Dips + Salsas Snacks

April 9, 2023

Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus

Name: Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cloves garlic*, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 6 large basil leaves; 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling on top; Water to thin, if necessary

Delicious garlic basil white bean hummus made with flavorful garlic, zesty lemon juice, and fresh basil. This easy white bean hummus recipe is the perfect snack to pair with veggies, crackers, pita chips, and even to use as a spread or sauce!

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

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Jump to Recipe

Buckle up kids, we’ve got a recipe from 2012 making its comeback. Besides the original date on this post, you can believe it’s from 2012 because here’s a excerpt from the original:

“I got an iPhone. My life has officially changed… I don’t know if it’s for the better since I’m pretty obsessed…Oh and obviously I now have Instagram. I basically just take photos of food, brown butter, and things that don’t matter. SO COOL, right? Wrong.”

Oh how times have changed since 10 years ago. I originally made this simple, absolutely delicious garlic basil white bean hummus when I had a basil plant growing tons of huge, beautiful leaves. What better way to use it up than with the perfect appetizer, snack, spread, you name it?

Hummus on sandwiches. Hummus for breakfast. Hummus snacking is totally good. I would know, according to my previous post, I dipped carrots, snowpeas, and every veggie imaginable in it. At one point I contemplated putting it on a granola bar but decided that was taking it too far. I don’t know. It might still happen.

This HUMMUS needs to be made by you. Bonus points if you make homemade pita chips (instructions included below!) and eat them for breakfast because you know that’s what I did. I have to thank the fabulous Giada for the inspiration. I have to thank myself for slathering it over everything in sight.

We’re swapping chickpeas for white beans

That’s right, unlike traditional hummus recipes, there are no chickpeas involved in this recipe! I love the extra creamy texture that white beans (AKA cannellini beans) give this hummus, plus all of the regular benefits of protein and fiber. You’re going to LOVE this version.

You can also use:

Great Northern beans: a little smaller than cannellini beans, slightly nutty in flavor.
Navy beans: small white beans that are mild in flavor and easy to puree.
Butter beans: also smaller than cannellini beans and slightly softer and starchier.

Everything you’ll need to make this easy white bean hummus

You’ll just need 5 simple ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to make this incredible garlic basil white bean hummus. Here they are:

Cannellini beans: these are the white beans I’m talking about that make up the base of the hummus. They pack fiber, iron, protein, and magnesium and give the hummus the perfect smooth texture. As I mentioned above, there are a few other types of white beans you can use as well, which will give the hummus a slightly different texture and flavor (but still be delicious).
Garlic: gotta have fresh garlic for that savory flavor. See below for a delicious way to use roasted garlic.
Lemon juice: for beautiful brightness and a little acidity.
Basil: we’re blending in plenty of fresh basil for and delicious, herby flavor.
Olive oil: you’ll also need a little olive oil to get a creamy consistency because we’re not adding tahini.
Salt & pepper: remember to adequately season your hummus to bring out all of the flavors.

Roasted garlic: the best flavor booster

If you’re in a time crunch, this white bean hummus recipe is perfect because it takes just about 15 minutes to make. However, if you have a bit more time and are looking to add some extra “oomph” to the flavor, I highly recommend adding roasted garlic! You’ll actually roast up a whole head of garlic and use it all in the recipe. Here’s how:

Preheat the oven to 400º degrees F. Cut off ¼-½” from the top of a garlic bulb (i.e. the stem, not the root) and place it on a piece of tin foil.
Drizzle the garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil, then close the tin foil around it.
Place the foil wrapped garlic bulb on a small sheet tray and roast for 60 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft and lightly golden in color.
Squeeze the cooled, roasted garlic cloves out of the skin and into your food processor with the rest of the hummus ingredients & enjoy!

Make homemade pita chips

Making homemade pita chips to serve with this white bean hummus is easier than you think and truly the perfect snack! Here’s how you do it:

Cut your pita into 8 wedges (or triangles), place them in a bowl with a bit of olive oil, and toss to LIGHTLY coat the pita chips. Alternatively, you can use olive oil cooking spray.
Toss your pita chips in whatever seasonings you like. I often use garlic salt and cumin, or for a bit of kick, I like chili powder and a drizzle of fresh lime juice. It really just depends what you’ll be serving them with!
Add them to a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes or until they are crisp and golden, turning once halfway through baking time.

They turn out a golden brown, crunchy, and unlike any store-bought pita chip! Trust me, you’ll be addicted!

How to make perfect white bean hummus

Choose your garlic option. You’ll first want to decide if you’re using raw, minced garlic, or a head of roasted garlic. If using roasted garlic, start by roasting it up before proceeding with the recipe.
Chop up the ingredients. Add the beans, garlic, lemon juice, basil, salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are somewhat chopped up.
Blend until smooth. Slowly pour in the olive oil while your food processor is running until the mixture is creamy. If the mixture is still too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it thins out to your liking.
Season & serve. Add more salt and pepper to taste, then serve the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil on top if you’d like!

Our fav ways to eat this hummus

Obviously as a dip for fresh veggies, crackers (like these paleo ones), sliced pita bread or pita chips as I mentioned above, naan, pretzels and more.
Use it as a spread for your favorite sandwiches and wraps! Spread a little on these Grilled Tahini Chicken Caesar Sandwiches, at it to these chickpea salad collard wraps or use it in these greek salad pinwheels.
Mix it with a little bit of warm water and toss it with warm pasta for an easy, garlicky pasta sauce! Use this method for an easy salad dressing, too.
Add some to a veggie-packed grain bowl or thin it out a bit and drizzle roasted veggies.

How to store homemade hummus

Store this garlic white bean hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More easy dips you’ll love

Get all of my dip recipes here, and my hummus recipes here!

I hope you love this garlic white bean basil hummus recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!