Creamy Cranberry White Bean Hummus: Your New Favorite Holiday Appetizer
Get ready to elevate your holiday entertaining with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make White Bean Hummus with Cranberry. It’s not just a dip; it’s a vibrant celebration of festive flavors, bringing together the natural sweetness and tartness of cranberries, the bright zest of orange, and the delightful crunch of pecans. Perfect for any gathering, this vibrant dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a healthy, impressive staple on your holiday table.
White Bean Cranberry Hummus: A Festive & Flavorful Dip
When it comes to great-tasting appetizers that are quick to prepare, you simply can’t beat this White Bean Hummus with Cranberry. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a dream come true for busy holiday hosts.
In our household, white beans, commonly known as cannellini beans, are a culinary essential. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of dishes. We regularly incorporate them into hearty meals such as this warming White Bean Soup, or as the star of delicious starters like this White Bean Artichoke Dip. They also feature in comforting side dishes, like these Easy Bacon Baked Beans, and even in satisfying pasta creations, such as Smoked Sausage Pasta with White Beans. My passion for hummus is well-known, and I’m always looking for new ways to experiment with ingredients and create unique flavor combinations.
This culinary curiosity, especially with the festive season in mind, inspired the creation of my signature White Bean Cranberry Hummus. It’s a delightful departure from traditional chickpea hummus, offering a subtle yet distinct base that perfectly harmonizes with the seasonal additions. The result is a dip that feels both familiar and excitingly new, ideal for adding a special touch to your holiday spread.
What truly sets this homemade hummus apart is its unique combination of ingredients. It’s generously studded with plump, dried cranberries, which add a wonderful chewiness and a delightful sweet-tart counterpoint. The creamy white bean base is infused with an aromatic olive oil that has been gently heated with fresh garlic and fragrant rosemary. This fragrant oil permeates the hummus, building a robust flavor foundation.
My distinct twist on the classic hummus recipe involves substituting the commonly used lemon juice with fresh orange juice. This thoughtful swap introduces a sweet, bright, and slightly tangy flavor profile that is wonderfully festive and pairs exquisitely with the sweet-tart cranberries. Furthermore, this recipe is crafted without tahini, offering a lighter, yet equally creamy, texture. To complete this elegant appetizer, I add a generous topping of crunchy chopped pecans, which provide a satisfying textural contrast and a rich, nutty flavor that beautifully ties all the elements together.
This versatile dip is perfect for serving with a variety of dippers. Think crisp fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips. It’s also fantastic with your favorite crackers, slices of toasted baguette, or warm, fluffy pita bread. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing addition that will undoubtedly become a favorite at all your holiday gatherings and beyond.
Legumes: A Cornerstone of the Healthy Mediterranean Diet
Yes, legumes are not just present in the Mediterranean diet; they are a fundamental and highly valued component. These nutrient-dense pulses, which include lentils, peas, beans (like our cannellini beans), and chickpeas, are staples in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. They form the foundation of many meals, celebrated for their robust nutritional benefits and versatility. Beans are incredibly rich in plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.
Beyond protein, legumes are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management. They are also excellent sources of essential B vitamins, vital for energy metabolism, and brimming with beneficial phytochemicals—natural plant compounds that offer protective health benefits. Incorporating legumes into your diet, as exemplified by this easy White Bean Hummus, is a delicious way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients that support overall health and well-being. Moreover, beans are an incredibly inexpensive and economical ingredient, making healthy eating accessible to everyone. A simple can of beans can be effortlessly transformed into a nutritious and delicious meal or, as you’ll discover with this recipe, a wonderfully sophisticated appetizer.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Cranberry Hummus
Crafting this flavorful and unique hummus requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its distinctive festive profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is a non-negotiable for authentic Mediterranean flavor and healthy fats. Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds a silky texture and richness to the hummus but also serves as the perfect medium for infusing the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary.
- White Beans (Cannellini Beans): The foundation of our hummus! Cannellini beans are renowned for their exceptionally creamy texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor, making them an ideal base that differs from the earthier chickpea. They blend into a wonderfully smooth consistency. While cannellini beans are preferred, you can easily substitute with other white bean varieties like Great Northern beans or navy beans.
- Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned gems are crucial for both flavor and visual appeal. They provide a delightful burst of sweet-tart flavor and a pleasant chewiness that beautifully complements the creamy hummus. They also lend a vibrant, festive color to the dip.
- Fresh Orange Juice: This is the secret ingredient that gives our hummus its unique holiday twist! Replacing traditional lemon juice, fresh orange juice introduces a delightful sweetness and a bright, citrusy tang that harmonizes exquisitely with the cranberries and rosemary. It creates a truly distinct and refreshing flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs (Rosemary & Garlic): The infusion of fresh rosemary and garlic into the olive oil forms the aromatic heart of this hummus. Rosemary contributes a fragrant, slightly piney and peppery note, while garlic adds a warm, pungent depth. For a subtle variation, a touch of fresh thyme can be used alongside or as a substitute for the rosemary.
- Pecans (Chopped): Added as a garnish, chopped pecans are essential for providing a delightful textural contrast. Their buttery, earthy flavor and satisfying crunch elevate the overall experience of the creamy hummus. If pecans aren’t readily available or you have a different preference, walnuts, toasted pine nuts, or slivered almonds make excellent alternative toppings.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are vital for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your personal preference for a perfectly seasoned dip.
Crafting Your Creamy White Bean Cranberry Hummus: A Simple Guide
You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this delightful dip comes together! This recipe is designed for both speed and simplicity, making it a perfect choice for even the busiest holiday schedules. In just under 15 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting appetizer ready to impress your guests.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Infuse the Olive Oil: Begin by gently heating the extra virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs and peeled garlic cloves. Allow them to sauté for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to soften, and the rosemary releases its beautiful essential oils. It’s crucial not to burn the garlic, as this will impart an unpleasant bitter taste to your hummus. As soon as it’s fragrant, promptly remove the skillet from the heat, allowing the oil to continue infusing slightly as it cools.
- Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Carefully transfer the fragrant infused olive oil, along with the sautéed garlic cloves and rosemary (if you prefer to leave them in for extra texture and flavor, otherwise remove the rosemary sprigs), into the bowl of a food processor. Add the thoroughly drained cannellini beans, fresh orange juice, a pinch of salt, and the dried cranberries.
- Blend to Perfection: Secure the lid of the food processor and process the ingredients until a luxuriously smooth and creamy paste forms. You might need to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is thoroughly blended. If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add a tablespoon or two of cold water at a time, blending after each addition, until you achieve your desired texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Once you’ve achieved the desired smoothness and consistency, taste the hummus. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary. A perfectly seasoned dip makes all the difference!
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the finished hummus into a beautiful serving dish. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, garnish generously with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a few extra dried cranberries for both visual appeal and added texture. A small sprig of fresh rosemary can also serve as a lovely, fragrant final touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Cranberry White Bean Hummus
While this recipe is incredibly simple, these expert tips will help ensure your White Bean Cranberry Hummus turns out perfectly every time, from its rich flavor to its smooth consistency, guaranteeing a delightful experience for all:
- Prevent Burning the Olive Oil & Garlic: This step is critical for a smooth, pleasant flavor. When infusing the olive oil with garlic and rosemary, maintain a medium-low heat and watch it carefully. You want the garlic to become fragrant and just slightly softened, not browned or burnt. Burnt garlic will impart an unpleasant, bitter taste to your entire hummus, which can be difficult to remedy. As soon as you notice the aroma (usually within a minute or so), remove the skillet from the heat immediately.
- Master the Make-Ahead: This hummus is an excellent make-ahead appetizer, which is a huge advantage during the hectic holiday season. Prepare it a day or even two in advance, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it securely in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually have more time to meld and deepen, often tasting even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving, and if it appears too thick, add a small splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
- Effortless Entertaining for a Crowd: Planning a larger gathering? No problem at all! This White Bean Hummus recipe scales beautifully. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed to accommodate your guest list. A larger batch might require a few extra pulses in the food processor to ensure everything is thoroughly blended to that signature creamy texture.
- Storing Leftovers Smartly: Any leftover White Bean Cranberry Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, you can lightly drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container; this helps to prevent the hummus from drying out and oxidizing, keeping it fresh and vibrant.
- Get Creative with Extra Additions: While this hummus is absolutely delicious as is, feel free to personalize it and make it your own! Consider stirring in finely chopped Kalamata olives for a briny kick, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for added herbaceousness, or even some crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy dimension. A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds just before serving can also add a sophisticated touch.
Hummus Beyond Chickpeas: Embracing Culinary Variety
While chickpeas are undeniably the most iconic ingredient for traditional hummus, the true beauty of this versatile dip lies in its remarkable adaptability. The term “hummus” broadly refers to a creamy, savory spread, and you can absolutely use a wide variety of legumes to create delicious and unique versions. In this recipe, we’ve purposefully opted for white beans, specifically cannellini beans, to achieve a uniquely smooth and mild base that pairs exquisitely with the vibrant and festive cranberry and orange flavors.
Don’t let your culinary imagination stop there! If you don’t have white beans on hand, or simply wish to explore new tastes, feel free to substitute them with other cooked beans. Edamame can yield a vibrant green and subtly sweet hummus, lima beans offer a delicate, buttery texture, or even black beans can create a strikingly dark and earthy dip, perfect for a different kind of gathering. The possibilities extend even further beyond legumes: you can daringly swap the beans for cooked vegetables instead! Imagine a naturally sweet and bright orange carrot hummus, an earthy and beautiful beet hummus, a subtly sweet roasted red pepper hummus, or a comforting and creamy sweet potato hummus. Each vegetable base offers a distinct taste, texture, and color, allowing you to customize your dip to your heart’s content and impress guests with truly innovative flavors. This adaptability ensures that you can always create a fresh and exciting hummus, no matter what ingredients you have available or what dietary preferences you need to accommodate.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Cranberry White Bean Hummus
While this White Bean Cranberry Hummus shines brilliantly as a simple, standalone dip, its incredible versatility allows it to be incorporated into an extensive array of dishes. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started, transforming your hummus from a mere appetizer into a culinary centerpiece:
- The Classic Dipping Experience: Serve it traditionally with a generous spread alongside warm, fluffy pita bread, deliciously crispy Homemade Baked Pita Chips, artisanal crackers, or a vibrant rainbow of fresh vegetable sticks (think crisp carrot sticks, refreshing cucumber slices, and colorful bell pepper strips).
- Elevated Panini & Sandwiches: Transform your lunch or light dinner! If you have any succulent leftover turkey from the holidays, spread this hummus generously on your favorite bread for a delightful Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini. It also makes an excellent, flavorful, and moist spread for any sandwich or wrap, adding a gourmet touch.
- Creative Platters & Unique Pizzas:
- Create a stunning and inviting Hummus Platter by artfully arranging it with marinated olives, crumbled feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber slices.
- Utilize it as a unique and flavorful base for pizza! Try a savory Spiced Beef & Hummus Pita Pizza, or experiment with other creative toppings for a truly personalized dish.
- For elegant bite-sized appetizers, stuff the hummus into mini phyllo cups or spread it onto toasted crostini for sophisticated Cucumber Hummus Bites. You could even adapt it for Buffalo Chicken Hummus Bites, using this white bean version as a creamy base.
- Nourishing Grain & Salad Bowls: Incorporate this creamy hummus into your favorite grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or substantial salads for an added boost of plant-based protein and rich flavor. It’s fantastic dolloped into a vibrant Greek Quinoa Bowl, a wholesome Mediterranean Buddha Bowl, or a refreshing Mediterranean Salmon Bowl.
- Breakfast & Brunch Revamp: Who says hummus can’t be for breakfast? Spread this delightful dip on toast instead of traditional avocado for a savory, satisfying, and unexpectedly delicious start to your day. Our Mediterranean Hummus Toast recipe provides a wonderful template, but imagine it with the unique, festive twist of cranberry and orange!
Explore More Hummus Creations You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the unique and delicious flavors of this White Bean Cranberry Hummus, you’re in for a treat! Hummus is an endlessly customizable dip, and there’s a whole world of exciting flavors and textures waiting to be discovered. Expand your culinary horizons with some of our other favorite hummus recipes:
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Classic Lebanese Hummus Recipe
-
Vibrant & Easy Beet Hummus
-
Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus
-
Bright & Zesty Lemon Hummus
-
Bold & Spicy Hummus
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White Bean Hummus
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, fresh
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 – 14 ounce cannellini beans, {white beans} drained
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cranberries, dried
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh rosemary and peeled garlic cloves. Stir a minute until fragrant.
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Add all the ingredients, except pecans, into a food processor (include the infused olive oil, sauté garlic cloves, and rosemary).
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Blend until very smooth. Adjust thickness to your taste by adding extra water if needed and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve with chopped pecans on top, extra cranberries, and fresh pita bread or crackers.
Notes
- Be careful that the olive oil doesn’t burn. You just need to sauté garlic and rosemary until fragrant and then remove the skillet from heat.
- Try subbing the pecans with walnuts, almonds or pine nuts.
- You can add a drizzle of fresh cranberry sauce if you have leftover from the holidays. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About White Bean Cranberry Hummus
- Can I make this hummus spicy?
- Absolutely! To introduce a delightful kick, you can include a generous pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re infusing the olive oil. Alternatively, stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) to the food processor along with the other ingredients. A creative twist is to drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
- Is this White Bean Cranberry Hummus suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, as it contains no animal products. It’s also inherently gluten-free, making it a fantastic and inclusive plant-based option for virtually all your guests with dietary restrictions!
- How can I ensure my hummus is extra smooth and creamy?
- For the silkiest, most luxurious texture, ensure you process and blend the ingredients for a good 2-3 minutes in the food processor. Don’t rush this step! Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. If the hummus appears too thick or coarse after blending, gradually add a tablespoon of cold water at a time, blending after each addition, until you achieve your desired velvety smooth consistency. Some dedicated home cooks even peel the white beans for an ultra-smooth result, though it’s not strictly necessary for this delicious recipe.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
- You certainly can, but fresh cranberries are significantly more tart and firm than their dried counterparts. If you opt for fresh cranberries, I highly recommend briefly cooking them down in a small saucepan with a tiny bit of sugar (or maple syrup) and a splash of orange juice. This will soften them and help balance their tartness, making them more suitable for the hummus. Alternatively, as mentioned in the recipe notes, any leftover homemade cranberry sauce from the holidays would be a fantastic addition!
- What is the best way to store homemade hummus and how long does it last?
- To keep your White Bean Cranberry Hummus fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent it from drying out or oxidizing, you can lightly drizzle a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the top of the hummus before securely sealing the container.
Conclusion: Savor the Festive Flavors!
This White Bean Hummus with Cranberry is so much more than just a holiday dip; it’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. With its vibrant colors, rich and balanced flavors, and delightful textures, it’s bound to become a beloved staple at your festive gatherings for years to come. Easy to prepare, healthy, and incredibly versatile, this hummus offers a refreshing and exciting alternative to traditional appetizers, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. So go ahead, whip up a generous batch, gather your loved ones, and savor the festive spirit with every creamy, tangy, and satisfyingly crunchy bite!