Homemade Garlic Hummus Recipe

Common Questions

Is hummus good for you? 

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, complex carbs, and fiber and tahini is full of healthy fats. In addition, olive oil is also a good source of omega fatty acids, and garlic provides antioxidants. That makes hummus a healthy option in my book! Of course, please consult your doctor with any specific questions or concerns. 

What can you use instead of tahini in hummus?

If you can’t find tahini or have an allergy, you can substitute cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or a small amount of sesame oil. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change, depending on what you use. Use a light hand if you opt for sesame oil as the flavor can be pretty strong! 

Why is my hummus bitter? 

Adding too much tahini is the most common reason for why a homemade hummus recipe turns out bitter. However, other factors include using old lemon juice, adding too much garlic, or using chickpeas that haven’t been properly drained and rinsed. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and measure carefully, and you shouldn’t have any problems!

I’ve been making this Homemade Hummus Recipe for YEARS and it’s still my go-to for everything from parties to family gatherings or just a healthy afternoon snack. I love that it’s smooth, creamy, and has the best warm garlicky flavor with just a hint of heat! It’s so easy to make with just 8 ingredients in 10 minutes and I love that it’s way better than store bought. Even my kids love it, which if you have picky eaters like me, you know is a huge win!

The Best Easy Hummus Recipe

This homemade hummus has been one of my favorite healthy snacks for years! It’s full of fiber, healthy fats, lots of protein, and SO flavorful. One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is as a dip or on crackers or pita bread. My kids are obsessed with this snack!

And if you’ve ever tried store-bought hummus, I can honestly say this recipe is 1,000 times better. It stores perfectly in the fridge, so I love prepping a big batch at the beginning of the week and keeping it on hand! It’s also great for adding to meals. If you’ve been looking for the best hummus recipe, this one has been tested to perfection and works perfectly every single time!

What is Hummus, Anyway? 

If you’ve never had hummus before, it will totally change your life! This is one of my FAVORITE healthy snacks and I love keeping it on hand. 

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip or spread typically made with a base of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. You can find lots of different flavors at your local grocery stores or online! However, no matter the flavor, hummus is often served as a dip with options like pita bread or veggie sticks or used as a condiment with rice bowls, wraps, or sandwiches. I even use this hummus recipe on my vegan red pepper hummus pizza! 

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Hummus Recipe

• 10-Minute Prep Time – With no cooking required, all you have to do is blend the ingredients, and the entire batch is ready in under 10 minutes. 
• 8 Ingredients – Pick up fresh garlic and lemons on your grocery run, and the remaining 7 items are likely already waiting in your pantry.
• Customizable – Experiment with different herbs and spices, or add a variety of toppings to make the flavor your own! 
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Prep a large batch and keep it in the fridge for whenever you’re needing a healthy snack.
• Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free – It’s also nut-free, vegetarian, and the perfect dip when serving a crowd!

RELATED: Easy Whipped Feta Dip

Garlic Hummus Recipe Ingredients

The best hummus recipe you’ll ever taste, this dip is made with simple, good-for-you ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Chickpeas – I use a can of chickpeas that has been strained and rinsed to keep this recipe super quick and easy. I like Goya chickpeas, but any brand will work. 
• Tahini (opens in a new tab) – This adds a nutty flavor and creates a creamy texture. Find it in the nut butter or ethnic section of your local grocery store! 
• Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, citrusy taste, lightening the flavor of the dip. 
• Garlic – I always recommend using a whole garlic clove for the best taste, but pre-minced will also work. Add more or less to suit your preferences. 
• Seasonings – Fine sea salt, black pepper, and ground cumin enhance the savory flavor and add extra depth and warmth with a hint of heat. Don’t worry! The hummus is not spicy. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (opens in a new tab) – Creates a smooth consistency and adds the best flavor. I wouldn’t use any other type of oil, but if you’re in a pinch, avocado oil could work. It just won’t have the same amazing flavor that olive oil adds to the hummus!
• Ice Water – Creates a smooth, fluffy texture. Make sure it’s nice and cold! 
• Garnishes – A drizzle of olive oil, ground sumac (opens in a new tab), chopped parsley, and quartered pita add the perfect finishing touch. 

Recommended Equipment

Food Processor – Love this tool for making sure the hummus ends up with the best texture!

Spatula – For scraping the sides of the food processor and making sure it blends evenly.

Bowl – For serving!

How to Make Hummus

You’ll just need 10 minutes and a high-speed blender or food processor (opens in a new tab) to get started. Just combine, blend, and serve! Here’s how to make the BEST hummus recipe:

1. Combine – Add all the ingredients except the water to the high-speed blender or food processor. 
2. Blend – Turn on the device, and blend until the mixture starts to become smooth. Then, slowly stream in the ice water. 
3. Serve – Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, add your garnishes of choice, and enjoy! 

You’ll Also Love: Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Tips for Success

• Stir the Tahini – Similarly to peanut butter, tahini tends to separate as it sits. So, be sure to give it a good stir to reincorporate the oil before measuring. 
• Make “Ice” Water – Using cold water is the key to creating a fluffy, irresistible texture. For the best results, pour 1/4 cup water into a cup, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes until very cold. Alternatively, mix ice and water in a cup, let sit for 2 minutes, then measure 1/4 cup and use in the recipe. 
• Scrape the Blender – Stop periodically to scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated and well combined. 
• Taste As You Go – Don’t be afraid to give your hummus a taste test or two as you blend! Adjust the seasonings as needed before transferring it to a bowl. 

Homemade Garlic Hummus Recipe Variations

I love a simple homemade hummus recipe, but feel free to get creative with different variations! Popular additions include: Some of my favorite additions and variations include:

• Roasted Red Peppers – Blend 1/2 cup roasted red peppers into the hummus for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. I recommend reducing the ice water to just two tablespoons as the peppers will add extra moisture. 
• Spinach Basil Pesto – Include about 1/2 cup of pesto, and reduce the tahini to 3 tablespoons to balance the flavors. Taste, and adjust as needed. 
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Basil, etc.) – Use these as toppings. Or, blend in ½ cup of your favorite fresh herbs, and add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to avoid a bitter taste. 
• Roasted Beets – Blend in 1/2 cup of roasted beets, and reduce the ice water to 2 tablespoons. I often like to add 1/2 teaspoon of coriander, too, for a slightly warmer flavor. 
• Chili Powder – Sprinkle this over your hummus before serving. OR, blend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon directly into the dip for a kick of spice. 
• Sweet Potato – Blend in up to 1/2 cup of sweet potato for a slightly sweeter taste and a creamier texture Reduce the ice water to 2 tablespoons, and add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a little extra depth to balance some of the sweetness of the potatoes. 
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Use these as a fun topping. Or, blend 1/4 cup of hydrated sun-dried tomatoes into the hummus, and reduce the ice water to 2 tablespoons. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano as desired for a bolder Mediterranean taste. I also like to finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Hummus

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this hummus recipe is just with some fresh pita bread or pita crackers! Here are a few other fun serving ideas:

• Mediterranean Platter – Add the hummus and toppings to a platter along with whipped feta, tzatziki, fresh veggies, pita bread, and crackers for an impressive spread that’s secretly simple to prepare. 
• Pizza – Use the dip as a base for a Mediterranean pizza, or drizzle it over the top before serving. 
• As a Condiment – Drizzle the dip over a Mediterranean Farro Salad, Mediterranean Salad Bowls, Greek Chicken Bowls, or Greek Inspired Pita Bread Sandwiches. 
• With Kabobs – Use the mixture as a dip with skewers and kabobs like Greek Chicken Kabobs or grilled chicken kabobs. 

How to Store Garlic Hummus

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. 

Freezer: Cover with a thin layer of olive oil, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Then, just transfer to the fridge to thaw overnight when you’re ready to serve!

Garlic Hummus Recipe FAQs

More Healthy Dips You’ll Love

• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cookie Dough Dip
• Healthier Recipe for Rotel Dip
• Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Summer Fruit Tray & Yogurt Dip

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