini?

Yes, you sure can! A great substitution for tahini is cashew butter, whether you’re allergic or just don’t like the taste. You still get the creaminess and plant-based fat, but with a milder flavor.

Is it possible to use lime juice instead of lemon?

Yup. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but the tart flavor and acid component will still be there. In a pinch, you could also use apple cider vinegar. Though, this would definitely change the flavor profile.

Would I be able to swap out the navy bean for cannellini or great northern beans?

Definitely! Any starchy white bean would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to save some of the brine from the can to blend along with the beans. Using the bean aquafaba makes the hummus much creamier and lighter in texture.

What is a good substitute for chickpeas in hummus?

Any bean can be made into hummus, but for a similar color choose other white beans like navy beans, cannellini, and great northern beans. For a more adventurous hummus try black beans, kidney beans, or even green peas!