When I’m throwing a party, the last thing I want to do is make several complicated dishes – especially when it comes to appetizers. I learned this the hard way with previous parties, when I became overexcited about 6 different small plates and didn’t consider the amount of time each one would take to make. It’s led to some very frazzled evenings where I have trouble relaxing at my own party, which is the last thing you want to happen.
In my opinion, appetizers should be effortless to make and easy for my guests to eat. Dips always come to mind as the perfect solution. You can really get creative with dips (we’ve come a long way since those 1950s versions with fake onion flavoring!), and I love how easy they are to make in a food processor. This dip, made with white beans and goat cheese, is a true winner in my book. It’s perfectly creamy and so flavorful; for looking so elegant, your guests would never guess it took 5 minutes to make. All it takes is a few ingredients and a quick spin in the food processor. With some crackers, bread or pita, your guests won’t be able to stop nibbling on it. The best part? You can make it the night before your party to save time – just take it out 30 minutes before to let it reach room temperature.
- 1 15 oz. can cannelini beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix (mine is dried oregano, basil, thyme and garlic)
- Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add additional salt to taste.
- Serve at room temperature with crackers, bread or pita.
You’re right — that does look like an easy one. And tasty, too. My favorite dipping vehicle these days is pita chips. Or if I want to be healthy, carrot sticks can do the trick. They’re surprisingly good with hummus, I noticed. Do you think they’d work with this one, too?
Yes, I am sure that veggies would be great with this dip! Good idea!
I do the same thing, I always get these extravagant and difficult ideas when it is time for throwing a party or having people over and then I end up slaving in the kitchen all day. I love easy appetizers like this one and I really love goat cheese! What a great dip idea! Now I want to invite people over just so I can make this, or I could just eat it all myself 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has gone overboard with party planning before! And I wouldn’t judge you if you ate it all yourself – I was nibbling on it so much as I made it!
What a great dip – love the goat cheese, beans and pine nuts. This looks so smooth and creamy – I just want to eat it with a spoon :). I agree about doing too much sometimes – you want to be able to relax and have a good time at your own party – so making it the night before is a big bonus. Thanks, Julia!!
Thanks, Geraldine! I was eating it with a spoon as I made it 🙂 The goat cheese makes it addicting!
Well said, Julia….relaxing at our own parties should be a priority. I try to choose dishes that can be made ahead so I minimize my stress, and this dip sounds so delicious. I could see this being slathered on endives and placed on a platter for people to nibble on that way as well.
Thanks, Katie! I love your idea to put this on some endives – that would be so elegant and easy to prepare. I will have to try that out!
This seems like a really flavorful dip and so easy! I can see why it’s a perfect go-to dish when you have company.
Yes, I’m trying to come up with a nice set of appetizers that are easy for parties. I think our Indian dinner debacle was a great lesson – don’t make too many complicated dishes at the same time!