Homemade hummus is way easier to make than you probably think. This smooth operator is fun to dunk and swipe, is surprisingly versatile and is the perfect protein-packed snack.

Hummus is one of those things you probably don’t think twice about throwing into your grocery cart. It’s a pantry staple, kids tend to like it and there are a million different flavour options. But if you knew how easy it was to make, and how well it adapts to new flavour combinations…well, you’d probably swap that tub of hummus for a few cans of chickpeas instead.

We’d also like to issue a PSA about the various ways you can use hummus: Sure, it’s great with veggie dippers, pita chips or crackers, but that’s not all. You can use it in sandwiches or wraps, spread it on pizza or flatbreads in place of tomato sauce, or thin it out with a little water or oil and amp it up with lemon and herbs for a creamy salad dressing. The options are truly endless if you get creative.

But first things first. Read on for the recipe and five different ways to change up the flavours.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Hummus

1/3 cup olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon
3 cans chickpeas (drained)
3 tbsp tahini
water as needed for blending
salt and pepper

Directions for Easy Homemade Hummus

  1. To a medium pan set over low heat, add garlic and olive oil. Sauté until garlic is golden and fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Juice lemon, removing any seeds.
  3. To a blender or food processor, add chickpeas, tahini, garlic (plus any oil in the pan) and lemon. Pulse until mixture is smooth.
  4. Add water, one tbsp at a time, and blend until the desired consistency is reached.

Flavour Variations

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add a jar of roasted red peppers to the blender for a sweet, smoky twist. If the peppers are packed in oil, you can use a little bit of the oil to sauté the garlic in step 1.

Spicy Sriracha Hummus: Stir in a teaspoon or two of sriracha sauce for a zesty, spicy kick.

Herbed Hummus: Blend in some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or even a touch of basil for vibrant, refreshing flavour.

Lemon and Cumin Hummus: Add a teaspoon of ground cumin and extra lemon juice for a tangy, earthy flavour.

Avocado Hummus: Blend in a ripe avocado for a creamy, smooth texture that is the best mashup between hummus and guacamole.