The Ultimate Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: An Easy & Healthy Homemade Dip

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly creamy roasted red bell pepper hummus recipe. A true staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, this vibrant dip transforms simple pantry ingredients like succulent roasted red peppers and wholesome garbanzo beans into an irresistible spread. Perfect as a healthy afternoon snack, a sophisticated pre-dinner appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering, it’s remarkably easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this smooth, flavorful, and versatile homemade hummus.

This recipe offers a delightful and flavorful twist on traditional hummus. Our roasted red pepper hummus comes together in mere minutes with the help of a food processor or high-speed blender, creating a silky-smooth texture and bold flavors. Utilizing convenient jarred roasted red bell peppers, along with garbanzo beans (chickpeas), tahini, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic spices, this homemade version truly stands out. Once you taste the fresh, vibrant difference, you’ll agree that homemade hummus is always the best choice!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

There are countless reasons why this roasted red pepper hummus will become a staple in your kitchen. Beyond its incredible flavor and creamy texture, it offers practicality and versatility that busy home cooks appreciate.

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe comes together incredibly quickly, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or a speedy healthy snack.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Made primarily from items you likely already have in your pantry, such as canned chickpeas and jarred roasted peppers, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion.
• Exceptional Versatility: Not only is it a fantastic dip, but it also shines as a spread, a sauce, or even an unexpected addition to main dishes.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, this hummus is a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious treat.
• Customizable Flavor: Easily adjust the spices and heat level to perfectly suit your personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

If you’re a devoted fan of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), you’ll also adore this fantastic kale salad with garbanzo beans, elevated by a luscious creamy tahini dressing.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hummus

This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people, yielding about 2 cups of rich, flavorful hummus. If you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want extra on hand, this recipe doubles (or even triples!) with ease without compromising on taste or texture.

• Roasted Red Peppers: These are the star of the show, providing both the distinctive flavor and the beautiful orange hue. For ultimate convenience and speed, we recommend using jarred, pre-roasted red peppers, which are excellent to keep stocked in your pantry. However, if you prefer a deeper, fresher smoky flavor, you can easily roast your own bell peppers at home following our simple instructions below.
• Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): Canned garbanzo beans are your best friend for making this hummus recipe a breeze. Crucially, don’t discard the liquid from the can—it’s called aquafaba, and it’s a magical ingredient that contributes significantly to achieving that ultra-creamy, smooth consistency we all love in hummus. This viscous liquid resembles egg whites and is key to a luscious texture.
• Tahini: This rich, earthy paste made from ground sesame seeds is indispensable for authentic Middle Eastern hummus. It provides a luxurious creamy consistency and a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated. Think of it as a savory, slightly bitter counterpart to peanut butter, delivering a unique richness.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vital. It brightens the overall flavor profile of the hummus, cutting through the richness of the tahini and peppers, and also acts as a liquid agent to aid in the pureeing process, ensuring a smooth blend.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is not just a healthy fat but a fundamental flavor enhancer for hummus. It contributes to the desired smoothness, silkiness, and adds a beautiful fruity, peppery note.
• Ground Cumin: One of the most globally used spices, cumin brings a warm, earthy, slightly pungent, and almost lemony flavor to the hummus. Always opt for ground cumin for this recipe, unless you prefer to freshly grind your own seeds for maximum aroma.
• Paprika: This versatile spice adds color and a subtle warmth. You can use standard sweet paprika for a mild flavor, sharp or hot paprika if you desire a spicy kick (use sparingly, as it can be quite potent), or for an unparalleled depth, my personal favorite, smoked paprika. Smoked paprika introduces a wonderful smoky dimension that truly elevates the hummus.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are highly recommended for the best flavor. However, if convenience is key, a tube of garlic puree can be a suitable substitute. The pungency of fresh garlic truly enhances the overall taste.

For precise quantities and measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card provided below.

Chef’s tip for fresh garlic: To achieve super fine garlic that disperses evenly throughout your hummus, you have two excellent options. Firstly, after peeling the cloves, you can drop them whole through the food processor’s feed tube while the machine is running before adding other ingredients. This quickly minces them. Alternatively, for a truly paste-like consistency, use a microplane zester to grate the garlic directly into the food processor. Both methods ensure no large chunks of garlic interrupt the smooth texture of your hummus.

Customizing Your Hummus: Substitutions and Flavor Variations

This roasted red pepper hummus recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or simply experiment with different flavor profiles. Here are some popular ways to customize your batch:

• Tahini-Free Option: If you have a sesame allergy or prefer to avoid tahini, you can successfully substitute sunflower butter (often marketed as “SunButter”) for a delicious and creamy hummus recipe without tahini. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delightful.

To infuse your red pepper hummus with more heat and make it spicier, consider adding any of the following during the pureeing stage: a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky heat, a dash of cayenne pepper for a direct kick, a few drops of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce, or a spoonful of a robust hot condiment like harissa. If you’re already going to the effort of roasting your own red bell peppers, take it up a notch by roasting 1-2 hot red chili peppers (such as jalapeños or serranos, depending on your preferred heat level) alongside the bell peppers. After roasting, simply remove the seeds, finely chop them, and puree with the rest of your ingredients. This method integrates the spicy flavor beautifully.

Looking for another fantastic garbanzo bean recipe? Don’t miss this easy and refreshing three-bean salad with chickpeas, kidney beans, and crisp green beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Achieving that coveted smooth and creamy hummus texture is easier than you might think, and there are a couple of key tricks to master. One of the most important is to utilize the liquid that canned chickpeas come in – often referred to as aquafaba. Adding a small amount of this viscous liquid to your hummus during blending is instrumental in achieving its luxurious, creamy consistency. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Mastering Homemade Roasted Red Peppers for Your Hummus

While jarred roasted red peppers offer unbeatable convenience, roasting your own at home can add an extra layer of freshness and a distinct smoky flavor to your hummus. It’s a simple process that yields fantastic results. You’ll typically need about 2 large or 3 small fresh red bell peppers to get the equivalent of a 6-ounce jar. Here are two effective methods:

• Method One: Direct Flame Roasting (Gas Stove or BBQ): This method imparts the most intense smoky flavor. Place whole red bell peppers directly over a medium open flame—this works perfectly on the burner of a gas stove (using the grate for support) or on a hot barbecue grill. Allow the skins to blacken and char evenly, turning the peppers occasionally with tongs until they are mostly blackened and blistered on all sides. Don’t worry if a few areas remain red; the goal is a good char.
• Method Two: Broiler Roasting (Oven): This is a great alternative if you don’t have an open flame. Preheat your oven broiler to high and position an oven rack on the second level down from the top. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (parchment paper can ignite under a broiler). Wash the peppers, then cut them in half lengthwise from top to bottom, removing all seeds and white membranes. Lay the pepper halves cut-side down on the foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 8-12 minutes, or until the skins are thoroughly blackened and evenly charred.

For both methods, once the peppers are beautifully charred, immediately transfer them to a medium bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This crucial step creates a steamy environment that allows the skins to loosen and makes them incredibly easy to peel.

Once the peppers have cooled sufficiently to handle (usually about 15-20 minutes), carefully peel and rub off as much of the blackened skin as possible. Remove any remaining seeds. This part can be a bit messy, so consider wearing disposable kitchen gloves if you prefer. Your freshly roasted red peppers are now ready to be used, adding a homemade touch to your hummus!

If you find yourself loving the rich flavor of roasted red bell peppers, you absolutely must try this comforting and easy sheet pan red pepper soup!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Red Pepper Hummus

Classic & Creative Accompaniments for Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus

This creamy dip is a versatile companion to a wide array of dippers. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Fresh Vegetables: Crisp cucumber slices, vibrant carrot sticks, crunchy raw zucchini “chips” or sticks, and sturdy endive leaves (which make excellent scoopers) are all fantastic, healthy choices.
• Crackers: Pair with your favorite rice crackers, wheat crackers, or even gluten-free options for a satisfying crunch.
• Bread & Chips: Warm pita bread wedges, crispy pita chips, or toasted crostini are classic choices that complement the hummus beautifully.
• Beyond Dipping: Consider serving a dollop on a small plate alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, flavorful accompaniment.

One of the best features of roasted red pepper hummus is its make-ahead potential. It acts as a superb appetizer spread that can be prepared several days in advance. Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it maintains its freshness and flavor for up to 5 days, making it perfect for efficient meal prep or stress-free entertaining.

Beyond the Dip: Innovative Uses for Red Pepper Hummus

While an excellent dip, roasted red pepper hummus is far too flavorful to be limited to just that! Its creamy texture and robust taste make it an incredibly versatile ingredient in countless culinary applications. Get creative with these ideas:

• Mediterranean Wraps: Spread a generous layer of red pepper hummus onto tortillas or flatbreads, then fill with sliced turkey, fresh salad greens, feta cheese, and olives for a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
• Sandwich & Toast Spread: Elevate your everyday sandwiches by using hummus as a vibrant and healthy spread on whole grain or gluten-free bread. It’s also fantastic on avocado toast for a flavor boost.
• Pasta Sauce: Toss warm pasta noodles with a dollop or two of hummus, a splash of pasta water, and some sautéed vegetables for a surprisingly creamy and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish.
• Portable Lunch: Pack it easily for lunch at school or the office in a small, airtight container, along with your favorite dippers or as part of a grain bowl.
• Protein Topping: Use a spoonful to top roast fish, grilled chicken, or even baked tofu for an instant boost of flavor and moisture.
• Taco & Bowl Sauce: Transform it into a delicious, creamy sauce for chicken, fish, or vegetarian tacos and burrito bowls. Just thin it slightly with a little water or lemon juice if desired.
• Elegant Mezze Platter: Incorporate it as a key element of a stunning Mediterranean mezze platter when entertaining guests, alongside other dips, olives, cheeses, and fresh produce.
• Vegetable Stuffing: Mix with breadcrumbs and herbs to create a flavorful stuffing for bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini boats before baking.

Explore More Hummus and Dip Recipes

Ready to host an unforgettable party or simply enhance your daily snacking routine? There’s a world of terrific dips and spreads waiting to be discovered. The best part? They are all remarkably easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on sharing and enjoying delicious flavors. Dive into our extensive collection on the appetizers and snacks page for even more inspiring ideas and delectable recipes!

⭐️Did You Make This Recipe?

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve had the chance to whip up this delicious roasted red pepper hummus, please take a moment to share your experience by leaving a comment below. And if you enjoyed it as much as we do, a 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated! Your feedback and ratings are incredibly valuable and help other readers discover and enjoy this wonderful recipe.

📖 Recipe