If you love creamy, garlicky dips that sing with flavor and have a silky texture, then this Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe is about to become your new kitchen superstar. It’s a delightful twist on traditional hummus, swapping chickpeas for tender great northern beans and featuring roasted garlic that adds a warm, mellow sweetness. Each bite offers a luscious balance of tangy lemon, nutty tahini, and the deep, roasted garlic flavor that makes this hummus irresistibly comforting and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you create a dish rich in flavor and texture. Each item plays a starring role—whether it’s to add creaminess, brightness, or that perfect roasted garlic depth.
- 1 head of garlic: Roasting mellows the garlic’s sharpness and brings out its sweet, caramelized flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil (for roasting the garlic): Helps soften the garlic and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the hummus): This smooth oil deepens the hummus’s velvety texture.
- 1 15-ounce can great northern beans, drained and rinsed: These creamy beans create the perfect base for the hummus.
- 1/4 cup tahini: Adds a nutty, slightly bitter note that balances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings a refreshing tang that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400º F. While it’s heating up, peel away the papery outer layers from the head of garlic, leaving the cloves intact. Slice off the top quarter to half an inch of the garlic head to expose the tops of each clove without separating them. This preps the garlic perfectly for roasting and lets the heat and oil work their magic.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Place the garlic onto a piece of tin foil and drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap the garlic securely in the foil to keep the moisture in during roasting. Pop it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves are wonderfully soft and aromatic. Once out, carefully open the foil and let the garlic cool enough to handle—this roasted garlic will be the star flavor booster in your hummus.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
Into your food processor or blender, add the drained and rinsed great northern beans, tahini, lemon juice, and the tablespoon of olive oil. Now squeeze every last bit of the mellow, creamy roasted garlic from its skins and into the mix. Blend everything until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. For the perfect consistency, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water while blending to keep it silky and just the way you like it.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your hummus a quick taste test. Maybe it needs a touch more lemon juice for brightness or an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness. Feel free to adjust according to your cravings—this recipe is wonderfully flexible and forgiving.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe

Garnishes
A touch of garnish transforms this hummus from plain to gourmet. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika to add color and a hint of smoky depth. For a bit of crunch, scatter toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of more good olive oil on top to make each serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks like crisp carrots or cucumbers, and even crisp crackers. It’s a fantastic healthy appetizer, a game-day snack, or a perfect midday pick-me-up with fresh veggies at your fingertips.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to get creative! Serve this hummus as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, dollop it over roasted vegetables as a sauce, or use it as a base for hearty grain bowls. You can even turn it into a delightful dip for grilled chicken or fish, boosting any meal with its creamy richness and delicious roasted garlic essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making it super convenient for quick snacks or easy meal additions.
Freezing
This hummus freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
You can enjoy this hummus cold right from the fridge or gently bring it back to room temperature before serving. If you prefer it warmer, a quick microwave zap or allowing it to sit out for about 15 minutes will soften up the flavors even more without losing its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! While great northern beans are creamy and mild, cannellini or navy beans work just as well. Just keep in mind that different beans might slightly change the texture and flavor.
Do I have to roast the garlic?
Roasting the garlic is essential here because it softens the cloves and mellows their sharpness, creating that sweet, rich garlic flavor unique to this recipe. Raw garlic would be far too pungent.
Is tahini necessary in the hummus?
Tahini adds that signature nutty depth and creamy texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out or substitute it with natural peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a twist.
How creamy should the hummus be?
This is totally up to your taste! Add water slowly while blending to reach your desired smoothness—from thick and hearty to silky and pourable.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This hummus is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect snack or appetizer for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party, a snack, or a simple appetizer, it’s sure to become one of your favorites. So grab those humble ingredients and make your kitchen smell like garlic heaven—you won’t regret it!
Print
Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus is a creamy, flavorful dip featuring tender great northern beans blended with aromatic roasted garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a rich, savory depth to this easy-to-make, nutritious appetizer that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for roasting the garlic)
Hummus
- 1 15-ounce can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the hummus)
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for blending)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400º F (200º C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare the garlic: Remove the papery outer layers from the garlic head. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the garlic head to expose the tops of the individual cloves, ensuring they remain attached at the root.
- Season the garlic: Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves to coat them evenly.
- Wrap the garlic: Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil to contain the moisture during roasting.
- Roast the garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cloves become soft, fragrant, and golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool until safe to handle.
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the drained and rinsed great northern beans, tahini, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Squeeze the softened, roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into the processor.
- Blend to desired consistency: Pulse the mixture and gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water while blending until the hummus reaches a smooth, creamy texture to your liking.
- Serve or store: Serve the hummus immediately as a dip or spread, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preferences for more tanginess.
- Adding cold water while blending helps achieve a smoother, lighter texture in the hummus.
- This hummus pairs well with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a sandwich spread.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; the cloves should be soft and caramelized.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

