White Bean Hummus

White bean hummus made with cannellini beans is a tasty dip or spread on sandwiches. Make this recipe for zaatar hummus with 5 ingredients!

overhead: white bean hummus seasoned with zaatar on aqua blue plate with pita chips

Many of us are familiar with Mediterranean hummus, the popular spread made with chickpeas. That creamy dip is popular all around the world.

If you’ve ever thought, “What can I use instead of chickpeas for hummus?”, you may be surprised at how many options there are!

For example, dried beans (legumes) are a fantastic substitute for chickpeas in hummus!

There are recipes around for black bean hummus, and some that use red kidney beans. But white beans have a really creamy consistency, so they’re my favorite to use when I don’t have chickpeas on hand.

White bean hummus

Cuisine: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern

While the majority of hummus recipes likely originated in Mediterranean countries, changing the cuisine can be as simple as adding a regional spice blend. Which is exactly what I did for my bean hummus recipe.

I add a bit of Lebanese zaatar spice to the white beans, creating a Middle Eastern recipe for zaatar hummus!

lebanon circled on map of middle east

Course:
Condiment or Appetizer/Dip

Preparation:
Food processor or high speed blender

Difficulty: Easy 🥄

Description:
Cooked white beans combined with tahini, lemon juice and seasonings to create a creamy white bean dip.

cannellini bean dip on blue plate with garnish of lemon slices

Hummus Ingredients – FAQ

Does tahini make a difference in hummus?


Tahini is made from sesame seeds, which add a zesty, tangy flavor to hummus that many people enjoy. Not only that, but tahini helps increase the creaminess.
If you don’t care for it, there are substitutes for tahini, such as nut butters, regular better, and sesame oil.

Which beans are best for white bean hummus?


There isn’t necessarily a “best” white bean to use in your hummus; it’s simply a matter of preference. It can be made with cannellini, Great Northern, navy beans, or another white bean of your choice.

They all have a similar flavor and consistency. Cannellini beans are a popular choice because they’re high in fiber and protein.

Do I have to make zaatar hummus?

Absolutely not, but I think the zesty spice blend pairs perfectly with the cannellini beans. Other spice blends that would work well include:

overhead: creamy cannellini bean hummus in food processor bowl

Making, storing and freezing white bean hummus

Making the creamy white bean dip couldn’t be any simpler! Just add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and blend until it’s thick and creamy!

It isn’t necessary to chill the white bean hummus before serving but you certainly can if you prefer cold dips.

Storing and freezing

After serving, store any leftovers in a covered container and keep it in the fridge. Use them up within 5 days.

While freezing hummus is an option, you should know that the consistency becomes very loose and watery when it thaws out.

Personally, I think the white bean dip tastes best when it’s freshly made.

overhead: zaatar hummus on blue plate with pita bread triangles
Still Hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for all my latest recipes and videos.

overhead: white bean hummus seasoned with zaatar on aqua blue plate with pita chips

White Bean Hummus

White bean hummus made with cannellini beans is a tasty dip or spread on sandwiches. Make this recipe for zaatar hummus with 5 ingredients!
Servings: 6
Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins

Ingredients 

  • 15 oz cooked white cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp zaatar spice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions 

  • Add the beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, zaatar and salt. Pulse until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  • With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated completely. Season to taste with salt if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: appetizers
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Author: Kevin
Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!
titled image of white bean hummus in bowl with pita chips

Kevin

I was bitten by the cooking bug as a kid cooking and baking along side my mom. After an ROP restaurant course in high school, I went to work in restaurants and catering. My love of travel and food has led me across the world and I love to share those foods with family and friends.

Free Bonus
Kevin's Guide to Amazing International Cooking
My secrets to authentic & delicious international recipes

Explore More

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating