Savory Roasted Garlic Bean Dip with Cottage Cheese

This creamy, savory roasted garlic bean dip is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend appetizer.

You’ll love how the rich flavor of roasted garlic blends with the smooth texture of beans and cottage cheese, creating a dip that’s both delicious and nutritious. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein.

Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dip for fresh vegetables, a spread for crackers, or a protein-packed addition to your lunchbox, this recipe delivers. It’s a versatile option that caters to various tastes and dietary needs, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly flavorful.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Bean Dip

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy, savory roasted garlic bean dip is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend appetizer. You’ll love how the rich flavor of roasted garlic blends with the smooth texture of beans and cottage cheese, creating a dip that’s both delicious and nutritious. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 head garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for roasting

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Take the head of garlic and carefully slice off the very top, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic head on a small piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap the foil loosely around the garlic head, creating a small packet.

2. Place the foil-wrapped garlic directly on the oven rack or in a small oven-safe dish. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and golden brown. You should be able to easily squeeze them out of their skins.

3. Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents it from overheating your other ingredients.

4. Once cool enough to touch, gently squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the bowl of a food processor. They should pop out easily, resembling a soft, golden paste.

5. Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the food processor with the roasted garlic.

6. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

7. Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: appetizer
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 150-200
• Sugar: 3-5
• Sodium: 300-400
• Fat: 8-10
• Saturated Fat: 2-3
• Unsaturated Fat: 5-7
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 15-20
• Fiber: 4-6
• Protein: 12
• Cholesterol: 10-15

Keywords: dip, roasted garlic, bean dip, healthy snack, appetizer, vegetarian, easy, cottage cheese, cannellini beans, protein-rich

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This roasted garlic bean dip is a true kitchen hero because it’s incredibly straightforward to make and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy snack option that doesn’t compromise on taste or require hours in the kitchen. Busy parents will appreciate how quickly it comes together, offering a nutritious alternative to less healthy processed snacks. College students can whip this up in a dorm room with minimal equipment, and even seasoned home cooks will enjoy its simplicity and versatility. Serve it as an after-school snack, a light lunch component, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next casual get-together. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as it holds up well in the refrigerator for several days.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this dip is simple, and you likely have many of them on hand already. We’re focusing on common pantry staples and fresh produce that are easy to find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal requirements and the big flavor payoff from just a few key items.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for roasting
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, if cannellini beans aren’t available, great northern beans or even chickpeas can work well, though they might yield a slightly different texture. If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh always offers a brighter flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference; omit them entirely if you prefer no heat, or add a little more for an extra kick. When choosing cottage cheese, both full-fat and low-fat varieties will work, with full-fat providing a creamier texture.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The roasting time for the garlic is the longest step, but it’s mostly hands-off.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 40 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this savory roasted garlic bean dip is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result every time.

1. Prepare the Garlic for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the head of garlic and carefully slice off the very top, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic head on a small piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap the foil loosely around the garlic head, creating a small packet.
2. Roast the Garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic directly on the oven rack or in a small oven-safe dish. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and golden brown. You should be able to easily squeeze them out of their skins.
3. Cool the Garlic: Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents it from overheating your other ingredients.
4. Extract the Roasted Garlic: Once cool enough to touch, gently squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the bowl of a food processor. They should pop out easily, resembling a soft, golden paste.
5. Combine Dip Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the food processor with the roasted garlic.
6. Blend Until Smooth: Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This roasted garlic bean dip is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can omit the red pepper flakes and serve it with mild dippers like cucumber slices or pretzel sticks.

• Herbaceous Boost: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro after blending for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch more red pepper flakes can be blended in.
• Smoky Flavor: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the dip.
• Creamy Texture: If you prefer an even creamier dip, you can add a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: This dip is fantastic with a variety of dippers. Think fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber. It’s also excellent with pita bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. For a heartier option, spread it on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise, or use it as a base for a healthy bowl with roasted vegetables and grains. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board or a simple appetizer spread for a casual gathering.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have their pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure your roasted garlic bean dip turns out perfectly every time.

• Under-roasting the Garlic: If the garlic isn’t roasted long enough, it will be difficult to squeeze out of its skin and will have a sharp, pungent flavor instead of the sweet, mellow taste you want. Ensure it’s very soft and golden brown before removing it from the oven.
• Not Rinsing the Beans: Canned beans often come packed in a liquid that can add an undesirable metallic taste and extra sodium. Always rinse and drain them thoroughly under cold water before using.
• Insufficient Blending: For a truly smooth and creamy dip, you need to blend it well. If your dip is grainy, it likely needs more time in the food processor. Don’t be afraid to let it run for a few minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
• Over-seasoning with Salt: It’s easier to add more salt than to remove it. Start with the recommended amount and then taste the dip before adding more. Remember that some dippers (like salted crackers) will also contribute to the overall saltiness.
• Serving Too Cold: While the dip needs to chill to allow flavors to meld, serving it straight from the fridge can mute some of the nuances. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out its best flavor.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This roasted garlic bean dip is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh and delicious.

To store the dip, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious on subsequent days.

When making it ahead, prepare the dip as directed and store it in the refrigerator. If you plan to serve it at a party, simply take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a slightly cooler room temperature, which enhances its flavor and texture. If the dip seems a little thick after refrigeration, you can stir in a tablespoon of water or lemon juice to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Freezing is not recommended for this dip, as the cottage cheese can separate and become grainy upon thawing, affecting the creamy texture.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions about making this delicious roasted garlic bean dip.

**Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.