Wondering what to eat with hummus? This flavor-filled guide covers all the best ways to eat your favorite dip ... from classic dippers to tons of ideas and recipes you've never even thought of!
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If you're reading this, I'm guessing that you love hummus! Which is not surprising ... it's one of the most popular dips in the world. Especially here in the U.S., where you can find it in pretty much any grocery store, no matter how small or remote.
But what do you do if you're stuck in a rut? I mean, there are only so many carrot sticks that can be dipped, right?
Thankfully, there are so many unique ways to eat hummus, from the tried and true things to dip to creative ideas and recipes you'd never guess. You can even cook with it!
I've rounded up all these clever tips below, so keep scrolling for all the delicious details!
What is hummus?
Hummus is a smooth, creamy dip that hails from the Middle East. It's made from cooked chickpeas mashed or blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, and garlic. You'll often find it garnished with olive oil, whole chickpeas, paprika, and / or parsley.
Regional variations of this popular dip, made with different ingredients, spices, and toppings, can be found throughout the Middle East and beyond. Here in the U.S., you'll find the classic dip, plus plenty of unconventional flavors ... even chocolate!
What to Eat with Hummus
There is so much delicious stuff to eat with hummus! And I've got you covered whether you're looking for hummus dippers, you'd like to lose weight, prefer to eat low carb, have leftover hummus, or you're looking for dinner ideas ... this versatile dip does it all!
1. Fresh Veggies
Crunchy raw vegetables are one of the healthiest and best things to eat with hummus. The crunchy-creamy pairing is super satisfying and can be enjoyed guilt free.
Best veggies to eat with hummus:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Peppers
- Cucumber
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Jicama
- Zucchini
- Radishes
- Asparagus
- Radicchio or Endive
- Fennel
Basically, anything crunchy goes! Cut your veggies in sticks or slices to make dipping easier.
2. Roasted, Grilled, or Sautéed Vegetables
Hummus is also super tasty with sautéed, grilled, or roasted veggies. You can used these cooked vegetables for dipping (if they're sturdy enough), or you can serve them on top as a meal. Just add bread or a fork to scoop everything up.
3. Fresh and Dried Fruit
For a more unconventional pairing, try serving your dip with fresh or dried fruit, like fresh apple and pear slices or dried apricots. You can pair fruit with classic hummus for a unique sweet-savory twist, or try serving it with a sweet flavor, like chocolate hummus, for dessert.
4. Pita Bread
Hummus and pita bread are the ultimate classic pairing, and for good reason: they're sooo delish together! For best results, warm the pita bread before serving.
But don't stop there, because other breads work for scooping up this creamy dip, too. One of my favorite local markets makes barbari bread (a Persian flatbread that's topped with sesame seeds), and it's super tasty dipped in hummus.
5. Pita Chips
If you prefer a crunchier dipper, you can't go wrong with pita chips! If you'd like to make your own, try my Homemade Pita Chips recipe ... they're super easy to make, and a great way to use up stale bread.
6. Other Chips
Creamy hummus pairs wonderfully with anything crunchy, including your favorite chips. Try it with tortilla chips, kettle chips, bagel chips, and more!
7. Crackers
You can also serve hummus with crackers. Use them for dipping or spread it on top. Almost any kind works, everything from classic Triscuits to gluten-free rice crackers to flatbread crackers! For a tasty treat, try it paired with my Herb Parmesan Crackers!
8. Pretzels
Pretzels are another winner paired with this yummy chickpea dip. I especially love it with thin Pretzel Crisps. And here in the U.S., you can even buy pretzels and hummus packed together ... basically, the perfect snack!
9. Mayo Replacement
If you want to save a few calories and adds tons of healthy flavor, try using hummus as a sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise. Don't stop there though, you can use it in other recipes that call for mayo (you'll find more ideas below). And it's great as a substitute for mustard and other condiments, too.
10. Sandwiches + Wraps
Speaking of sandwiches, don't settle for a simple swipe of hummus, make it the star ingredient! There are tons of options here, from your classic hummus, lettuce, and tomato sammie, to more creative options, like my amazing Hummus Sandwich with Pesto. It's also tasty in wraps and rolls, where it can serve as the "glue" that holds everything else together.
11. Pizza
Hummus on pizza? Yes, and it's delicious! To make it, spread hummus on pizza dough, pocket-less pita, naan, or other flatbread, then add your favorite Mediterranean toppings, such as olives, veggies like roasted red peppers or grape tomatoes, spices (try cumin, oregano, or basil), and feta cheese. This scrumptious Hummus Pizza is a favorite recipe!
12. Bowls
Love bowls? A scoop of your fave dip is the perfect flavor and protein-packed addition! You can add a dollop to pretty much any veggie-grain combo, or try one of my favorite hummus bowls: this Roasted Veggie Bowl and this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl.
13. Pasta
Hummus + pasta? Sign me up! This is definitely an unexpected combo, but it's an easy way to create a creamy vegan sauce without a lot of fuss.
To make it, cook one pound pasta (spaghetti, rotini ... almost any shape works) in well-salted water. When the pasta is done cooking, reserve one cup of cooking water, then drain. Return the pasta to the pot, then add one cup hummus, ½ cup cooking water, a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice, whatever sautéed veggies, herbs, and cheeses you'd like, plus salt and pepper to taste. Toss, adding more of the reserved water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
14. Toast
You're probably familiar with avocado toast, but have you tried hummus toast? It's super easy to make and so delish. Simply add a generous spread of hummus to a slice of toasted bread (use a chewy, artisan-style loaf for best results), then add your favorite toppings, like sliced avocado, tomatoes, pickled onions, olives, sautéed greens, peppers, sliced onions, fresh herbs, Everything but the Bagel seasoning, eggs, crumbled feta, etc. Almost anything goes!
15. Bagels
Replace the cream cheese on your next bagel with a generous schmear of chickpea dip instead (or use both). Then, enjoy as-is, or add some toppings to make a bagel sandwich ... check out the toast section above for ideas!
16. Falafel
Falafel and hummus are another classic combo that's simply irresistible! Make your own falafel (or try a mix), then serve over hummus or wrap it all up in a pita. Add your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and you have a delicious (and easy to make) meal.
17. Salads
Salad are a great way to use up leftover hummus! Simply add a scoop to your favorite salad, or thin it with a little lemon juice, olive oil and / or water, then add other seasonings, like mustard, maple syrup, and fresh garlic. Try it instead of the tahini dressing in this Kale Sweet Potato Salad!
18. Mezze Platter
If you're entertaining, don't serve hummus dip all on its own. Create a beautiful mezze platter by pairing it with other Middle Eastern faves, like baba ganoush, tabouli, tzatziki, labneh, olives, and chunks of feta cheese. Make sure to add plenty of pita bread and fresh, roasted, or grilled vegetables for dipping!
19. Crostini Topper
Turn your fave dip into a light meal or party-friendly appetizer! Simply dollop on toasted baguette slices, then topped with chopped artichokes, tomatoes, olives, sautéed veggies, cheese, sundried tomatoes, or whatever else strikes your fancy.
20. Layered Dip
One of my favorite ways to eat hummus is topped with other ingredients ... this is the perfect way to turn a plain dip into a light meal or to stretch it for a gathering! You can really get creative here, with one topping or multiple. Ideas: raw or cooked vegetables (think diced tomatoes or cucumbers, or sautéed / grilled / roasted mushrooms, eggplant, peppers, or onions), roasted garlic, marinated artichoke hearts, diced hardboiled eggs, olives, whole chickpeas, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and other sauces, like pesto, hot sauce, or maybe even some romesco sauce. A generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle paprika or fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or cilantro, are the perfect finishing touches.
Not sure what flavors work best together? Try my Layered Greek Hummus Dip or my Southwestern Hummus with Corn Relish!
21. Soup
Hummus in soup may seem a little strange, but it's really not that far-fetched ... after all, bean soup is a totally normal thing! If you have lots of dip on hand, starting by sautéing some aromatics, like garlic, onions, or shallots, then add your hummus and thin it out to a soup-like consistency using vegetable broth. Season with whatever you'd like (try some lemon or cumin), then purée until smooth or enjoy as-is. Crunchy toppings or cooked veggies would be a great addition!
Another option is to stir leftover hummus into a finished soup to thicken it up a bit and give it a creamy texture. Either way, it's hard to go wrong.
22. Eggs
The bright flavor of this tasty chickpea spread also works well with eggs. Try stirring it into deviled eggs instead of mayo, mixing a little into scrambled eggs (about halfway through cooking) or a tofu scramble, or using it as a binder in an egg sandwich. You can also served eggs on top of hummus, as mentioned above (see #14 and #20 above for inspo!).
23. Tacos
Since we're getting creative and a little unorthodox there, let's talk tacos! As far as I'm concerned, you can put pretty much anything in a tortillas and call it a taco, so why not hummus? Start with some warmed corn tortillas, dollop on your dip, then add some roasted veggies, a sprinkled of cheese, and maybe even some roasted chickpeas. Dinner is served!
24. Quesadillas
Like tacos, you can get seriously creative with quesadillas! Make a Mediterranean-inspired Quesadilla by spreading a flour tortilla with your delicious dip (don't go too crazy, unless you're craving a mess), then top diced tomatoes and onions, maybe some sautéed spinach, definitely some olives, and a generous sprinkle of feta. Top with another tortilla, then cook to crispy, golden perfection.
25. Veggie Burger
I can't think of any better way to round out this list than with an over-the-top burger! Start with a store bought veggie burger (or make my Greek Burgers), then spread the bun with hummus, pile on the toppings (tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, feta ... you get the idea), and dig in. Yum!
Hummus Recipes
Want to make your own hummus? It's super simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients! Try one of these easy recipes:
- Classic Hummus - Start here with the traditional recipe. No frills, and 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
I hope these ideas and tips inspired you to try this delicious spread! Now that you know how to eat hummus a bunch of different ways, which will you try first?
P.S. Looking for more helpful kitchen tips? Check out my guides 30 Ways to Use Roasted Garlic and How to Use Pesto next!
Thank you for the tip, Ginnie! As you correctly stated, there are several things you can try with hummus. Experimenting with different veggies is, in my opinion, a good idea. You may use peppers, radish slices, jicama, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, snap peas, cauliflower, and broccoli florets. They're all great ways to experiment with hummus. You'll get a terrific crunch and a lot of nutrients.
You're welcome, Lucy! Veggies are my fave, too 🙂