If you’re looking for an easy cute Christmas appetizer that everyone will love, this Festive Bean Spread is your new go-to. It’s creamy, colorful, and full of holiday cheer, perfect for serving at your Christmas Eve luncheon or as part of your apps for Christmas Eve. Made in minutes with pantry staples, this dip looks fancy but takes no stress—just blend, garnish, and serve!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s budget-friendly and made from simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres and casual gatherings.
- It looks elegant and tastes indulgent without extra work.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in this festive spread brings its own magic to the table:
- White beans : The creamy base that makes this dip rich and smooth.
- Olive oil : Adds silky texture and depth of flavor.
- Garlic : Brings warmth and a touch of bite.
- Lemon juice : Lifts and brightens the beans’ flavor.
- Salt and pepper : To balance all the creamy goodness.
- Rosemary or thyme : Adds that cozy holiday aroma.
- Pomegranate seeds : For sparkle and festive color on top.
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices : The perfect scooping partner.
Step by Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this simple yet impressive appetizer for Christmas in just a few steps:
- Rinse and drain the beans, then place them in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed to make sure everything mixes evenly.
- Taste and adjust the flavor add more lemon juice for brightness or olive oil for richness.
- Spoon the spread into a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with pomegranate seeds and herbs for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers or refrigerate until ready for your Christmas Eve appetizer ideas spread.
Pro Tips
- Use canned beans for speed, but rinse them well to remove extra salt.
- Warm the spread slightly before serving for an extra comforting texture.
- Mix in roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor twist.
- Pair this with fun bites like Snowman Cheese Balls for a playful table.
Mistakes to Avoid
To make your Festive Bean Spread smooth and irresistible, avoid these simple slip-ups:
- Don’t skip the olive oil it’s what makes the texture creamy, not pasty.
- Don’t over-blend; stop when it’s soft and spreadable, not runny.
- Don’t forget to taste and season as you go; beans need a little help to shine.
- Don’t leave it uncovered in the fridge seal it to keep it fresh for your Christmas hor dourves table.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs perfectly with crisp veggie sticks, toasted pita, or even as a side for your Cranberry Brie Cheese Appetizer. Try spreading it inside sandwiches for a Christmas Eve luncheon or serve next to Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip for a beautiful variety of xmas dips. You can also set it beside Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread for a show-stopping appetizer board.
Festive Bean Spread
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
Bean Spread Base
- 1 can white beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
Toppings & Serving
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme chopped
- crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the beans, then place them in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed to ensure an even mix.
- Taste and adjust seasonings—add more lemon juice for brightness or olive oil for extra creaminess.
- Spoon the spread into a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with pomegranate seeds and herbs.
- Serve immediately with crackers or toasted bread, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use canned beans for speed but rinse well to reduce salt.
- Warm slightly before serving for a comforting texture.
- Mix in roasted garlic for a sweeter twist, or try topping with feta for a salty contrast.
FAQs
Can I make this bean spread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature and stir in a little olive oil to bring back the creaminess.
What kind of beans work best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans are the best choice for a silky smooth texture, but you can use navy beans or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious for apps for Christmas Eve.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
Top it with pomegranate seeds, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of golden olive oil. For a sweet-salty twist, add a touch of honey or sprinkle some crumbled feta on top great for Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres or elegant appetizers for Christmas Eve.
Conclusion
This Festive Bean Spread brings comfort, color, and flavor to your table, making it the perfect choice for your holiday gatherings. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and let your next Christmas Eve appetizer table sparkle with warmth and joy.
