Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dip! Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus is a vibrant twist on traditional hummus, bursting with smoky, nutty flavors, and punctuated by golden, crunchy bites of roasted cauliflower throughout. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a healthy snack, you’ll love the rich creaminess and irresistible crunch that makes this dish so memorable. Trust me, it’s as good as it sounds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such an impressive dish comes together with just a handful of simple, nourishing ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s building smoky depth, creamy body, or that signature crispy finish.
- Cauliflower florets: Roasted until golden and crispy, they become the heart of this hummus, lending flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect crispy edges on the cauliflower.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a deep, smoky aroma that elevates every bite.
- Ground cumin: A classic hummus spice for warm, earthy notes.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers just a touch of heat and sharpness.
- Canned chickpeas: The creamy, protein-rich foundation that blends beautifully with the roasted cauliflower.
- Tahini: Provides that creamy, nutty backbone traditional to hummus.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the spread, cutting through the richness with its tangy zing.
- Garlic clove: Brings a subtle kick that makes the flavors pop.
- Water: Helps achieve the perfect smooth and creamy consistency as you blend.
- Additional olive oil and paprika: For drizzling and finishing, adding extra flavor and visual appeal right before serving.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet. Toss those cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, making sure every bite gets coated in that spiced oil. Then, spread them out for plenty of airflow. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are golden and irresistibly crispy. Once they’re perfect, let them cool slightly, setting aside a few of the crispiest pieces for later garnish. Trust me, those toasty bits on top are everything.
Step 2: Blend to Creamy Perfection
Now comes the magic! In a food processor, combine the freshly roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water. Give it a whirl until your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus becomes silky and smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides. If you want it even creamier or looser, add more water a tablespoon at a time. Don’t be shy here—taste as you go and adjust seasoning so it’s just right for you.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the hummus into your favorite bowl, swirling the top for visual flair. Now comes the finishing touch: drizzle generously with olive oil, dust with a little extra smoked paprika, and crown with those reserved crispy cauliflower florets. This is where your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus really shines, both in taste and presentation.
How to Serve Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! Those saved crispy cauliflower florets sprinkled on top add crunch, while a final drizzle of olive oil and a dash of paprika make every bite a little more special. You can also try a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped parsley, or even a zest of lemon for a vibrant twist.
Side Dishes
This hummus loves to be the star of a platter. Serve it alongside warm pita, crunchy veggie sticks, or gluten-free crackers. It’s perfect as an appetizer, but also shines as part of a Mezze spread with falafel, tabbouleh, or olives for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Use your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, dollop it onto grain bowls, or even spoon it over roasted veggies. For parties, scoop it into mini cups or serve in edible cucumber boats for an eye-catching, mess-free snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s a dream for make-ahead lunches or easy, healthy snacking through the week.
Freezing
If you’re thinking about making a big batch in advance, you’re in luck! This hummus freezes well. Just portion into tightly sealed containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Hummus is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warm spread, gently reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 to 30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat it very dry first, so it still gets that crispy finish when roasted. The flavor and texture hold up beautifully.
How can I make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus spicier?
If you’re a heat lover, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the roasting oil, or blend it in at the end. This gives the hummus an extra kick that pairs especially well with the smoky paprika.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes and yes! Every ingredient in this dish is both gluten-free and completely plant-based, making Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus a fantastic option for gatherings with mixed dietary needs.
How can I make my hummus even creamier?
The secret is in the blending. Let your food processor run a bit longer, and add extra cold water slowly, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you reach your ideal creamy consistency. A high-powered processor or blender makes this even easier.
Can I prep any parts of this ahead?
You sure can. The cauliflower can be roasted a day in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just blend everything together and garnish—the flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful appetizer that’s just a bit different (but oh-so-easy), you need to try Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus. Invite your friends, prep some dippers, and prepare for that moment when everyone asks, “Wait, what’s in this?” Let me know how you love to serve it or what twists you add—this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus is a delightful twist on traditional hummus, featuring the nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower blended with chickpeas, tahini, and aromatic spices. Perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer!
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Hummus:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup water, more as needed
- Additional olive oil and paprika for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
- Prepare hummus: Blend roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until smooth.
- Adjust consistency: Add more water if needed for desired texture.
- Serve: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with crispy cauliflower.
Notes
- This hummus can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serve with pita chips, veggie sticks, or as a spread in wraps.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
