Roasted Red Pepper Dip

If you’re looking for a delicious way to elevate your appetizer game, this roasted red pepper dip is the perfect choice!

It combines the smokiness of roasted red peppers with the creaminess of cannellini beans and the tangy bite of feta cheese. 

Enhanced with garlic, basil, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dip is a flavor powerhouse.

Make it for your next party, or whip it up to keep in the fridge as your go-to snack! 

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Mediterranean Magic: The combination of roasted red peppers, feta, and cannellini beans creates a delightfully creamy texture. It has sweet, tangy, and savory notes that transport you straight to a Mediterranean café.

Simple Preparation: With just a few steps in a food processor, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.

Party-Perfect: This vibrant red dip is an instant conversation starter at gatherings. It’s a sophisticated alternative to standard party dips.

Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like canned beans and jarred peppers this gourmet-tasting dip is budget-friendly.

Ingredients

• Roasted Red Peppers: They bring a smoky-sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dip.
  
• Cannellini Beans: These beans create a smooth, velvety base while adding protein and fiber.
  
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Tangy, salty Mediterranean cheese adds richness and a subtle briny flavor.
  
• Garlic: Raw cloves provide a sharp, pungent kick and essential aromatic foundation.
  
• Fresh Basil Leaves: They add brightness and a classic Mediterranean touch.
  
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: It adds acidity and helps balance the rich flavors while preserving the dip’s color.
  
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness, while salt and pepper enhance overall flavors.
  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It adds richness, helps create a smooth texture, and brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Dip

You can have this easy dip ready in 10 minutes or less!

1. Prep. Add the roasted red peppers, cannellini beans, feta cheese, garlic, basil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl of a food processor.

2. Blend. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Pause as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.

3. Add the oil. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Taste and adjust. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

5. Serve. Transfer the dip to a serving dish and enjoy with pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Tips for the Best Roasted Red Pepper Dip

These easy tips will ensure your dip comes out perfectly.

• Quality is key. Use high-quality roasted red peppers, whether store-bought or homemade, for the best flavor.

• Give the beans a good rinse. Thoroughly rinse and drain the cannellini beans to remove excess starch and sodium. This helps to enhance the dip’s texture and taste.

• Go easy on the salt. Be mindful of the salty feta cheese. Taste the dip before adding additional salt.

• Make it nice and smooth. Blend the dip thoroughly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture, scraping the bowl as needed.

• Let it chill. If you have time, allow the dip to chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together.

How to Store

If you want to keep your dip fresh for days, follow these steps.

To Store: Transfer to an air-tight container and refrigerate for 5-6 days. For optimal freshness, smooth the surface of the dip with a spatula before sealing the container. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, before consuming.