Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme
A creamy, savory roasted garlic and white bean spread brightened with fresh lemon juice and fragrant thyme, perfect for toasts or as a dip. This mediterranean-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole garlic cloves, olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 8 whole garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups canned white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the top off 8 whole garlic cloves to expose the cloves inside, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 2: While garlic roasts, rinse and drain 1 1/2 cups canned white beans thoroughly, then add to a food processor along with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: When garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into the food processor, add 2 tbsp olive oil, and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as desired. Serve spread on toasted bread or as a dip with fresh vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Roasted Garlic and White Bean Spread with Lemon and Thyme vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best white bean spread I've ever had. The lemon and thyme are perfect.
- ★★★★★
So creamy and flavorful. Made it for a gathering and everyone raved.
- ★★★★★
This spread is a game-changer! My family loves it on toast.
