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, and serve it with fresh cut vegetables or pita chips. Take it to the next level with a toppings bar to spread on crostini!

hummus in black bowl with celery, carrots and cucumber slices surrounded by wine and pita chips.

Classic Party Dip

Every party benefits from having at least one dip on the menu. And hummus is a classic choice that can be served at room temperature.

Sure you can buy it at the store, but making homemade hummus is so easy! Just add ingredients and let the blender or food processor do all the work.

When to Serve It

Hummus is great any time but here are some specific party themes where it really adds to the menu.

hummus in bowl topped with crisp chickpeas, surrounded by cut vegetables.

Hummus Toppings Ideas

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 a gourmet twist.

  • Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade
  • Olive Tapenade
  • Pesto
  • Roasted Red Peppers, chopped
  • 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 the toppings 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 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!
chickpeas and ingredients in food processor, overhead.
ground up hummus in food processor.

Key Ingredients

  • Chickpeas. Use canned chickpeas and drain and rinse them before using. For super creamy hummus you could go through them and remove the outer husk. But that just takes a lot of time!
  • Garlic cloves. I recommend fresh cloves as opposed to garlic powder or jarred crushed garlic. It just tases fresher.
  • Tahini. This is a Middle Eastern condiment and is made from toasted ground sesame.
  • Lemon juice. Fresh is best! Use 1 or 2 lemons depending on their size.
  • Salt and Extra virgin olive oil. These are pantry staples of course.

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.

Serve it with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery and cucumber.

Add soft pita bread or crisp pita chips for heartier dippers.

Garnish the hummus with roasted garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle on some crispy chickpeas too!

hand dipping celery into hummus in black bowl surrounded by carrots and cucumber.

More Party Recipes

Add some of these other appetizer recipes to your next gathering.

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!

More make-you-own bars include build your own shortcakes, and my banana split dessert bar.

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hand dipping celery into hummus in black bowl.

Classic Hummus Recipe

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 – 16 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • warm water as needed, or about 1/4 cup

Instructions

  1. Using a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients EXCEPT water, until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides.
  2. Begin the processor again and begin adding warm water in through the food chute, slowly so it can incorporate evenly. Continue until the hummus is smooth and the consistency you want.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a couple of hours so flavors can marry.
  4. Serve with pita bread or chips, cut vegetables, or crostini bread.

Notes

Serve on a party buffet along with toppings such as pesto, olive tapenade, chopped sun dried tomatoes or tapenade, and chopped roasted red peppers.

Did you make this recipe?

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5 Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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!!!!

  3. 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! 🙂

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