Save to Pinterest A creamy, savory white bean dip perfect for winter gatherings, adorned with adorable olive penguin decorations for a festive touch.
This dip has become a family favorite at our winter parties and is always a hit with guests.
Ingredients
- White Bean Dip: 2 cups (1 can 15 oz) cannellini beans drained and rinsed, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Olive Penguin Decoration: 18 large black olives (whole pitted), 6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), 1 large carrot, 6 toothpicks
Instructions
- Make the White Bean Dip:
- In a food processor combine cannellini beans olive oil lemon juice garlic parsley salt pepper and smoked paprika (if using) Process until smooth and creamy scraping down the sides as needed Taste and adjust seasoning
- Serve the Dip:
- Transfer dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula
- Penguin Decoration Assembly:
- Peel the carrot and cut into 12 thin coins (about 1/8-inch thick) for penguin feet Cut 6 small triangles from additional carrot slices for beaks Pat the olives dry Cut a slit lengthwise in 6 olives and gently stuff each with a mozzarella ball to form the penguins white belly Place a carrot coin flat on your work surface for feet Stand the stuffed olive vertically on top Top with a whole olive (head) Insert a carrot triangle into the head olives pitted hole for the beak Secure the penguin by threading a toothpick through the head body and feet Repeat to make 6 penguins Arrange on top of or around the white bean dip
Save to Pinterest Our whole family enjoys making these penguin decorations together enhancing our holiday spirit.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender Knife and cutting board Measuring spoons Toothpicks Serving bowl
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella) Gluten-free but check labels on processed foods if serving those alongside For vegan or dairy-free needs use a suitable cheese substitute
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save to Pinterest 
This white bean dip with olive penguin decorations makes a delightful appetizer perfect for sharing.
Recipe Q&A
- → What beans are used in this dip?
Cannellini beans form the creamy base, delivering a smooth texture and mild flavor.
- → How are the olive penguins made?
Black olives are stuffed with mozzarella, topped with whole olives, and accented with carrot pieces for feet and beaks, secured with toothpicks.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu balls for a dairy-free version.
- → What seasonings enhance the dip?
Fresh lemon juice, garlic, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika create a balanced savory profile.
- → How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with no cooking required for the dip or decoration assembly.
- → What dishes pair well with this dip?
Serve alongside crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer experience.