Have you ever found yourself with too much hummus on your hands? Don't throw it out, freeze it! This helpful guide will show you how to freeze hummus while preserving its flavor, plus get delicious tips for using leftover hummus.
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I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ways to cut down on food waste. Even with my best intentions though, sometimes it's inevitable that I end up with leftovers.
If you're a hummus lover like me, you'll be happy to know that both store bought and homemade hummus can be frozen. And it's super easy to do!
Keep reading to learn how to freeze (and thaw) hummus while preserving its flavor. Plus, get all my favorite tips and recipes for using leftover hummus!
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How to Freeze Hummus (3 Ways)
There are a few different ways to freeze hummus, depending on whether it's store bought or homemade, or how much you have leftover.
- Air Tight Container - The best way to freeze hummus (both homemade and store bought) is to transfer it to an airtight container (like these reusable glass storage containers). Choose a container that's closest in size to the amount of dip you have to minimize air contact and to reduce the chance of freezer burn.
- Original Container - You can freeze store bought hummus right in its original container (with a few caveats). First, make sure there's about half an inch of empty space left in the container. Second, if the container doesn't have an airtight lid, or if there isn't much hummus left, it will stay freshest if you transfer it to a different container.
- Individual Portions - Another method for freezing hummus, is to divide it into individual servings (perfect for meal prep and for avoiding waste). You can either use a small snack-size container, or spoon individual portions onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer the servings to a zip top freezer bag or (even better) a reusable Stasher bag.
Whatever container (and method) you choose, keep in mind that food expands as it freezes. Leaving a half inch of empty space in the container will help you avoid a mess.
And make sure to add a label! That way, you won't forget how long the hummus has been in your freezer. I like to attach a piece of masking tape or painters tape (both are easily removable later) to the lid, then write the date on it with a Sharpie.
Hummus can be frozen for up to four months, however it will taste better (and will be much less likely to get freezer burn) if you eat it within one to two months.
How to Thaw Frozen Hummus
When you're ready to eat it, remove the hummus from your freezer and transfer it to your refrigerator to thaw. You need to keep it cold as it thaws for food safety reasons, so don't leave it out on your counter. I recommend taking it out of the freezer the day before you plan to eat it.
In a hurry to dig in? Instead of waiting for hummus to thaw in your refrigerator (which can take a while), you can gently thaw it in your microwave using the defrost setting.
Tasty Tip
Before eating the hummus, give it a good stir and a taste. Frozen foods often taste blander than fresh foods, especially if they've been frozen for a long time. If this is the case with your dip, you can revive it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pinch of salt, or a dash of flavorful spices like cumin.
Hummus can take up to 24 hours to thaw, depending on how large the container is, as well as other factors, like how cold your refrigerator is.
How to Use
There are so many creative ways to eat leftover hummus! Spread on toast for breakfast or enjoy it in a Hummus Sandwich. Serve it veggies or alongside other snacks like pita or chips. Add it to a grain bowl, like this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl or this Roasted Veggie Bowl. You could even use it to make Hummus Pizza!
Hummus Recipes
Now that you know how easy freezing hummus is, you'll want to make a big batch every week! Here are some tasty recipes to temp you:
- Classic Hummus - This traditional recipe has no frills, but you really don't need any, because this dip is so tasty!
- Black Bean Hummus
- Spicy Chipotle Hummus
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
- Olive Hummus
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Layered Greek Hummus Dip
- Southwest Hummus
- Pumpkin Hummus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can freeze store bought and homemade hummus. Transfer it to an airtight container (leaving ½-inch of empty space at the top), then freeze it for up to four months. However for the best taste, you'll want to eat it within one to two months.
Yes, hummus freezes well. For best results, transfer it in an airtight container (or zip top bag) before freezing. Then eat within one to two months of freezing it
Hummus will last for about four to five days once you open the package. If you're not able to eat it within that time frame, you can freeze the leftovers for up to four months.
Yes, hummus can go bad. Make sure to eat store bought hummus by the date on the package. Once opened, you should eat it within four to five days. If it smells off, don't eat it. Throw it out.
How to Freeze Hummus
Equipment
- Storage Container
Materials
- leftover hummus
Instructions
- Transfer hummus to an airtight storage container. Make sure to leave about ½-inch of empty space in the container.
- Place container in your freezer, then freeze hummus for up to four months.
- When ready to eat, transfer frozen hummus to your refrigerator. Allow up to 24 hours to defrost.
- Once thawed, taste hummus before eating. If it tastes a little flat, revive the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pinch of salt, dash of spice (like cumin), or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Ginnie, it was worth reading! Hummus, in my opinion, can be frozen. Freezing hummus is as simple as freezing any other meal. You must, however, adhere to specific restrictions. For example, freeze the hummus in an airtight freezer-safe container. Moreover, don't fill the container all the way to the top because the hummus expands after freezing, so leave some room. Also, plain hummus freezes better than flavored hummus, such as garlic or roasted red peppers.
Thanks for reading, Lucy! 🙂