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White Bean Dip Olive Penguins

Featured in: Seasonal Soul Recipes

This creamy white bean spread blends cannellini beans with olive oil, lemon, and spices for a smooth, savory flavor. The dish is beautifully topped with whimsical olive penguin decorations, crafted using black olives, mozzarella, and carrot slices. Quick to prepare with no cooking time, it suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets effortlessly. Ideal for winter gatherings, this flavorful dip pairs well with crackers or veggies and adds a festive, fun element to your table.

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Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:30:00 GMT
Creamy white bean dip recipe topped with cute olive penguins provides a festive appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Creamy white bean dip recipe topped with cute olive penguins provides a festive appetizer. | lovelyserena.com

A creamy, savory white bean dip perfect for winter gatherings, adorned with adorable olive penguin decorations for a festive touch.

This dip has become a favorite at our winter parties, and the penguin decorations always spark smiles from guests of all ages.

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.
Assemble 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.
This Winter Dip presents a smooth, chilled white bean dip with adorably placed olive penguins. Save to Pinterest
This Winter Dip presents a smooth, chilled white bean dip with adorably placed olive penguins. | lovelyserena.com

We enjoy making these penguin decorations together as a family, creating not just a delicious dip but also cherished memories around the table.

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)

Mediterranean flavors abound in this flavorful Winter Dip, complete with cheerful olive penguin garnishes. Save to Pinterest
Mediterranean flavors abound in this flavorful Winter Dip, complete with cheerful olive penguin garnishes. | lovelyserena.com

This white bean dip is a simple yet impressive addition to your winter gatherings, sure to delight guests with both taste and presentation.

Ask About This Recipe

→ What beans work best for this dip?

Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor, making them ideal for this dish.

→ How can I assemble the olive penguin garnish?

Stuff pitted black olives with mozzarella balls, stack with a whole olive head, and secure with toothpicks. Add carrot slices for feet and beaks.

→ Can I make this dip vegan?

Yes, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives or small tofu pieces for the garnish.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a tasty appetizer or snack.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep the dip refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

White Bean Dip Olive Penguins

Smooth white bean spread topped with playful olive penguin garnishes, perfect for gatherings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
1 minutes
Overall Time
21 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat, Wheat-Free

What You Need

White Bean Dip

01 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
06 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Olive Penguin Decoration

01 18 large black olives, whole and pitted
02 6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
03 1 large carrot
04 6 toothpicks

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare White Bean Dip: In a food processor, blend cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 02

Transfer Dip: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and level the surface with a spatula.

Step 03

Cut Carrot for Decoration: Peel the carrot and slice into twelve thin coins about 1/8 inch thick for penguin feet. From additional slices, cut six small triangles to serve as beaks.

Step 04

Prepare Stuffed Olives: Pat olives dry. Cut a lengthwise slit in six olives and gently insert a mozzarella ball to form the penguin’s white belly.

Step 05

Assemble Penguins: Place a carrot coin flat on the work surface as feet and stand a stuffed olive vertically on top. Add a whole olive for the head, inserting a carrot triangle into the head olive’s pitted hole to create the beak.

Step 06

Secure Penguins: Thread a toothpick vertically through the head, body, and feet to fix the penguin decoration securely.

Step 07

Arrange Decorations: Repeat the assembly process for all six penguins and arrange them on or around the white bean dip before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Toothpicks
  • Serving bowl

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella cheese.
  • Gluten-free; verify labels when serving with processed foods.
  • Use cheese substitutes for vegan or dairy-free requirements.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 140
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 6 g