Classic Hummus Recipe + Endless Ways to Transform It

We love garlicky, lemony classic hummus. But we like it with new flavors & textures, too. Our classic hummus & variations offer the best of both worlds.

Updated January 3, 2024
hummus

I still remember what a revelation it was the first time I ate hummus. It glistened with olive oil and was full of such creamy, lemony, garlicky goodness that it packed a flavor punch my tastebuds still haven't recovered from. It quickly became my go-to for sandwiches (I love it stuffed in a pita with crisp veggies), dipping, and serving alongside couscous, rice, or veggies. 

Hummus Recipe

Sure, you can buy prepared hummus at the grocery store, but trust me. It's way better when you make it homemade. And it's not difficult to make at all. You can have it ready in under five minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of pre-cooked chickpeas, drained
  • Juice of two lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • ⅔ cup of tahini 
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  • Extra olive oil and cayenne pepper to garnish

Instructions

  1. Process the chickpeas in a food processor until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cayenne pepper, and tahini.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. If the hummus is very thick, add a little water while processing until the hummus is silky.
  5. Place the hummus in a bowl and drizzle some olive oil over the top.
  6. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper.

Hummus Toppings

Hummus is yummy solo, but it's also pretty darn good when you top it with other ingredients that add color and flavor.

  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Pine nuts
  • Basil pesto
  • Chopped, fresh cilantro
  • Smoked paprika
  • Roasted red pepper
  • Chopped black or Kalamata olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped cucumbers
  • Sumac
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Chopped, fresh dill
  • Chopped fresh oregano
  • Chopped fresh mint
  • Minced red onions
  • Minced radish
  • Lemon zest
  • Whole chickpeas
  • Pepitas
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Za'atar spice
  • Harissa
  • Roasted garlic
  • Ground cumin

Beyond Chickpeas

Another great thing about hummus is that you can puree other ingredients in place of the chickpeas for your own unique spin.

  • White beans
  • Roasted sweet potato
  • Cooked cauliflower
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Pinto beans
  • Roasted beets
  • Edamame
  • Lentils
  • Black beans
  • Adzuki beans
  • Roasted squash
  • Roasted pumpkin

Hummus Is a Magic Food

Okay — maybe it's not actual magic, but your tastebuds are going to think it is. We know you'll love our creamy hummus and all the amazing ways you can make it your own. 

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Classic Hummus Recipe + Endless Ways to Transform It