Easy Classic Hummus
This classic hummus recipe with tahini is a quick and easy dip to prepare for a party. Make it ahead so the flavors can blend together, and serve it with fresh cut vegetables or pita chips. Take it to the next level with a toppings bar to spread on crostini!
Every appetizer party benefits from having at least one dip on the menu, and hummus is a classic choice. Sure you can buy it at the store, but why not make it homemade?
Hummus is a fantastic vegetarian option, and it’s a cold appetizer that’s fine at room temperature. Making it from scratch is so easy, and since you can make it ahead it makes hosting and entertaining care-free.
Add it to the menu for any of these party themes: a Greek theme party, a Moroccan theme party, put it on a mezze platter, or serve it for game day parties.
Ingredient Notes
- Chickpeas. Use canned chickpeas and drain and rinse them before using. For super creamy hummus, rub them with a dry towel and remove the outer husk as much as you can. See recipe card Notes for details.
- Garlic cloves. I recommend fresh cloves but if you don’t have them use â…› teaspoon of garlic powder in place of 1 clove of garlic (¼ teaspoon for this recipe).
- Tahini. Look for a light colored tahini as it produces a smoother and sweeter dip.
- Lemon juice. Fresh is best! Use 1 or 2 lemons depending on their size.
How to Make It
Use a food processor or blender to mix everything. You can add warm water at the end to create the right consistency you want.
Garnish the hummus with roasted garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle on some paprika or crispy chickpeas, too!
What to Serve with It
- Serve it with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber.
- Add some broccoli spears and cauliflower spears.
- Add soft pita bread or crisp pita chips for heartier dippers.
- Other good options are Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Club crackers, pretzel crisps, and bagel crisps.
Make a Hummus Toppings Bar
You know how much I love a build-your-own food bar. For instance there’s my Ultimate hot dog bar, the Ultimate bagel bar, my chili bar, and an indulgent donut toppings bar!
You can use this recipe as the base for a crostini toppings bar, too. The idea is simple: make the hummus a few hours ahead, and then set out bowls of delicious toppings that will give toasted French or Italian bread slices a gourmet twist. Here are my favorites.
- Olive Tapenade
- Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade
- Pesto
- Roasted Red Peppers, diced
- Crispy chickpeas
- Pine Nuts
- Walnuts
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Olives
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Crumbled Feta cheese
I love the flavors of the Mediterranean and all these toppings have that. Buy them in a gourmet shop or the international section of your grocery store.
Label each bowl individually or on a single menu list, and let guests have fun building their own crostini appetizer and combining flavors.
Favorite Combinations
Here are some great flavor combos to try:
- Sun-dried tomatoes + olive tapenade. Tastes like a gourmet pizza.
- Pesto + roasted red pepper. The sweetness of the red pepper pairs well with the salty pesto.
- Pesto + sun-dried tomato. Another sweet and savory combination that’s so good.
- Everything Bagel topping + feta cheese. If you like salty flavors this is a match made in heaven!
More Party Dip Recipes
Here are some more cold dip recipes to add to your next gathering.
- Wasabi Cream Cheese Dip
- Tomato Feta Dip
- Lipton Spinach Dip
- Pimento Cheese (without cream cheese)
- Mexican Layer Dip
Do you love food stations as much as I do? If so, make this hummus recipe for your next party and serve it with lots of fun toppings and dippers!
More make-you-own bars include build your own shortcakes, and my banana split dessert bar.
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Classic Hummus Recipe
Smooth creamy hummus dip is easy to make ahead and serve for parties and snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 Garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Water
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- â…› teaspoon Cumin
- â…“ cup Tahini
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Use a food processor or blender to combine chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, water, salt and cumin until smooth (about 1 minute). Stop and scrape down the sides.
- Add tahini and extra virgin olive oil and continue to process until the hummus is smooth and the consistency you want.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with pita bread or chips, cut vegetables, or crostini bread.
Notes
For an even smoother consistency, cook the chickpeas in hot water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda, until softened and the skins float. Drain and remove as much of the skins as you can, then proceed with directions.
Serve on a party buffet along with toppings such as pesto, olive tapenade, chopped sun dried tomatoes or tapenade, and chopped roasted red peppers.
My mother in law is a vegan, she would love these. Thanks for sharing.
Also I noticed that the ‘Hummus Bar’ card was colour coordinated according to the colour of the dish, very clever!
Very keen eye you have there ; D Glad you like it.
I’ve found out that simple is sometimes better with people and with the hostess ;).
You’re a Master of Entertaining! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Chris, thanks for sharing this fresh, new spin on the “bar” concept! This will be something great to incorporate into the upcoming holiday entertaining frenzy and I love that it features something that will appeal to a broad range of guests – certainly a must for families! 🙂
I love this idea! It’s so different and looks SO delicious!