Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the aroma of garlic and red peppers roasting in the oven—a blend of warmth and earthy sweetness that instantly elevates any dish. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus, a delightful creation that not only brings gourmet flair to your kitchen but is also super easy to prepare. This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a healthy snack on hand whenever cravings strike. With a luscious texture and vibrant flavor, it’s sure to impress, whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet night in. So, are you ready to transform your snack routine? Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dip! Why is this hummus so special? Indulgent Creaminess: This Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus boasts a rich, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. Elevated Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic and peppers, creating a mouthwatering taste experience. Vegan and Gluten-Free: Enjoy guilt-free snacking knowing it fits various dietary preferences. It’s perfect for everyone! Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, this hummus comes together in no time, making it an ideal option for busy days. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve it at parties or family gatherings, and watch it disappear as guests rave about its unique flavors. For more sensational dips, try the Swirled Garlic Herb or the zesty Baked Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges as delightful accompaniments! Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients For the Hummus Base Chickpeas – A creamy foundation; canned chickpeas are convenient, but cooking dried ones from scratch enhances flavor. Garlic – Offers a sweet, mellow flavor when roasted; raw garlic provides a sharper bite if you prefer that profile. Red Bell Peppers – Provides a smoky richness; roast until charred for the best flavor. Tahini – Adds creaminess and nutty depth; there are no good substitutes, but sunflower seed butter can create a different flavor. Lemon Juice – Brightens the dip with acidity; freshly squeezed is the best choice. Olive Oil – Contributes smoothness and richness; extra virgin olive oil will elevate the overall taste. Paprika – Enriches flavors with a subtly sweet note; smoked paprika can boost smoky undertones. Salt – Essential for flavor; adjust to taste, as roasted ingredients can differ in saltiness. Water – Adjusts consistency to your liking; add it gradually to achieve a smooth texture. For Serving Pita Bread or Chips – Perfect for scooping up the creamy hummus. Fresh Vegetables – Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips make delightful dippers! Balsamic Vinegar – Drizzling enhances the flavor profile; it’s an optional but delicious touch! Herbs or Garnish – Paprika or fresh herbs like parsley make a beautiful finishing touch. This delectable Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus is ready to spice up your appetizer game! Enjoy it any time, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a movie night at home. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the charred exterior that brings depth to the roasted garlic and red peppers. While the oven heats, gather your baking tray and olive oil, preparing for the next steps. Step 2: Roast the Red Peppers On your baking tray, drizzle the chopped red bell peppers with some olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer and pop them into the preheated oven. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are nicely charred and blistered, turning them halfway for even roasting. Step 3: Steam and Peel the Peppers Once roasted, remove the peppers from the oven and cover them with aluminum foil for about 10 minutes. This steaming step will help loosen the skins, making it easier to peel them off later. Set aside the covered peppers and prepare to roast the garlic. Step 4: Roast the Garlic While the peppers steam, take your garlic cloves and peel them. Wrap them in a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and place them on the baking tray with the peppers during the last 10 to 15 minutes of their roasting time. Once done, the garlic should be soft and fragrant. Step 5: Prepare the Hummus Base After cooling slightly, remove the skins from the roasted red peppers, discarding the seeds. In a food processor, combine the peeled peppers, roasted garlic, canned chickpeas, tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, a splash of water, smoked paprika, and salt. This blend will become the base for your creamy roasted garlic and red pepper hummus. Step 6: Blend Until Smooth Secure the lid on your food processor and blend the mixture until completely smooth. Be sure to pause periodically to scrape down the sides, ensuring everything is well incorporated. If the hummus is too thick, gradually add more water until it reaches your desired creaminess and consistency. Step 7: Final Touches Once your hummus is perfectly blended, transfer it to a serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top for an extra flavor boost. Feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs of your choice to give it a beautiful touch before serving. Step 8: Chill and Serve For the best flavor, cover the hummus and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, pair it with fresh pita bread, veggie sticks, or your favorite chips for a delightful and healthy snack that everyone will love. What to Serve with Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Pair your delightful dip with these delicious accompaniments that create a harmonious and unforgettable meal experience. Crispy Pita Chips: The perfect vessel for scooping up the hummus, adding crunch and a satisfying texture contrast. Veggie Sticks: Fresh carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks provide a refreshing, crisp element that complements the creamy hummus beautifully. Mediterranean Platter: Combine olives, feta, and stuffed grape leaves for a vibrant spread that elevates your hummus into a full Mediterranean feast. Spiced Rice: Serve alongside a dish of fluffy spiced rice for a hearty, warming option that complements the hummus’s smoky flavors. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright and healthy contrast, enhancing your meal. Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with the flavors, creating a wonderful balance for the palate. Zesty Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade adds a sweet-tart component, brightening the richness of the hummus while making for a delightful drink pairing. Baklava: End your meal on a sweet note with some golden, flaky baklava, offering a delightful contrast to the savory hummus. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: For an elegant dessert, consider dark chocolate-dipped strawberries or orange slices for a luscious final bite. Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzling herb-infused olive oil over the hummus just before serving brings an aromatic burst, enhancing the flavors even further. Expert Tips for Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Roasting Perfection: Ensure that garlic and peppers are well-charred (25-30 minutes) to deepen their flavors. This step is crucial for achieving rich taste. Steaming Secret: Cover roasted peppers with foil post-roasting to steam for easier skin removal. This ensures a smoother hummus texture. Consistent Texture: Add water gradually while blending to manage hummus consistency—thicker or smoother as you desire. Avoid a watery dip! Seasoning Balance: Always taste and adjust salt and paprika after blending, as ingredient intensity can vary widely and impact your roasted garlic and red pepper hummus. Make-Ahead Advantage: This hummus is perfect for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Store in an airtight container to enjoy anytime! How to Store and Freeze Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Fridge: Keep your hummus in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Drizzle a little olive oil on top to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the hummus for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, allowing some space for expansion, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: While hummus is typically enjoyed cold, if you prefer it warm, gently warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. Make-Ahead: This roasted garlic and red pepper hummus is perfect for prep ahead of time. It allows the flavors to intensify, ensuring a delicious dip whenever you want it! Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Variations Get ready to play with flavors and find your perfect twist on this creamy hummus masterpiece! Spicy Kick: Swap red peppers for roasted jalapeños. This adds a fiery touch, perfect for those who like it hot! Zesty Brightness: Use lemon zest along with lemon juice to intensify the citrus flavor, creating a refreshing zing in every bite. Herby Delight: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the mix for an aromatic lift that complements the rich flavors beautifully. Nutty Twist: Substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter for a unique taste. It gives the hummus a different nutty layer that’s equally delightful. Smoky Flavor Boost: Incorporate smoked paprika in higher quantities for a deeper smoky essence, making it a standout dip at any gathering. Creamy Avocado: Blend in a ripe avocado for a luscious texture and added creaminess, while also introducing vibrant green color to your hummus. Nutty Crunch: Top with roasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving for a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth dip. Mediterranean Flair: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor, brightening up the overall profile of your hummus. Don’t forget to accompany your hummus with foods like crispy pita chips or the delicious Swirled Garlic Herb bread for a complete experience! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the garlic and red peppers up to 3 days before you plan to serve the hummus. Simply cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the entire hummus recipe and refrigerate it for up to 5 days; just be sure to drizzle a little olive oil on top to prevent drying. When you’re ready to serve, give the hummus a quick stir, and adjust the consistency with water if needed. With this make-ahead method, you’ll enjoy delicious, gourmet-quality hummus with minimal effort, ready to impress your family or guests! Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting garlic and red peppers? Absolutely! When selecting garlic, look for firm bulbs without any dark spots or mold. The cloves should be tight and plump. For red peppers, choose ones that are vibrant and have a waxy skin, avoiding any that are wrinkled or soft, as these could be overripe. A good pepper should feel heavy for its size, indicating ripeness and juiciness, perfect for roasting. How should I store leftover hummus? Very! Store your leftover roasted garlic and red pepper hummus in an airtight container. It can last for up to 1 week in the fridge. To maintain freshness and prevent drying out, drizzle a little olive oil on the surface before sealing the container. Just give it a good stir before serving again! Can I freeze roasted garlic and red pepper hummus? Definitely! To freeze your hummus, spoon it into a freezer-safe container and ensure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the container to the fridge to thaw overnight. If it seems thick after thawing, you can blend in a splash of water or olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. What if my hummus is too thick or lumpy? No worries! If your hummus turns out thicker than desired, simply add water or olive oil a tablespoon at a time while blending until smooth. If it’s lumpy, blending longer may help; remember to scrape down the sides of the processor occasionally to ensure everything is mixed well. Taste and adjust seasonings afterward! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! This hummus is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions. However, if you’re serving guests, you may want to check if they have any allergies to sesame (found in tahini) or chickpeas. It’s always a good practice to inform others of the ingredients, especially if they have specific food sensitivities. Can I use different types of peppers in this recipe? Very! If you’re looking to change things up, you can substitute red peppers with roasted jalapeños for a spicy twist or roasted yellow bell peppers for a milder flavor. Each variation will add its unique charm to the hummus, so feel free to experiment! Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus Recipe This Creamy Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus combines roasted flavors for a delightful, vegan dip that elevates any appetizer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Hummus Base1 can Chickpeas Canned for convenience1 head Garlic Roasted for sweetness2 whole Red Bell Peppers Roast until charred1/4 cup Tahini For creaminess2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed preferred2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can enhance flavor1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste2-3 tablespoons Water Adjust for consistencyFor Serving1 loaf Pita Bread or Chips For scooping1 cup Fresh Vegetables Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar Optional drizzle for flavorHerbs or Garnish Paprika or fresh herbs like parsley Equipment OvenBaking TrayFood ProcessorAluminum Foil Method InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (220°C).Drizzle chopped red bell peppers with olive oil and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until charred.Cover the roasted peppers with aluminum foil for 10 minutes to steam them.Wrap garlic cloves in foil with olive oil and roast during the last 10 to 15 minutes with the peppers.Remove skins from roasted peppers and combine all ingredients in a food processor.Blend until smooth, adding water to reach desired consistency.Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and garnish.Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesPerfect for meal prep; keeps well in the fridge for ups to a week. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
