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    Home » Dips » Cannellini Bean Dip

    Cannellini Bean Dip

    Published: Oct 27, 2018 · Modified: Jul 23, 2021 by Alexandra Cook

    For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

    3472 shares
    Jump to Recipe Leave Review

    This Cannellini Bean Dip is my go-to appetiser when I want something that’s quickly and easily prepared.

    My inspiration for this simple recipe came from a holiday in Italy. Some years ago Faye and I stayed for four days in the beautiful Umbrian hill town of Assisi. We ate at a delightful restaurant on several occasions and each time enjoyed their white bean and parmesan crostini. We brought home with us the idea for this simple appetiser. It is easy to prepare, is very tasty and I always have the ingredients on hand; olive oil, garlic, canned cannellini beans and parmesan being store cupboard staples.

    Simply whiz the drained cannellini beans, garlic and olive oil together in a small food processor, and season to taste. Make some oven baked crostini and top with the cannellini bean paste and shaved parmesan, or serve with celery and carrot sticks. It is quick, simple and delicious.

    With such few ingredients, it is, of course, important, that for the best flavour, they be good quality. I like to use extra virgin olive oil, Maldon sea salt flakes and good quality parmesan, Italian Grana Padano* or Parmigiano Reggiano.

    One of the benefits of making your own crostini is that it’s not essential that the bread be fresh, so if you have some leftover baguette (not one that’s very dry) it’s an ideal way to prevent wastage. In addition, the home baked version is infinitely preferable to the store bought as they are often oily and salty. The baked crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.

    Of course, if you would prefer to serve this dip with a gluten-free option, try my Seed Crackers.

    I do hope you enjoy this souvenir from Assisi as much as we do.

    Xx Alex and Faye

    P.S. For more delicious dip recipes, have a look at these ideas:

    • Whipped Feta
    • Simple and Delicious Tuna Dip
    • Roasted Capsicum Pesto
    • Green Goddess Dip
    • Easy Hummus
    • Caramelised Onion Dip
    • The Best Baba Ganoush
    • Avocado, Yoghurt and Mint Dip
    • Roasted Carrot Hummus
    • Cannellini Bean Dip
    • Smoked Salmon Pate

    Cannellini Bean Dip

    This simple appetiser, inspired by a visit to Italy, is quickly and easily prepared.
    4.99 from 70 votes
    Print Pin Review
    Course: Appetizer, Nibbles, Starter
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 89kcal
    Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

    Ingredients

    • 400 g cannellini beans
    • 1 small clove of garlic
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
    • sea salt and pepper to taste
    • Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)

    Recipe Measurements:

    For accuracy, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.

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    Instructions

    • Drain beans in a colander and rinse with running water. Drain well.
    • Place beans, garlic, and olive oil into a small food processor. Whiz to process.
      Add salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
      Check that the paste is the consistency you require; add more oil if necessary.
    • Serve in a nice bowl with crudites (celery, carrot and radish are my favourites) or with toasted bread and parmesan shavings.

    Notes

    *I use a small clove of garlic as I find that raw garlic can be too pungent. If you like a lot, use a larger clove.
    *Maldon Salt is a completely natural product; it is free of artificial additives, comes in thin flakes and has a mild, almost sweet flavour. It is ideal to use as a “finishing salt,” sprinkle a few flakes over a dish prior to serving. Try a sprinkle on a slice of ripe tomato to appreciate its flavour.
    * If serving as a dip with crudites, drizzle the top with olive oil and, if you like a little spice, sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper. (optional)
    * This recipe is vegan if you are not using the Parmesan cheese. 

    Nutrition Estimate:

    Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 143mg | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Please rate and leave a comment!
    Nutritional Disclaimer:

    The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

    Cannellini Bean Dip
    Cannellini Bean Dip - It's Not Complicated Recipes #dip #bean #cannellini #sides #partyfood #vegetarian #glutenfree #vegan
    Cannellini Bean Dip - It's Not Complicated Recipes #dip #bean #cannellini #sides #partyfood #vegetarian #glutenfree #vegan
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    3472 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cassie

      July 07, 2022 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this was a winner. I’m already thinking about when I can make it again. thank you Alex!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        July 12, 2022 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Cassie, I am so pleased that you enjoy the Cannellini Bean Dip – it is a favourite of mine also! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sophia

      October 29, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      This has been my go to snack for the past few weeks. I make another batch as soon as I’m running low and have tried it with roasted garlic which is amazing. It’s helped me keep my snacking healthy while still being delicious!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        November 01, 2021 at 9:14 pm

        Hi Sophia, thank you for your feedback on our Cannellini Bean Dip. I am delighted to hear how much you enjoy it; it’s always good to have a healthy snack. :-=)

        Reply
    3. August West

      November 09, 2020 at 12:21 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Awesome yet easy to make for a single guy who can’t boil water. Thank You!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        November 09, 2020 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Mary

      July 28, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Yum!! This is such a great way to use cannellini beans! I have a pantry full of canned beans and this was the perfect use for them. I added shaved parmesan on top and had them with wheat crackers.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        August 08, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Cannellini Bean Dip, Mary. It’s always good to have recipes which are easily made from store cupboard ingredients. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mayuri Patel

      May 30, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      An easy recipe and so versatile as it can be served with crackers, veggie sticks, pita chips etc. A great alternate to hummus.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        June 01, 2019 at 3:25 pm

        Thank you Mayuri; it is very versatile and makes a healthy snack. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Samar

      May 30, 2019 at 6:40 am

      I just tried it, and my partner loved it.

      Pretty awesome.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        June 01, 2019 at 3:31 pm

        Thank you for letting me know Samar. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Fran Jorgensen

      May 28, 2019 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing. I look forward to trying your other dips.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        June 01, 2019 at 4:42 pm

        I am so pleased that you liked it, Fran! Let me know if you try other recipes 🙂

        Reply
    8. Nelly Kungu

      May 28, 2019 at 4:54 am

      5 stars
      Recently moved to a new house and we started cooking so this is perfect. I cant thank you enough. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        May 28, 2019 at 10:16 am

        That is great, Nelly! Thank you for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    9. Dalene Ekirapa

      April 28, 2019 at 10:19 pm

      5 stars
      Yes! Bean dips can be so filling…when I don’t feel like going for soups for my appetizers, bean dips do come in handy!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        April 29, 2019 at 3:34 pm

        A can of beans is a very useful item. I love to make a dip with them but there are so many other ways in which to use them. 🙂

        Reply
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    Hello!

    I’m Alex.

    I am a full-time blogger, passionate foodie and writer who loves to travel.

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