Cannellini Bean Dip with Lemon and Parmesan
on Apr 10, 2020, Updated Feb 05, 2025
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This is a very simple 10-minute bean dip that comes together with pantry ingredients - a nice change of pace from hummus.
These days, we are putting those cans of beans to work. I’ve never felt so happy to see a little stockpile of beans in my pantry, and I’m guessing you feel the same. Cannellini is one of my go-to favorites.
Not only is this cannellini bean dip fast and easy, but it’s also really inexpensive. This cannellini bean dip tastes fresh and lush at the same time, and there’s something very special about a homemade dip or spread versus the store-bought stuff. Serve it with pita or tortilla chips or raw vegetables or crackers.
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How to Make Cannellini Bean Dip
A food processor or blender makes this come together ridiculously quickly.
- Place the beans, shallots, olive oil, and lemon juice and zest in a food processor or blender and pulse to combine well.
- Add the Parmesan, cayenne or hot sauce, and salt and pepper and puree until smooth. If the dip is thick, you may add another tablespoon or two of olive oil or water. Make sure to season generously with pepper, and add salt judiciously—you can always add more at the end, but the Parmesan adds salt as well.
- If you like, top the dip with a sprinkle of parsley or paprika. If you happen to have a couple of fresh herb sprigs lying around, tuck those into the side.
Make Ahead Bean Dip
Cannellini bean dip can be made a couple of days ahead of time and refrigerated, but it is best served at room temperature.
More Homemade Dip Recipes
- Parmesan Feta Spinach Dip
- Sesame Oil Hummus Without Tahini
- Cowboy Caviar
- Black Olive Tapenade
- Blue Cheese Dip
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Cannellini Bean Dip with Lemon and Parmesan
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5- or 15-ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Strained juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch cayenne pepper or a couple of dashes of hot sauce
- Coarse or kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Minced fresh parsley or paprika (to garnish; optional)
Instructions
- Place the beans, shallots, olive oil, and lemon juice and zest in a food processor or blender and pulse to combine well. Add the Parmesan, cayenne or hot sauce, and salt and pepper, and puree until smooth. If the dip is thick, you may add another tablespoon or two of olive oil or water.
- If you like, top the dip with a sprinkle of parsley or paprika.
it is an instant winner in our house
Thanks Katie, I’m staying in today since its a feels like 5 degrees outside (balmy compared to other areas). The recipe looks great but I think I’m just going to pick up a can of cannellini beans rather than tweaking from the get go. And, I need to branch out from my usual garbanzo and black beans.
That pic caught my eye. Looks great. I’ve never bought cannellini beans before. Do you think I can sub garbanzo beans? I’m not familiar with cannellini beans/and their taste. Or do you think I should just buy a can the next time I go shopping.
Thanks so much.
go ahead and try it with garbanzo! Cannellini are very mild white beans, and great in chili, or soups (https://themom100.com/the-mom-100-blog/recipes/hearty-lentil-vegetable-and-grain-soup/), or try them in these crostini! https://themom100.com/the-mom-100-blog/recipes/avocado-and-cannellini-bean-crostini-with-gremolata/