I still remember the first time I made homemade hummus and dips – it was a total game-changer! My store-bought hummus days ended right there in my tiny apartment kitchen, with chickpeas flying everywhere and tahini dripping down the blender. Turns out, the best hummus isn’t from some fancy grocery store aisle. It’s the kind you whip up yourself in about 10 minutes flat, tasting infinitely fresher and more vibrant than anything in plastic tubs.
What I love most about homemade hummus and dips is how forgiving they are. Too much garlic? No problem – add more chickpeas. Want it extra creamy? Peel those chickpeas (or don’t – I’m not judging!). This recipe became my go-to for everything from last-minute parties to “I just need a snack” moments. Once you try it, you’ll understand why homemade hummus beats store-bought every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hummus and Dips Recipe
Trust me, once you try this hummus, there’s no going back! Here’s why it’s become my kitchen staple:
- Lightning-fast prep – Done in 10 minutes flat (perfect for surprise guests or snack emergencies)
- Creamier than store-bought – That silky texture? All thanks to blending the tahini just right
- Totally customizable – Love garlic? Add extra. Prefer it mild? Go easy. It’s your hummus kingdom!
- Healthier without trying – No weird preservatives, just real ingredients you can pronounce
- Endless uses – From veggie dip to sandwich spread to “I’m just eating it with a spoon” moments
Seriously, this recipe is the little black dress of appetizers – always appropriate and never lets you down.

Ingredients for Homemade Hummus and Dips
Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you have most already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (save that liquid – more on that later!)
- 1/4 cup tahini (the real MVP for that authentic flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re feeling brave!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use sea salt, but any will do)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (that secret flavor booster)
- 2-3 tbsp water (as needed to get that perfect consistency)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here’s my cheat sheet:
Tahini alternatives: No tahini? Try Greek yogurt for creaminess (though flavor changes). Peanut butter works in emergencies but alters taste.
Chickpea magic: That liquid in the can? It’s called aquafaba – great for thinning hummus if you want to keep it vegan.
Garlic hack: Roast your garlic first for a mellower flavor (game changer for parties!).
Oil options: Olive oil gives classic flavor, but avocado oil works if you want something neutral.
Equipment You’ll Need for Homemade Hummus and Dips
Good news – you don’t need fancy gadgets! Here’s what I always grab:
- A food processor (my trusty $30 one works perfectly)
- Measuring spoons (eyeballing works, but precision helps balance flavors)
- A rubber spatula (for scraping down those stubborn bits)
- One small bowl (for mixing tahini if it’s separated)
That’s it! No special tools required – just everyday kitchen basics.
How to Make Homemade Hummus and Dips
Okay, let’s get blending! Here’s my foolproof method for silky smooth hummus every time:
- Prep your chickpeas: Drain and rinse them well (that canned liquid can make hummus taste metallic). If you’re feeling fancy, pop them out of their skins for ultra-creamy texture!
- Blend the tahini base: First, whiz the tahini and lemon juice for a full minute – this is the secret to that luxurious texture. It’ll lighten in color and look almost whipped.
- Add everything else: Toss in the chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin. Pulse a few times to break things down, then let it run for 2-3 minutes.
- Watch the magic happen: Stop to scrape down the sides. The mixture will look thick and crumbly at first – that’s normal! Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it transforms into that dreamy dip consistency.
- Final touches: Taste it! Need more salt? More lemon? This is your moment. Blend another 30 seconds to incorporate any adjustments.
Transfer to a bowl, make little swirls with the back of your spoon, and drizzle generously with olive oil. That’s it – you just made hummus better than any store-bought version!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Hummus
Here are my hard-won hummus lessons:
- For next-level creaminess, rub the chickpeas between paper towels to remove skins (tedious but worth it!)
- If your hummus is too thick, add water or aquafaba 1 tsp at a time while blending
- Let it rest 30 minutes before serving – flavors meld beautifully
- Roast garlic first if raw garlic is too strong for your taste
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Hummus and Dips
Oh, the possibilities! This hummus is basically a blank canvas for your snacking dreams. My absolute favorite? Warm pita bread torn into chunks – that perfect combo of crispy and soft. But don’t stop there!
For veggie lovers, crisp cucumber slices, colorful bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks make perfect dippers. Spread it thick on sandwiches instead of mayo (trust me, it’s life-changing). When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika or fresh parsley on top. Sometimes I go wild with toasted pine nuts or a dusting of sumac for that gorgeous pop of color and flavor.
Pro tip: Set out small bowls of different toppings (think za’atar, chopped olives, or chili flakes) and let guests customize their own hummus experience. Party magic!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Pop your homemade hummus in an airtight container – I use mason jars because they’re cute and practical. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!). No reheating needed – just give it a quick stir before serving to bring back that creamy texture. If it thickens over time, mix in a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
Homemade Hummus and Dips Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic hummus, the real fun begins! My kitchen experiments have led to some delicious twists:
- Roasted red pepper: Blend in 1/2 cup roasted peppers (jarred is fine) for sweet smokiness
- Spicy harissa: Stir in 1-2 tsp harissa paste – fiery and fabulous for heat lovers
- Sun-dried tomato: Add 1/4 cup oil-packed tomatoes for Mediterranean vibes
- Everything bagel: Top with that addictive seasoning blend (my brunch favorite!)
- Beet: Puree with 1 small cooked beet for vibrant pink hummus that wows guests
The best part? You don’t need exact measurements – just taste as you go and make it yours!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Hummus
Here’s the scoop on what’s in this delicious dip! (Remember, exact numbers vary slightly depending on your ingredient brands.) Per 1/4 cup serving, you’re looking at roughly:
- 120 calories
- 8g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil and tahini)
- 4g protein (thanks to those mighty chickpeas!)
- 3g fiber (keeps you full longer)
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The best part – no weird additives or preservatives, just real food goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Hummus and Dips
Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of hummus questions – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Soak 1/2 cup dried chickpeas overnight, then simmer until tender (about 1 hour). You’ll need about 1.5 cups cooked – bonus points if you save some cooking liquid to thin your hummus!
How long does homemade hummus last?
In an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for 5 days. The olive oil drizzle on top helps preserve it. If it separates, just stir it back together!
Why is my hummus grainy?
This usually means it needs more blending time or liquid. Run your food processor longer (up to 5 mins total) and add water 1 tsp at a time until smooth.
Can I freeze hummus?
Yes! Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well – the texture changes slightly but still tastes great.
Got your own hummus hack? Try this recipe and share your twist in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Print
10-Minute Magic: Blitz This Heavenly Homemade Hummus Now
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade hummus recipe perfect for dipping or spreading.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2–3 tbsp water (as needed)
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, peel the chickpeas before blending.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serve with pita bread, veggies, or as a spread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg