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White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Your Essential Healthy Super Bowl Appetizer

The Super Bowl is nearly upon us, and whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the commercials and the incredible food spread, one thing’s for sure: the snacks are a vital part of the experience! While traditional game day fare often leans towards the indulgent, this year, let’s score a touchdown with a delicious and surprisingly healthy option that won’t compromise on flavor: the White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

This vibrant, creamy dip is not just perfect for your Super Bowl party; it’s an ideal appetizer for any gathering, a wholesome snack for a quiet evening, or even a versatile spread for everyday meals. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and so satisfying that you might just find yourself making it weekly, as I have since the start of the year!

Why This White Bean Hummus Will Be Your Next Go-To Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your snack game without sacrificing your health goals, this White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a game-changer. It takes the beloved concept of hummus and gives it a fresh, slightly different twist by using cannellini beans instead of traditional chickpeas. The result is a dip that is not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably smooth and creamy, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

In a world where healthy eating often feels like a compromise, this recipe proves that you can have it all: taste, nutrition, and convenience. It’s an “easy peasy, totally tasty, healthy little appy” that will impress your guests and leave you feeling good about your food choices.

The Health Powerhouse: Unpacking the Benefits of This Hummus

Beyond its delightful taste, this White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus boasts a impressive nutritional profile. White beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern beans, are excellent sources of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. This means they not only help you feel full and satisfied for longer, but they also contribute to digestive health and stable blood sugar levels. They are naturally low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Roasted red peppers add a burst of color and a sweet, smoky flavor, but they also bring a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, and Vitamin A, important for vision and skin health. Combined with the healthy monounsaturated fats from extra virgin olive oil and the nutrient density of tahini (sesame paste), this hummus is a wholesome addition to any diet. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

Essential Tips for Crafting the Perfect White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Choosing Your Beans: Cannellini or Great Northern?

For this recipe, I recommend using cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, due to their creamy texture and mild flavor, which blend beautifully into hummus. However, if cannellini beans aren’t readily available, Great Northern white beans make an excellent substitute. Both varieties will yield a wonderfully smooth and rich dip. Remember to thoroughly rinse and drain your canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor.

Roasted Red Peppers: Convenience Meets Flavor

When it comes to the roasted red peppers, you have a couple of convenient options. You can use a 12-oz. jar of whole roasted red peppers. In this case, simply drain them, remove any seeds, and snip off the stems. Alternatively, a jar of pre-sliced roasted red pepper strips, already drained, will save you a step. The smoky, sweet notes of the roasted peppers are what truly set this hummus apart, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

The Magic of Fresh Ingredients

While canned beans and jarred peppers make this recipe incredibly quick, don’t underestimate the power of fresh ingredients like garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice. They provide a bright, zesty kick that balances the richness of the beans and tahini. Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, while kosher salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors without overpowering them. And a good quality extra virgin olive oil, like Lucini Olive Oil, is key for both blending and drizzling, contributing to the silky texture and luxurious finish.

Make It Ahead for Enhanced Flavor

One of the best things about this hummus is that it’s an ideal make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare this dip a day or two before your party or event. This allows the flavors to meld together even further, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious taste. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before serving.

Whip Up This Hummus in Minutes: A Simple Process

Preparing this White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus couldn’t be simpler, making it a dream recipe for busy hosts or anyone craving a quick, healthy snack. All you need is a reliable food processor, and a few basic ingredients. Simply toss all the prepared ingredients—the rinsed white beans, tahini, chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and drained roasted red peppers—into the bowl of your food processor.

Pulse the mixture until it’s well blended and starts to come together. Then, with the motor still running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the hummus achieves a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. This gradual addition of olive oil is crucial for creating that desirable velvety texture. Once blended, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more lemon for brightness, more salt for flavor, or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit more heat. It’s inexpensive to make and super simple to throw together, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a complex cooking process.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Cracker

This White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dippers and accompaniments. While I particularly love serving it with crisp sliced cucumbers, hearty flatbread crackers, and briny olives—a combination so satisfying it could seriously make a meal on its own—the possibilities are endless!

For a fresh and healthy option, arrange a colorful platter of raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery stalks, bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange for variety), cherry tomatoes, and radish slices. Whole wheat pita bread, warmed and cut into wedges, is another classic pairing. Don’t shy away from serving it with sturdy tortilla chips or even pretzel crisps for a different texture.

Beyond just dipping, consider using this hummus as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding a flavorful, protein-rich layer. It can also be dolloped onto salads for extra creaminess or even served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Garnish your serving bowl with a generous drizzle of extra olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro, and a scattering of toasted pine nuts for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal. A dash of paprika can also add a lovely color and subtle smokiness.

White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

This White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is the perfect healthy appetizer for your Super Bowl Party this year!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

2 (14.5 oz) cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 (12-oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained, seeds and stems removed
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use Lucini Olive Oil)
fresh parsley, pine nuts, olives, for garnishing

Instructions

Add the white beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper, salt, black pepper, and roasted red peppers to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well blended. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and continue to process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve, drizzled with extra olive oil, fresh parsley, and pine nuts.

Nutrition

Keyword: dips, appetizer, healthy, white beans

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag Mention @thebeachhousekitchen or tag #thebeachhousekitchen!