Roasted red pepper dip is a smooth and creamy appetizer dip featuring smoky vibes balanced with fresh basil, lemon and garlic. White beans and feta add an indulgent spin to this version and make it almost irresistible with some chips or crackers.

Overhead shot of roasted red pepper dip recipe in a bowl with pita chips around it.
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I originally made this dip as a sauce to top some grilled chicken. It was delicious that way and definitely brought some much needed life to a boring piece of meat, but where the flavors of roasted red peppers shine is really when paired with crackers, pita chips or even cut veggies as an appetizer or snack dip.

I love a good dip and I’m no stranger to adding beans to the mix or roasted garlic for additional nutrition and flavor, but I’m also skeptical about ruining classic combinations. This spiff on a classic roasted red pepper dip to include cannellini beans and feta cheese gave me pause for a few minutes while it was spinning together in the food processor.

I feared the two ingredients might tamper the boldness of the smoky red peppers and ruin the main reason people enjoy red pepper dip. But in the end, the beans and feta add heartiness and a creamy texture while still letting the red peppers shine.

The inclusion of creamy white beans also means you could totally justify a bowl of dip and crackers as a meal for those times when you just have to ditch the boring grilled chicken and roll with that approach.

Dipping a cracker into red pepper dip.

Creamy roasted red pepper dip

The original version of this recipe from over ten years ago when I first published it included Greek yogurt for the creaminess. With this revamped recipe, however, I ditched the yogurt in favor of cannellini beans.

The creamy texture and mellow flavor of cannellini beans are the two main reasons they’re my favorite bean. I’ve added them to avocado hummus before to offer a smoother texture that chickpeas just can’t match and I love them for creating indulgent sauces like in this butternut white bean gnocchi dish. 

In this roasted red pepper dip recipe, they offer a nice textured structure to the dip — without the beans, it’s essentially like a salsa — but then disappear into the background from a flavor perspective. 

Using canned beans makes it both an affordable and accessible way to whip up a great tasting dip as an appetizer or snack.

Roasted red peppers, white beans, feta, lemon, basil and smoked paprika in small bowls on a marble surface.

Ingredients needed

  • Roasted red peppers — You can either roast your own at home over a flame (grill or stove-top) or use jarred roasted red peppers. To keep this recipe quick and easy, I chose the latter. For extra fiery flavor, use fire roasted jarred red peppers.
  • Cannellini beans — The secret ingredient you won’t know is there.
  • Feta — This salty Greek cheese pairs really well with the smoky roasted red peppers and adds a bit more creaminess to the dip.
  • Basil — A must-have ingredient in any Mediterranean-inspired dip like this. Basil offers a bright punch of freshness.
  • Garlic — Another nice complement to the roasted peppers.
  • Lemon juice — Fresh lemon juice really makes all the flavors pop.
  • Spices — Salt, pepper and smoked paprika round out the seasonings and can be adjusted to taste.
  • Extra virgin olive oil — Like making pesto, olive oil brings the dip together into a nice smooth texture.

How to make this roasted red pepper dip recipe

Drain and rinse the beans then give them a good shake to get rid of any excess water otherwise the dip will be too runny.

Dump the beans into the bowl of a food processor. Add the roasted red peppers, feta, basil, garlic, lemon juice and smoked paprika and process until mostly smooth. You’ll likely want to start and stop the processor a few times to scrape down the sides.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Adjust the salt and black pepper to taste and serve!

Storage tips

Any leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight storage container.

Freeze the dip in an airtight container safe for freezer use for up to three months. Thaw under refrigeration and give it a good stir before serving.

Creamy feta roasted red pepper dip recipe in a bowl garnished with basil with crackers scattered around it.

Serving ideas for roasted pepper dip

This roasted red pepper dip should really be thought of as more than just its name suggests, there are a variety of uses for it:

Is this dip the same as Muhammara?

Muhammara is a Mediterranean dip that uses roasted red peppers but it specifically includes walnuts and breadcrumbs in the recipe.

This roasted red pepper dip recipe doesn’t use nuts or breadcrumbs but the other ingredients are very similar. They’re both delicious representations of Mediterranean eating but not exactly the same.

Two crackers in a bowl of roasted red pepper dip with beans and feta.

More dip recipes to enjoy:

Roasted eggplant dip
Edamame dip
Vegan spinach and artichoke dip
Whipped goat cheese dip

5 from 51 votes

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Servings: 8 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Overhead shot of roasted red pepper dip recipe in a bowl with pita chips around it.
Roasted red peppers and white beans combine with feta, fresh basil, garlic and lemon to create a creamy, cheesy and delicious dip combination that's irresistible with chips or crackers.

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 15 ounces can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 ounces feta
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions 

  • Combine all the ingredients except the olive oil in a food processor.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Scrape down sides and process again, adding olive oil slowly.
  • Taste for seasoning, adjust salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a bowl and serve with crackers, chips or vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SERVINGCalories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 3gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 287IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
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Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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Recipe Rating




5 from 51 votes (44 ratings without comment)

35 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Smooth, creamy, and smoky with a perfect balance of basil, lemon, and garlic. The addition of white beans and feta adds an irresistible touch. Perfect with chips or crackers!

  2. 5 stars
    I had this at a friend’s house and she just sent me the recipe. I wasn’t sure I was reading things right when I saw that it’s made with beans. I never would have guessed. This dip is so easy to eat. I’ll definitely be serving it to holiday guests as an appetizer.

  3. 5 stars
    I’m not much of a chef, but I had no trouble following the steps. The dip turned out to be bursting with flavor, thanks to the smokiness of the roasted red peppers! I paired it with roasted veggies for dinner. So tasty!

  4. 5 stars
    I’m not usually a fan of red peppers, but this dip changed my mind. The roasting process really enhances the flavor, and the dip is so versatile. It’s great as a spread, a dip, or even as a sandwich condiment. It’s become a staple in my kitchen! Will make this again and again! Thank you!

  5. So I’m convinced that I’m singlehandedly keeping Trader Joe’s afloat–I buy so much Greek yogurt to make delicious stuff like this, they’re going to name the dairy section after me soon. And maybe the cookie butter section. Anyway, found this via photograzing and loving it–thanks for sharing!

  6. I have way too many red peppers in my fridge so I’m bookmarking this. It looks delicious, the color is so pretty and I seriously love feta cheese :D

  7. Oh. My. Word.

    Who needs dippers when you can just eat this off a spoon? I’m pretty sure that’s what I would do. No shame.

  8. I love coming up with things like this from a bare fridge! Definitely going to have to try it out soon =)