White Bean Roasted Garlic Spread

There's something magical about the marriage of roasted garlic and creamy white beans. When garlic cloves are slowly roasted until they turn golden and caramelized, their sharp bite transforms into a sweet, buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the mild, velvety texture of cannellini beans. This White Bean and Roasted Garlic Spread brings together these simple ingredients to create a luxurious topping for crisp sourdough toast—perfect for entertaining, a cozy snack, or an elegant addition to your brunch table. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than an hour of your time, you'll have a Mediterranean-inspired spread that tastes like it came from a gourmet café.

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This recipe celebrates the beauty of simplicity. While the garlic roasts in the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, you have time to prepare the other components. The result is a spread that's both sophisticated and comforting, with a silky texture that makes every bite of sourdough toast feel indulgent. Fresh thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and ties everything together. Whether you're looking for an impressive appetizer to serve guests or a satisfying snack to enjoy on a quiet afternoon, this white bean spread delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients

• 1 head garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 can (15 oz/400 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• Extra olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme), for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 3

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a food processor.

Step 4

Add cannellini beans, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5

Toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp.

Step 6

Spread the white bean and roasted garlic mixture generously over the toast.

Step 7

Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the creamiest texture, make sure your cannellini beans are well-drained and rinsed before adding them to the food processor. If the spread seems too thick, add a splash of water or extra olive oil while blending to achieve your desired consistency. The roasted garlic can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this an even quicker recipe when you're ready to assemble. When roasting the garlic, keep it wrapped tightly in foil to trap moisture and ensure the cloves become tender and caramelized rather than dry. Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end—some people prefer more lemon juice for brightness, while others enjoy a bit more salt to enhance the savory notes.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This white bean spread is incredibly versatile and welcomes creative variations. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you enjoy heat, incorporate chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper. Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, or roasted red peppers can be stirred in for additional Mediterranean flair. For an herbaceous version, experiment with fresh rosemary, basil, or oregano in place of thyme. You can also substitute other white beans such as great northern beans or navy beans if cannellini beans aren't available. For a completely different presentation, thin the spread with vegetable broth and serve it warm as a soup, or layer it in a wrap with fresh vegetables for a quick lunch.

Serviervorschläge

While this spread shines on toasted sourdough, there are countless ways to enjoy it. Serve it as a dip alongside fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy snack platter. It also pairs beautifully with crackers, pita chips, or crostini at parties and gatherings. For a more substantial meal, use the spread as a base for grain bowls, dollop it onto roasted vegetables, or layer it in sandwiches and wraps. It works wonderfully as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. You can even spread it on pizza dough as a flavorful alternative to tomato sauce, then top with roasted vegetables and fresh arugula. The possibilities are truly endless with this versatile, flavorful spread.

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This White Bean and Roasted Garlic Spread embodies everything we love about simple, wholesome cooking. It proves that you don't need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create something truly delicious and memorable. The transformation of raw garlic into sweet, golden cloves through slow roasting is a small kitchen miracle that elevates the humble white bean into something special. Whether you're serving this at a dinner party or enjoying it as a quiet afternoon snack, each bite delivers creamy comfort with layers of flavor. So preheat that oven, grab a head of garlic, and get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and most satisfying spreads you'll ever make.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you roast the garlic for this spread?

Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme works as a good substitute for fresh thyme leaves in the blend.

→ What type of beans are best for this spread?

Drain and rinse canned cannellini beans for a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the roasted garlic.

→ How can I adjust the spread’s texture?

Add a splash of water or extra olive oil while blending to achieve a smoother consistency if desired.

→ What is the ideal bread choice for serving?

Crisp sourdough toast is recommended due to its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which pairs well with the creamy spread.