Pin Winter Dip: White Bean Dip with Olive Penguin Decoration A creamy, savory white bean dip perfect for winter gatherings, adorned with adorable olive penguin decorations for a festive touch.
This dip was a huge hit at our winter party and everyone loved the cute olive penguins.
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 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
Pin 
This recipe always brings our family together especially during holiday gatherings.
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
Pin This dip makes a perfect festive appetizer that is both delicious and visually fun.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the olive penguin decorations stand upright?
Use toothpicks to secure the olives and carrot pieces together, ensuring stability when standing them on the dip.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella in the decorations for a vegan option?
Yes, replace the mozzarella balls with vegan cheese alternatives or small tofu cubes for a dairy-free version.
- → What’s the best way to achieve a smooth dip texture?
Blend the cannellini beans with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until creamy and smooth.
- → How long can I store the dip before serving?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- → What are ideal accompaniments for this dip?
Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh sliced vegetables for a balanced and tasty appetizer.