If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, then Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is about to become your new obsession. This vibrant dip brings together the creamy richness of classic hummus with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, creating a perfect balance that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a party, spreading it on a sandwich, or just dipping veggies for a quick bite, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus offers a delightful twist on your usual snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A burst of flavor: The roasted red peppers add a natural sweetness and smoky depth that elevate the traditional hummus.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with chickpeas, healthy fats, and vibrant veggies, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Super versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or even a sauce for meals.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Bright and colorful: The vivid red hue makes any snack plate pop with visual appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy texture of chickpeas to the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, coming together to create that crave-worthy flavor and smooth consistency.
- Chickpeas: The protein-packed base provides creamy texture and hearty flavor.
- Roasted red peppers: Fresh or jarred, they deliver the signature smoky, sweet taste.
- Tahini: Adds nuttiness and richness to perfectly balance the peppers.
- Garlic: Brings a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Lemon juice: Offers a bright, zesty note that uplifts the dip.
- Olive oil: Adds smoothness and a touch of fruitiness for a luscious finish.
- Salt and cumin: Essential seasonings that bring warmth and depth.
Variations for Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Feel free to make this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus your own by adjusting it to fit your taste buds, dietary requirements, or whatever you have on hand. It’s surprisingly easy to customize while keeping that core deliciousness intact.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Herb infusion: Mix in fresh basil or cilantro for a green, fragrant twist.
- Vegan twist: Use water or aquafaba instead of olive oil for a lighter dip.
- Nutty upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
- Roasted garlic: Swap raw garlic with roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic note.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers
If you’re starting with fresh red peppers, roast them directly over a flame or under a broiler until charred, then peel off the skin. If using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain and rinse them to remove excess oil or brine.
Step 2: Blend the Chickpeas and Tahini
Add rinsed chickpeas and tahini to your food processor or blender, pulsing until creamy and smooth. This creates the creamy base for your hummus, so don’t skip this essential step.
Step 3: Add Roasted Red Peppers and Seasonings
Throw in the roasted red peppers, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Blend again, gradually drizzling in olive oil until the mixture reaches a luscious, dip-worthy consistency.
Step 4: Adjust to Taste
Give your hummus a quick taste test and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more lemon for tang, garlic for punch, or olive oil for richness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus to a bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Use cold water for creaminess: Adding a few tablespoons of cold water while blending makes the hummus extra smooth.
- Don’t skip peeling peppers: Removing charred skin from fresh roasted peppers ensures a silky texture without bitterness.
- Choose quality tahini: Creamy, slightly bitter tahini balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Blend long enough: Give your blender time to work to avoid grainy texture and maximize smoothness.
- Season gradually: Add salt and spices slowly to avoid overpowering the flavors.
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Garnishes
Brighten your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or toasted pine nuts.
Side Dishes
This hummus pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetable sticks, warm pita bread, or alongside grilled meats and roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it layered with a swirl of olive oil in a shallow dish, or create a hummus trio featuring classic, roasted red pepper, and another flavored hummus for a stunning party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; still delicious and fresh every time you dip in.
Freezing
If you have extra, you can freeze the hummus in a sealed container for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is best served cold or at room temperature, but you can gently warm it for a few seconds if preferred—just avoid overheating to keep the flavors balanced.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred ones?
Absolutely! Roasting fresh red peppers yourself brings incredible flavor and lets you control the smokiness perfectly.
Is Roasted Red Pepper Hummus gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty snack for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does homemade hummus last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it usually lasts up to one week but is best enjoyed within the first few days for maximum freshness.
Can I make this recipe in a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a high-powered blender works well, though you might need to stop and scrape the sides a few times for an even blend.
What’s the best way to make hummus extra creamy?
Using peeled chickpeas, adding a bit of ice-cold water during blending, and blending thoroughly all help achieve that silky texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor, nourishing, and simple to make, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is the answer. It’s the kind of recipe that brings friends together, brightens up any meal, and never gets old. Give it a try today, and trust me—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1¾ cups (serves 6-8) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a vibrant and flavorful dip that combines the creamy richness of classic hummus with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers. This nutritious and versatile snack is quick to prepare, perfect for dipping, spreading, or serving as a sauce, and adds a colorful, healthy touch to any meal or party platter.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (fresh roasted or jarred, drained and rinsed)
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers: If using fresh red peppers, roast them over an open flame or under a broiler until charred on all sides. Let cool, then peel off the skins and remove seeds. If using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain and rinse to remove excess oil or brine.
- Blend the Chickpeas and Tahini: Add the rinsed chickpeas and tahini to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is creamy and smooth, forming the base of your hummus.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers and Seasonings: Add the roasted red peppers, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt to the chickpea mixture. Blend again while gradually drizzling in the olive oil until you achieve a luscious, smooth, dip-worthy consistency.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste your hummus and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness, garlic for punch, or olive oil for richness until you reach your desired flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with smoked paprika, chopped fresh parsley, or toasted pine nuts for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a few tablespoons of cold water while blending to make the hummus extra smooth and creamy.
- Peel the charred skin off fresh roasted red peppers to ensure a silky texture without bitterness.
- Choose a quality, creamy tahini with a slightly bitter taste to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
- Blend the mixture long enough to avoid a grainy texture—patience improves smoothness.
- Add salt and spices gradually to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for roasting peppers)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
