If you’ve ever tasted velvety, restaurant-style hummus and wondered how to recreate it at home, you’re in the right place. This is our go-to recipe for the creamiest homemade hummus. It’s simple, wholesome, and made with just a handful of real ingredients. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a healthy spread, this hummus will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hummus in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile: Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, a spread on sandwiches, or even a topping for salads.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, this recipe is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust garlic and spices to suit your taste preferences; add toppings for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a party with friends, this hummus is sure to impress everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing hummus much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Essential for achieving that creamy consistency we all love in hummus.
- Measuring cups: Ensures you get the proportions right for the best flavor.
- Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately measuring smaller quantities like spices and liquids.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything blends evenly.
Ingredients
For the Hummus Base
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 cup / 200 grams dry chickpeas + 2 teaspoons baking soda)
- ⅓ cup aquafaba (the liquid in a can of chickpeas or the cooking liquid of chickpeas)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold water (add more if necessary to reach your desired consistency)
- ⅓ cup tahini (from 100% hulled sesame seeds, light in color, and of pourable consistency)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ½ clove garlic (or more to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hummus
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by setting aside 2 tablespoons of chickpeas for garnish.
Step 2: Blend Chickpeas and Aquafaba
In a food processor:
1. Combine drained chickpeas, aquafaba, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Blend for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add Tahini and Water
- Add tahini, ground cumin if using, and cold water into the mixture.
- Blend again for another 2 minutes until well combined.
Step 4: Finalize Consistency
- Pour in olive oil.
- If needed, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Blend for an additional 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt as desired.
Step 5: Serve Your Hummus
Spread the hummus onto a serving plate or bowl:
1. Use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and top with reserved chickpeas.
3. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade hummus! It’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Hummus
Hummus is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re using it as a dip, spread, or part of a meal, there are countless serving ideas to elevate your experience.
As a Dip
- Serve with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy snack.
- Pair with pita chips for a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of hummus.
On Toast
- Spread hummus on whole-grain toast and top it with sliced avocado for a nutritious breakfast.
- Use it as a base for an open-faced sandwich, layering on your favorite toppings.
In Salads
- Drizzle hummus over mixed greens for added creaminess and flavor in salads.
- Use it as a dressing by thinning it out with lemon juice or additional water.
With Grains
- Serve hummus alongside quinoa or brown rice bowls for an extra protein boost.
- Mix it into grain salads for a flavorful twist.
As Part of a Platter
- Create a mezze platter with hummus as the star, including olives, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese.
- Add assorted dips to share at gatherings or parties for variety.
How to Perfect Hummus
Making the perfect hummus requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your homemade version is smooth and delicious.
- Use high-quality tahini: The flavor of tahini significantly affects the taste of hummus. Choose tahini made from 100% hulled sesame seeds for the best results.
- Blend thoroughly: Ensure you blend the ingredients long enough. A smooth texture is key; spend at least 5 minutes blending to achieve creaminess.
- Adjust consistency: If your hummus is too thick, gradually add more water or aquafaba until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season well: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and lemon juice according to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with flavors: Add spices like paprika or cumin for extra depth. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up the dish.
- Chill before serving: Letting hummus sit in the fridge for an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Hummus
Hummus pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich texture and flavor. Here are some great options:
- Pita Bread: Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up hummus.
- Fresh Veggies: Crunchy carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices balance out the creamy dip.
- Olives: A mix of green and black olives adds a salty contrast.
- Falafel: These crispy chickpea balls make an excellent companion to creamy hummus.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: These savory bites provide additional Mediterranean flair.
- Pickled Vegetables: A tangy addition that enhances the overall taste experience.
- Tabbouleh Salad: This refreshing salad made with parsley and bulgur wheat complements hummus nicely.
- Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush): Another Middle Eastern favorite that pairs well with hummus on any platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making hummus at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using dry chickpeas without soaking: If using dry chickpeas, always soak them overnight. This softens them, ensuring smooth hummus.
- Neglecting to drain the chickpeas properly: Always drain and rinse canned chickpeas well. This prevents excess salt and helps achieve a creamier texture.
- Forgetting to adjust consistency: If your hummus is too thick, slowly add more aquafaba or water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Not blending long enough: Take your time while blending. A longer blend breaks down the chickpeas completely, yielding that velvety texture you want.
- Skipping flavor adjustments: Always taste and tweak your hummus before serving. A pinch more salt or lemon juice can elevate the flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store hummus in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Hummus can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing Hummus
- Portion hummus into smaller containers or freezer bags. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need.
- Frozen hummus can last for about 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Hummus
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hummus in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer hummus to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring every 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Stir constantly until heated through, adding a little water if necessary to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is hummus made of?
Hummus is primarily made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. These simple ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy dip.
How can I make my hummus smooth?
To make your hummus smooth, blend it for a longer time and add enough liquid like aquafaba or water until you reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Can I customize my hummus recipe?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like roasted red peppers, herbs, or spices. Experimenting allows you to create unique flavors that suit your taste.
Is homemade hummus healthier than store-bought?
Homemade hummus often contains fewer preservatives and additives compared to store-bought versions. Plus, you control all the ingredients.
How do I serve hummus?
Hummus is versatile; serve it as a dip with pita bread or fresh veggies. It also works as a spread on sandwiches or wraps!
Final Thoughts
This homemade hummus recipe delivers creamy perfection that’s both delicious and nutritious. Its versatility means you can customize it easily with various toppings or mix-ins, making it suitable for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful dip that’s sure to impress!

Homemade Hummus
Delight in the creamy goodness of homemade hummus with this simple and nutritious recipe. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a healthy spread, this velvety dip is crafted from real ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With just a handful of items and minimal prep time, you can create a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, whole-grain toast, or as a topping for salads. Customize it to your taste by adjusting the garlic and spices or adding your favorite toppings. This hummus is sure to impress at any gathering while satisfying health-conscious eaters.
- Total Time: 30 minute
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas
- ⅓ cup aquafaba
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold water
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ clove garlic
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Set aside 2 tablespoons of chickpeas for garnish.
- In a food processor, blend drained chickpeas, aquafaba, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for about 3 minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
- Add tahini and cold water; blend again for another 2 minutes until combined.
- Pour in olive oil and adjust consistency with more water if necessary; blend until smooth.
- Serve hummus on a plate, creating a well in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle reserved chickpeas and parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For smoother hummus, blend longer and add more liquid if needed. Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cumin or roasted red peppers. Chill before serving to enhance flavor melding.






