Name: Best Hummus
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 5–6 Tbsp lemon juice (from 2 lemons), or to taste; 2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated; 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste; 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed, reserve 2 Tbsp for garnish; 6–8 Tbsp ice water, or as needed for consistency; 2/3 cup tahini; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley, for garnish; Ground paprika, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Best Hummus recipe is creamy, rich, and full of flavor—easily surpassing anything store-bought. Made with a handful of fresh ingredients and blended to silky perfection, it’s the ultimate dip to pair with warm pita, crisp veggies, or as part of your favorite Mediterranean spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade hummus is surprisingly easy to make and tastes far fresher and more vibrant than packaged versions. It has a smooth, whipped texture and a perfectly balanced flavor thanks to fresh lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. It’s also customizable—you can adjust the texture and taste exactly to your liking. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer, snack, or spread, this hummus will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Best Hummus

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5–6 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), or to taste
2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, or to taste
3 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed), reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish
6–8 tablespoons ice water, or to desired consistency
⅔ cup tahini
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
Ground paprika (for garnish)

Directions

In a food processor, combine lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt. Blend to combine and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
Add the tahini to the mixture and blend until it becomes thick and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
With the processor running, slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, blending until the tahini lightens in color and becomes smooth.
Add chickpeas, ground cumin, and olive oil. Blend for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed, until the hummus is completely smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency with additional ice water, and season with more salt, cumin, or lemon juice to taste.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with reserved chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of ground paprika. Serve with warm pita or veggies.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Roasted garlic hummus: Replace raw garlic with roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Spicy hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or blend in a spoonful of harissa or chili oil.
Herbed hummus: Blend in fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill for a green, aromatic twist.
Beet or carrot hummus: Add roasted beets or carrots for added sweetness and vibrant color.
Sun-dried tomato hummus: Blend in oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and drizzle with fresh olive oil if it thickens. Hummus can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator and blend with a bit of water or olive oil to restore its texture.

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it can affect the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well. You can also remove the skins for an even smoother texture.

Do I need to use ice water?

Ice water helps emulsify the tahini, resulting in a lighter and creamier hummus.

Can I make this without tahini?

Tahini is essential for classic hummus flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with a little nut or seed butter for a different twist.

How do I make my hummus extra smooth?

Blend for several minutes and add enough liquid (ice water or olive oil). Removing chickpea skins also helps create a silky texture.

Is hummus healthy?

Yes, it’s naturally high in fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats—perfect for a balanced snack.

What do I serve with hummus?

Serve with pita bread, veggie sticks, crackers, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Hummus keeps well in the fridge and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Why is my hummus too thick?

Just add more ice water or olive oil a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, a high-speed blender works well, though you may need to scrape the sides more frequently.

What if my hummus tastes too bitter?

This can happen if the tahini is old or over-processed. Balance bitterness by adding more lemon juice or a tiny bit of honey.

Conclusion

This Best Hummus recipe delivers everything you want in a homemade dip—smooth, creamy texture, bold Mediterranean flavor, and easy customization. Whether you serve it as a snack, appetizer, or healthy side, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

Jessica