Cooking Tips
Add extra flavor, texture, and color with ingredients you already have on hand.
By
Published July 19, 2023.
Hummus is delicious on its own. But it’s also a blank slate.
Whether you made your own hummus or are digging into a container of store-bought, toppings are not only pretty but also add complementary flavors and textures that elevate hummus to a whole new level.
Hummus toppings can be as simple as a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of spice, or something more substantial. Take inspiration from the topping combinations offered here or personalize your hummus with whatever flavors speak to you.
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- Harissa, toasted pine nuts, and sumac
In the vein of savory blends, spicy, aromatic Harissa paste complements lemony sumac for a topping with a kick.
- Crispy capers, chopped fresh rosemary, and flake sea salt
Frying capers couldn’t be simpler if you use the microwave and with the peppery notes of fresh rosemary, this salty topping will keep you coming back for more.
- Spiced roasted chickpeas and smoked paprika or sumac
What could be a better topping for hummus than more chickpeas? Make Spiced Roasted Chickpeas and add a smoky or tangy kick to your liking.
- Chopped preserved lemons and roasted garlic
Enjoy the sweetness of Roasted Garlic and the sour saltiness of Preserved Lemons for a Moroccan-inspired combination.
- Herb and olive salad
This bright and briny parsley, dill, and olive salad, originally developed to go on top of a white bean hummus, adds textural contrast to any supersmooth hummus.
- Baharat-spiced beef topping
Baharat means spice in Arabic, so this customizable topping could be almost anything. Our version, warmed with coriander, cinnamon, and hot smoked paprika, richly flavors beef (or plant-based beef) for a warm topping or even a meal.
- Caramelized onions or crispy garlic
These alliums add interest to most dishes and our methods make them more approachable. Consider jammy, Roasted Caramelized Onions or crispy garlic (that you can fry in your microwave!) as your next hummus toppings for an easy upgrade.
- Dukkah
If you’re looking for a little extra crunch, consider Dukkah, a savory blend of nuts, seeds, and spices. Our version features toasted pistachios and roasted chickpeas for a slightly sweet take on a classic Egyptian dip.
Watch Becky Hays cook through our Ultracreamy Hummus recipe.
- Fresh herbs
Just a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add brightness to a savory spread and the grassy notes pair well with earthy chickpeas and tahini. Our favorites are parsley, cilantro, mint, and basil.
- Everything bagel seasoningand pickled onions
Everything Bagel Seasoning tastes great on almost anything, including hummus. Making your own takes less than five minutes. Then add the bold color and flavor of Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions for the perfect relish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (plus the oil!) and olives
A nearly empty jar of sun-dried tomatoes holds a secret. Drizzle the leftover sun-dried tomato oil (and the tomatoes if you have any) over olives for a tasty Mediterranean bite.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo
If you like smoky spice, chipotle in adobo is a must. Pair it with cilantro leaves and lime juice and/or zest. For a different twist add spiced seeds and coriander oil.
- Jalapeñoand lime zest
Try minced fresh, jarred, or homemade pickled jalapeños and lime zest for a bright, zesty topping that will wake up your hummus.
- Roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, and pomegranate molasses
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is plenty flavorful, but why not add some tangy sweetness with homemade Pomegranate Molasses and some crunch with walnuts?
- Jarred or thawed frozen artichoke hearts and lemon zest
If you have some artichoke hearts languishing in your pantry or freezer, top a batch of plain or Lemony Hummus with them and a touch of lemon zest.
