Caramelized Onion White Bean Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion White Bean Dip is a luscious and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy cannellini beans blend beautifully with sweet, slow-cooked onions and hints of balsamic vinegar and thyme, creating a dip that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed, plus extra for garnish
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish
• Crostini, pita chips, and/or veggies for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; stir to combine. Let the onions sweat for a minute or two, then add the brown sugar.
2. Step 2: Cook the onions over medium to medium-low heat for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn deeply golden brown and caramelized.
3. Step 3: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and the smashed garlic clove. Allow the garlic to sauté briefly, then remove the pot from heat and let the onions cool for several minutes.
4. Step 4: In a food processor, combine the drained cannellini beans, three-fourths of the caramelized onions, lemon juice, thyme leaves, remaining 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few turns of cracked black pepper.
5. Step 5: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, fresh thyme leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, toast the cannellini beans lightly before blending.
• Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbaceous note.
• Make the caramelized onions in advance and store them refrigerated to save time.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm gently in a microwave-safe dish. Stir well before serving to restore its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this dip?

Yes, great northern beans or great northern beans also work well and will yield a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

How do I best caramelize onions without burning them?

Cook the onions slowly over medium to medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Patience is key to achieving deep, golden caramelization.

Caramelized Onion White Bean Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 79 reviews

This Caramelized Onion White Bean Dip is a deliciously creamy and savory appetizer featuring sweet caramelized onions blended with smooth cannellini beans. Enhanced with garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of lemon juice, this dip offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Ideal for serving with crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggies, it makes a versatile and elegant starter or snack.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6–8 as an appetizer) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, smashed

Dip

• 1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed, plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

To Serve

• Flaky sea salt, for garnish
• Crostini, pita chips, and/or veggies

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; stir to combine. Let onions sweat for 1-2 minutes, then add brown sugar. Cook over medium to medium-low heat for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. During the last few minutes, add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and the smashed garlic clove, allowing the vinegar to absorb and garlic to sauté.
2. Cool the onions: Remove caramelized onions from heat and let them cool for several minutes to avoid overheating the dip.
3. Blend the dip: In a food processor, combine cannellini beans, three-fourths of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping), smashed garlic clove, lemon juice, thyme leaves, remaining 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few turns of cracked black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
4. Serve: Spread the dip in a serving bowl and top with the reserved caramelized onions. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, fresh thyme leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

• Cooking onions slowly over medium-low heat enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• You can prepare the caramelized onions a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
• For extra creaminess, a splash of water or olive oil can be added while blending.
• This dip is excellent served warm but is also delicious chilled.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Caramelized onion dip, white bean dip, cannellini bean dip, vegetarian appetizer, Mediterranean dip, easy party dip