Save A creamy, savory white bean dip perfect for winter gatherings, adorned with adorable olive penguin decorations for a festive touch.
I enjoyed making these cute olive penguins which brought smiles at our winter party and made the dip extra special.
Ingredients
- 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):
- 18 large black olives: whole, pitted
- 6 small mozzarella balls: bocconcini or ciliegine
- 1 large carrot:
- 6 toothpicks:
Instructions
- Prepare 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 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 This recipe is a favorite at family gatherings, especially when kids help assemble the penguin decorations.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save This white bean dip is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its playful presentation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What beans are used in this dip?
Cannellini beans provide a creamy, mild base for the dip when blended with herbs and olive oil.
- → How are the olive penguins assembled?
Black olives are stuffed with mozzarella balls, stacked, and decorated with carrot pieces secured by toothpicks.
- → Can the dip be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu, the dip suits vegan preferences.
- → What flavors enhance the dip?
Fresh lemon juice, garlic, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika create a savory and bright profile.
- → How should the dip be served?
Chilled or at room temperature with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for a tasty appetizer.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check accompanying items for gluten content.