If you’re looking to elevate your snacking game or whip up a delightful appetizer that feels both fresh and comforting, the White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe is your new best friend. This creamy, garlicky spread takes the classic hummus idea and gives it a vibrant twist by using tender Great Northern white beans, perfectly roasted garlic, and a subtle blend of spices. It’s smooth, zesty, and packed with wholesome flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a quick bite, this recipe promises to be a staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy beans that form the base to the punchy garlic and bright lemon juice, every component is essential to create that unforgettable flavor and luscious texture.
- Fresh garlic, sliced: Roasting the garlic softens its bite and brings out a caramelized sweetness that’s pure magic.
- Great Northern white beans (canned, rinsed and drained): These beans provide a velvety texture and gently nutty flavor as a perfect canvas.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and silkiness to the hummus while balancing the sharper notes.
- Lemon juice: Delivers just the right amount of acidity to brighten and freshen the spread.
- Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy depth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch gives a subtle heat that wakes up the taste buds without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and rounding out the dish.
- Pepper: Provides a gentle spicy kick and complexity.
How to Make White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Roast the garlic
Start by heating the olive oil and sliced garlic gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Keep a close eye as the garlic softens and turns a lovely light brown. This slow cooking mellows the garlic’s sharpness and transforms it into a sweet, aromatic treasure. Once done, cool slightly and separate the garlic from the oil using a sieve, saving them in two separate bowls for later use.
Step 2: Blend the base
Next, place the drained Great Northern beans into your food processor. Add the roasted garlic slices, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant cumin. Blend until the mixture is luxuriously smooth, creating the perfect base for your hummus.
Step 3: Incorporate olive oil and spices
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the reserved olive oil. This will help emulsify the mixture, giving it a luscious, creamy consistency. Finally, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Process just enough to combine evenly, making sure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Chill before serving
Refrigerate your hummus for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle and deepen. Chilling also thickens the texture, resulting in that perfectly scoopable and satisfying spread.
How to Serve White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top adds a beautiful pop of color and an inviting shine. Fresh parsley or chopped herbs bring freshness, while a few whole roasted garlic cloves on top hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This White Bean Garlic Hummus pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrot, celery, or cucumber. It’s also superb alongside warm pita bread, crispy crackers, or even as a spread in sandwiches — the possibilities are endless and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the hummus in a shallow bowl with a well in the center, filling it with olive oil and garnishing with herbs and spices. Layering with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes on top adds color and complexity. You can even use it as a creamy dollop on grain bowls or roasted veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your White Bean Garlic Hummus stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps preserve the garlicky, lemony freshness while allowing the flavors to further meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze hummus for up to three months, but note the texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. To freeze, transfer your hummus into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating
Hummus is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so simply thaw frozen hummus overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving. If it seems too thick, stir in a little extra olive oil or lemon juice to revive that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute other beans for Great Northern beans?
Absolutely! Cannellini or navy beans work wonderfully and offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans well before using.
How long does White Bean Garlic Hummus last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this hummus stays fresh and delicious for about a week. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for many dietary preferences without any adjustments.
Is the roasted garlic necessary?
Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness, but if you prefer a sharper garlic kick, you can use raw garlic. Just keep in mind raw garlic is more intense and can overpower the other ingredients.
Can I add other flavors to this White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, roasted red peppers, or even a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. This hummus is a great base for creativity.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe enough for those times when you want something both comforting and fresh, simple yet bursting with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll find it effortlessly becoming a go-to spread that brightens up your snacks, meals, and gatherings. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Print
White Bean Garlic Hummus Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy White Bean Garlic Hummus is a flavorful twist on the classic hummus, made with Great Northern white beans, roasted garlic, and a blend of spices. Perfect as a healthy dip for crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables, this easy recipe combines smooth white beans with aromatic garlic and zesty lemon for a delicious and nutritious snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Garlic Oil:
- 2 Tablespoons fresh garlic, sliced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Hummus Base:
- Two 15.8 ounce cans Great Northern White Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 Teaspoon cumin
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Oil: Place the olive oil and sliced garlic in a medium saucepan. Cook over low to medium heat until the garlic reaches a light brown color to infuse the oil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then strain the garlic using a sieve, placing the garlic slices in a small bowl and keeping the garlic-infused olive oil separate.
- Make the Hummus: Add the rinsed and drained white beans to a food processor. Add the reserved garlic slices, lemon juice, and cumin to the beans. Process until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the garlic-infused olive oil in a steady stream to blend into the bean mixture smoothly. Then add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and process again just to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the hummus to a container and refrigerate until cold. Serve as a dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or a variety of cut fresh vegetables for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Cooking the garlic slowly in olive oil mellows its flavor and prevents the hummus from tasting too sharp or raw.
- Be sure to rinse and drain the canned beans well to reduce sodium and avoid a metallic taste.
- For a smoother texture, peel the beans before processing, though this is optional and time-consuming.
- This hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spiciness level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
