If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic dip that’s both creamy and packed with fall flavors, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe. It’s ridiculously easy, makes for a beautiful snack or party appetizer, and that subtle smoky-sweet tang from the roasted red pepper gives it such a warm, comforting vibe. Once I first made this, I was hooked — and honestly, my family goes crazy for it too. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to nail this recipe effortlessly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and just one fresh veggie for a quick yet flavorful dip.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of roasted red pepper, creaminess of tahini, and smoky paprika create layers of taste.
- Versatile Snack: Great with celery sticks, pita bread, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 15 minutes, which means you can whip it up any night of the week without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here work together to create a smooth, creamy texture with depth of flavor. When shopping, look for a good-quality tahini—its nuttiness really shines. Also, a fresh red pepper is key since we roast it for that lovely char and sweetness.
- Red Pepper: Roasting is what gives this hummus its smoky, caramelized flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Chickpeas: The protein-packed base of your hummus, rinsed well to cut any canned taste.
- Garlic: Just a little finely chopped to add a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Tahini: Creamy sesame paste that binds everything together with a smooth, nutty richness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balance to the earthiness of chickpeas and pepper.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky depth, enhancing that roasted pepper vibe.
- Ground Cumin: Classic spice for warmth and an extra layer of flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: To taste — seasoning is where your personal touch truly counts.
- Celery Sticks and Leaves: For dipping and garnish, adding crunch and a fresh herbal note.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you love or have on hand. I often switch up the spices or add a bit more lemon juice for tang, and it always comes out delicious.
- Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce when I want that extra heat; my friends are always surprised by how well it pairs with the sweetness.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley mixed in can brighten the dip beautifully—especially in summer months.
- Nut-Free Option: If tahini isn’t your thing, try substituting with sunflower seed butter—just be mindful the flavor will shift slightly.
- Garlic Lovers: Feel free to bump up the garlic quantity, but go slowly so it doesn’t overpower the delicate roasted pepper.
How to Make Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Red Pepper Perfectly
Start by heating your broiler and placing the red pepper cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast it for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is charred and blistered. This step takes a bit of patience because you want the skin to blacken but not burn into ash. Once done, transfer the pepper to a bowl and cover it—this traps steam which helps loosen the skin for easy peeling. I usually let it cool for about 10 minutes. When you peel off the skin, don’t rush it; this is what gives you that smoky sweetness essential to this hummus’s flavor.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
Next, throw the peeled red pepper into your food processor along with the rinsed chickpeas, finely chopped garlic, tahini, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a little kosher salt and pepper. Pulse it all until you achieve a velvety, smooth consistency. If your processor needs help, scrape the sides down a couple of times and keep blending. This part always feels so rewarding because you’re turning simple ingredients into something so luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — sometimes I add a bit more lemon for tang or a pinch more smoked paprika for depth.
Step 3: Plate and Garnish for the Win
Transfer your hummus to a serving bowl and get creative with your garnish. I love sticking a celery stalk right in the middle like a little handle and scattering fresh celery leaves on top for a pop of color and crunch. It’s simple but elevates the presentation, especially when friends come over. Don’t forget extra celery sticks on the side for dipping—they’re perfect for scooping up every last bit.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
- Roast Pepper Carefully: Keep an eye on your pepper under the broiler to avoid burning—it should blister but not blacken completely to ash.
- Peel the Skin While Warm: Peeling while the pepper is still warm makes removing the skin much easier and keeps the flesh tender.
- Adjust Creaminess: If your hummus feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to loosen it up without losing flavor.
- Balance Your Spices: Taste as you go; sometimes paprika can be overpowering, so start with less, then increase according to your preference.
How to Serve Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I like to keep it simple and fresh with celery leaves and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika again on top to echo the flavors inside and add a beautiful reddish hue. Toasted pumpkin seeds also make a fun, crunchy addition when I’m in the mood for something different.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin hummus pairs amazingly with crunchy celery sticks (classic, I know), warm pita bread, and an assortment of fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips. On the weekends, I love serving it alongside soft flatbreads with za’atar for an easy, flavorful lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve spread this hummus on a large platter and topped it with roasted chickpeas, a drizzle of chili oil, and pomegranate seeds for a festive look and extra texture. It also makes a great colorful base for grain bowls or sandwiches—add some crisp greens, roasted veggies, and a sprinkle of seeds, and you’re good to go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pumpkin hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It keeps its creamy texture and the flavors actually get better as they meld overnight. Just give it a good stir before serving again. If it thickens a bit, drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up.
Freezing
Freezing hummus can be a bit tricky because the texture may separate when thawed. I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by placing it in a freezer-safe container, but I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge and stirring well before serving. It’s perfect if you want to make a batch ahead for later months.
Reheating
This Pumpkin Hummus Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If it’s been in the fridge, I’ll take it out about 20 minutes before serving so the flavors can pop. That gentle warming really helps highlight the richness and makes scooping with veggies extra satisfying.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of roasted red pepper in this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe?
While the name hints at pumpkin, this particular recipe uses roasted red pepper to give the hummus that beautiful smoky sweetness. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, you could roast and puree it separately, but the flavor profile will be quite different. For authentic flavor, sticking to roasted red pepper is best.
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How can I make this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the food processor along with the other spices will give your hummus a nice kick. Start small and adjust to your heat tolerance to keep the balance of flavors.
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Can this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe be made ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This dip is perfect for making in advance. Prepare it up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and stir well before serving for the best taste and texture.
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What can I use as a substitute for tahini?
If you don’t have tahini, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can work as substitutes. They’ll change the flavor slightly, but still provide that creamy, nutty element that tahini brings.
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Is this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for various dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Hummus Recipe brings a fresh spin to classic hummus with an easy roasting technique and a handful of simple ingredients. It’s one of those recipes I’m always excited to serve because it feels both cozy and sophisticated at the same time. You’ll enjoy how versatile it is — whether it’s a quick snack during the week or a gorgeous addition to your holiday appetizer spread. I truly hope you give this a try and find it as satisfying and delicious as I do. Can’t wait to hear what tweaks you make!
PrintPumpkin Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 4-6)
- Category: Dip
- Method: Broiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Pumpkin Hummus combines the smoky sweetness of charred red pepper with creamy chickpeas and pumpkin-inspired spices, creating a delightful twist on the classic hummus. It’s perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer, served with fresh celery sticks for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 red pepper, halved and seeded
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
- 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving and Decoration
- Celery with leaves for decorating
- Additional celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Broil the Red Pepper: Preheat your broiler and place the halved red pepper, cut sides down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is charred. Transfer the pepper to a bowl, cover it to let it steam, then let cool until it’s safe to handle. Peel off and discard the skin to reveal the sweet, smoky flesh.
- Prepare the Hummus Blend: Place the peeled red pepper into a food processor along with the rinsed chickpeas, chopped garlic, tahini, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Puree everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use a celery stalk as a decorative accent by placing it standing upright in the hummus, and arrange additional celery sticks around for dipping. Garnish with celery leaves for a fresh, crunchy texture and an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Broiling the red pepper until charred adds a smoky depth which is key to the recipe’s flavor.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can roast the pepper directly over a gas flame or under a grill until blistered.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice or spices if you prefer a zestier hummus.
- Serve with assorted veggies or pita bread for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg