If you love bold, vibrant flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in one irresistibly creamy dip, you’re going to fall in love with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. This colorful Mediterranean favorite is a crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for weekday snacking as it is for elegant entertaining. The sweet smokiness of roasted red peppers pairs beautifully with tahini, zesty lemon juice, and the nutty, hearty goodness of chickpeas. Whether you serve it with crunchy veggies, pillowy pita bread, or straight off the spoon, this is a recipe you’ll want to make—and eat—on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the bowl. From the creamy chickpeas to the fragrant smoked paprika, every item makes a difference in taste, color, and texture.
- Chickpeas: The essential base for hummus; canned chickpeas are convenient and blend super smooth.
- Roasted red bell pepper: Adds irresistible sweetness, a hint of smokiness, and that gorgeous fiery hue—use jarred for ease or homemade for extra flavor.
- Tahini: Creamy sesame paste lends depth, nuttiness, and helps create the lush, velvety texture we crave in hummus.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash of brightness that wakes up all the flavors and brings balance to your dip.
- Olive oil: Adds luscious richness and a Mediterranean touch—drizzle a bit more on top for a glossy finish!
- Garlic: Just one clove brings all the punch you need—remember, a little goes a long way.
- Ground cumin: Earthy spice that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the roasted pepper’s smokiness and layers in a hint of warmth and color.
- Salt: Essential for bringing every ingredient together harmoniously—taste and adjust as you go.
- Cold water: Helps thin out your hummus to the perfect creamy consistency—add just a little at a time.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herby garnish that makes your finished dish look and taste special.
- Extra olive oil (for garnish): Never skip the final drizzle—it adds eye-appeal and a touch of luxury.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Step 1: Gather and Prep All Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure all of your ingredients are ready—drain and rinse the chickpeas, chop the roasted red pepper, mince the garlic, and juice that lemon. Having everything prepped means your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus comes together in a snap and ensures nothing gets left behind. This is the part where you can taste a bit of each ingredient and get excited for them to all come together!
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a food processor, add the chickpeas, roasted red bell pepper, tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Process everything until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. At first, the mixture will look a little chunky, but don’t worry—it will smooth out beautifully with the next step.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
With the machine running, slowly pour in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until your hummus becomes luxuriously creamy. Depending on your preference for thick or airy hummus, you may need anywhere from two to four tablespoons of water. This little trick is what makes your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus so irresistibly smooth and spoonable.
Step 4: Taste and Season
Before serving, pause to taste your hummus. Want a tangier dip? Add a squeeze more lemon. Need a hit of salt or extra smokiness? Adjust with a pinch more paprika or cumin. Balancing the flavors at this stage ensures each bite sings with vibrancy and depth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the processor for a perfectly uniform texture.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Scoop your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus into a serving bowl. Swirl the top with the back of a spoon, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. These final touches not only look beautiful but add just the right flavor notes to each bite. Serve right away with your favorite dippers or refrigerate until your guests arrive—it’s up to you!
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Garnishes
The right garnish can transform a humble bowl of hummus into the star of your table. For Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil and a scatter of bright green parsley add color, herbal freshness, and a little indulgence. If you like heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This hummus is a champion at partnering with an array of sides. Try serving it with lightly toasted pita triangles, warm naan, or crunchy pita chips. Crisp veggies such as cucumber, carrot, bell pepper strips, and celery not only add color but give each bite a refreshing snap. It’s also wonderful dolloped onto grain bowls or next to grilled meats and kebabs for a heartier spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood for fun, get creative with your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus presentation! Spread it on crostini and top with crumbled feta or olives for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Swirl it onto a platter as part of a mezze board, or fill mini phyllo cups for festive finger food. This dip also shines as a sandwich spread or a base for veggie wraps—so many possibilities!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors blend and deepen over time, so you might even find it tastes better the next day! Always use a clean spoon when dipping in to keep it fresh as long as possible.
Freezing
Believe it or not, hummus freezes well! Portion into small containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before stirring and serving. The texture might change a bit, but a good stir and a drizzle of olive oil will restore creamy perfection.
Reheating
Hummus is typically served cool or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. However, if you prefer a warmer dip, let your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or gently warm in the microwave for 10–20 seconds (just avoid overheating, which can dull the flavors and thicken the texture).
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simply cook about 1/2 cup dried chickpeas until tender and use them in place of canned. This results in an even silkier texture and lets you control the salt content, though it does require more prep time.
How can I make the hummus even smokier?
For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted red peppers or add a touch more smoked paprika. You can also try briefly charring the bell pepper yourself on a grill or gas stovetop for some delicious charred notes.
Is Roasted Red Pepper Hummus gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs. Just be sure that any dippers you serve alongside—such as pita bread—are suitable for your guests.
What if I don’t have tahini?
If you’re out of tahini, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or even creamy cashew butter for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a nut-free option, simply omit and add a splash of extra olive oil for creaminess.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is very forgiving—double it for parties, halve it for solo snacking. Just adjust your food processor capacity accordingly, and season to taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making Roasted Red Pepper Hummus at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it at the store. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely bursting with flavor. So pull out your food processor, gather a few pantry staples, and dive into a batch—you’re in for a true Mediterranean treat!
Print
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, a creamy and savory dip that’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. With the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers and the nuttiness of tahini, this Mediterranean-inspired hummus is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Chickpeas:
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Roasted Red Pepper:
1 large roasted red bell pepper (jarred or homemade)
Tahini:
1/4 cup tahini
Lemon Juice:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic:
1 clove garlic (minced)
Spices:
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cold Water:
2–4 tablespoons, as needed
Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, roasted red pepper, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Blend: Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: Add cold water gradually until desired creamy texture is achieved.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with parsley. Serve with your choice of accompaniments.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted red peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
