Classic Hummus Recipe

Classic Hummus is a creamy, flavorful dip made with chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This easy homemade hummus recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and is delicious served with pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Easy Homemade Hummus

Making hummus from scratch is so easy, especially when you start with canned chickpeas. Everything goes into the food processor and blends into a creamy dip with plenty of lemon and garlic flavor.

The tahini adds a rich, nutty taste, while a little cumin gives it a nice savory finish.

I first tried hummus at a local brewery many years ago and liked it so much that I started making my own version. I even included this recipe in a school cookbook years ago!

This is a great appetizer to make ahead for parties, or to keep in the refrigerator for snacking throughout the week.

Ingredient Tips

Chickpeas: Canned garbanzo beans make this recipe quick and easy. Drain and rinse them well before using.

Tahini: This sesame seed paste gives hummus its classic nutty flavor and creamy texture. Stir it well before measuring, especially if the oil has separated.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the hummus a bright, tangy flavor. You can add a little more if you prefer extra lemon.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds plenty of flavor. You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a milder garlic taste.

Warm water: Start with the smaller amount and add more as needed to get the consistency you like.

How to Make Classic Hummus

Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and ⅓ cup warm water to a food processor.

Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add a little more warm water if the hummus is thicker than you like.

Taste and adjust the seasonings, then transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with parsley or toasted pine nuts, if desired.

Ways to Serve Hummus

Homemade hummus is delicious as a dip, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it!

• With pita bread: Serve with warm pita bread, pita chips, or your favorite crackers.
• With fresh vegetables: Try carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell peppers, celery, or radishes.
• On sandwiches and wraps: Use it as a creamy spread in place of mayonnaise or other sandwich spreads.
• With grilled vegetables: Add a spoonful alongside grilled eggplant, zucchini, or roasted vegetables.
• On an appetizer platter: Serve with olives, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and toasted bread.

If you enjoy hummus, you might also like my colorful Red Beet Hummus, which has a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Classic hummus is a great dip to make ahead of time. Prepare it up to a day before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

The hummus may thicken a little after refrigeration. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a small splash of water if you’d like to loosen it up.

More Dip Recipes

Instant Pot Hummus from Dry Chickpeas
Red Beet Hummus
Hot Cheesy Corn Dip
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Baked Artichoke Jalapeño Dip

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