12 Smooth Hummus Recipes for Dips and Spreads

I still remember the first time I tasted hummus as a kid during a family road trip to a bustling Mediterranean market. My dad slathered it on warm pita bread, and I was hooked by its creamy, nutty smoothness that made every bite feel like a little adventure. It wasn’t just a dip; it was a gateway to flavors that sparked my lifelong love for experimenting in the kitchen.

Fast forward to last month, when I turned my home blender into a hummus lab. After a few failed batches with gritty textures, I nailed the art of ultra-smooth blends by soaking chickpeas overnight and adding aquafaba for that silky finish. These experiments reminded me how versatile hummus is—perfect for quick snacks, party dips, or even sandwich spreads.

In today’s busy world, hummus stands out as a nutritious powerhouse: packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just craving something wholesome, these 12 smooth hummus recipes will elevate your dip game with bold twists on the classic.

Classic Creamy Hummus

This timeless recipe is your smooth canvas—mild, garlicky, and perfect for beginners. Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chickpeas (drained, reserve liquid), 1/4 cup tahini, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt to taste, 2-3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for extra silkiness.

Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt in a food processor until smooth, drizzling in aquafaba as needed. Chill for 30 minutes. It’s rich in plant-based protein, aids digestion, and stores well for a week’s worth of healthy snacking.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Smoky sweetness shines in this vibrant dip. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 roasted red pepper (jarred or fresh), 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, aquafaba.

Roast pepper if fresh, then blend all ingredients until velvety. Top with pine nuts. Loaded with vitamin C from peppers and antioxidants, it’s an immunity booster and a colorful party hit that pairs with veggies or crackers.

Beetroot Bliss Hummus

Earthy pink perfection for a stunning spread. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 cooked beetroot, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dill, salt, aquafaba.

Steam beetroot until tender, then puree with remaining ingredients for a smooth fuchsia hue. Benefits include beets’ nitrates for better blood flow and a fun, Instagram-worthy way to sneak veggies into dips.

Avocado Dream Hummus

Buttery and green, like guac met hummus. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cilantro, salt, aquafaba.

Pit avocado and blend everything smooth. Mash lightly if needed for texture. Heart-healthy fats from avocado promote satiety, making this a guilt-free spread for toast or tacos.

Spicy Jalapeño Hummus

Heat lovers rejoice with this fiery kick. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 2-3 jalapeños (seeded for less heat), 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, salt, aquafaba.

Char jalapeños for smokiness, then blend all. Capsaicin boosts metabolism, and it’s a bold upgrade for nachos or wraps.

Garlic Herb Garden Hummus

Fresh and aromatic for herb enthusiasts. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 3 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill), salt, aquafaba.

Finely chop herbs post-blend for flecks. Anti-inflammatory herbs and garlic support gut health, ideal as a sandwich spread.

Sweet Potato Silk Hummus

Naturally sweet and autumnal. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 baked sweet potato, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, aquafaba.

Bake potato until soft, blend smooth. Beta-carotene from sweet potato enhances skin health and adds cozy flavor for crackers.

Carrot Golden Hummus

Bright and beta-carotene rich. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 roasted carrots, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ginger, salt, aquafaba.

Roast carrots golden, puree all. Eye-healthy vitamins make it a smart dip for kids or meal prep.

Pesto Infused Hummus

Italian twist with basil punch. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup basil pesto, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, aquafaba.

Stir pesto into blended base. Pine nuts and olive oil deliver healthy fats for sustained energy.

Lemon Dill Hummus

Zesty and refreshing for summer. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 2 lemons, 3 tbsp fresh dill, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, aquafaba.

Blend with extra lemon zest. Vitamin C boost refreshes and aids detox—perfect with seafood.

Black Bean Hummus Fusion

Protein-packed with a Southwestern vibe. Ingredients: 2 cups cooked black beans, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chipotle, salt, aquafaba.

Substitute beans for chickpeas, blend smooth. Higher fiber supports heart health, great for tacos.

Chocolate Dessert Hummus

Sweet spread for fruit or cookies. Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas (rinsed), 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt.

Blend until chocolatey smooth—no cooking needed. Chickpea base adds hidden protein to this indulgent treat.

These 12 smooth hummus recipes are your ticket to endless snacking creativity—whip up a batch today, experiment with toppings, and share your twists in the comments. Your taste buds (and blender) will thank you!