Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

Cheesy Breadsticks, ah, the ultimate comfort food! Is there anything quite as satisfying as pulling apart a warm, gooey breadstick, the cheese stretching in delightful strands? I think not! These aren’t just any breadsticks; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing.

While the exact origins of cheesy breadsticks are a bit hazy, their popularity exploded alongside the rise of pizza culture in America. They’ve become a staple side dish, a perfect complement to pizza night, and a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. Think of them as pizza’s fun-loving, slightly less structured cousin!

People adore cheesy breadsticks for so many reasons. The combination of soft, chewy bread, melted, bubbly cheese, and often a hint of garlic is simply irresistible. They’re incredibly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them a perfect weeknight treat or a fun activity to do with kids. Plus, who can resist that warm, comforting feeling you get from biting into a freshly baked, cheesy delight? Get ready to experience breadstick bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Roasted Red Peppers:
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Hummus:
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water, or more as needed
• Optional Garnishes:
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pine nuts, toasted
• Red pepper flakes
• Pita bread, vegetables, or crackers for serving

Roasting the Red Peppers

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the roasted red peppers! Roasting them brings out a sweetness and smoky flavor that really elevates this hummus. Don’t skip this step; it’s worth the effort!

1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven is heating, wash the red bell peppers thoroughly. You can roast them whole, but I prefer to halve them and remove the stems and seeds. This helps them cook more evenly and makes it easier to remove the skins later.
2. Oil and Season: Place the pepper halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle them with about a tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The olive oil helps them blister and char nicely.
3. Roast the Peppers: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered. Keep a close eye on them; you want them charred, but not completely burnt to a crisp. The timing can vary depending on your oven.
4. Steam the Peppers: Once the peppers are roasted, carefully transfer them to a heatproof bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip-top bag. This creates steam, which helps to loosen the skins and makes them easier to peel. Let them steam for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Peel the Peppers: After steaming, the skins should peel off easily. Use your fingers or a paring knife to gently remove the blackened skins. Don’t worry if you don’t get every single bit of skin off; a few small pieces won’t affect the flavor.
6. Cool and Chop: Once the peppers are peeled, let them cool slightly. Then, roughly chop them into smaller pieces. You’ll be adding them to the food processor later, so they don’t need to be perfectly diced.

Making the Hummus

Now for the fun part – making the hummus! This is where all the flavors come together to create that creamy, delicious dip we all love. I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your hummus is perfect every time.

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Rinsing them removes excess starch and helps create a smoother hummus. Some people even recommend removing the skins from the chickpeas for an even creamier texture, but I usually skip this step to save time. If you want to try it, gently rub the chickpeas between your fingers to loosen the skins, then discard them.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Pulse a few times to get everything started.
3. Process Until Smooth: Turn on the food processor and let it run continuously, scraping down the sides as needed. Process for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. The key to a smooth hummus is to process it for a good amount of time.
4. Add Ice Water: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in 2-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time. The ice water helps to lighten the hummus and create an even smoother, fluffier texture. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. I usually end up using about 3 tablespoons.
5. Add Roasted Red Peppers: Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the food processor. Pulse a few times to incorporate them into the hummus. Then, process for another minute or two, or until the peppers are fully blended and the hummus is a beautiful, vibrant color.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, lemon juice, cumin, or smoked paprika, depending on your preferences. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
7. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, transfer the hummus to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the hummus to thicken slightly.

Serving and Garnishing

The final touch! Presentation is key, so let’s make this hummus look as good as it tastes. Here are some ideas for serving and garnishing your roasted red pepper hummus.

1. Plate the Hummus: Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on top. This not only looks pretty but also creates little pockets for the garnishes.
2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top of the hummus. This adds richness and flavor.
3. Sprinkle with Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the olive oil. This adds a pop of color and enhances the smoky flavor of the hummus.
4. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the hummus. This adds freshness and a vibrant green color.
5. Add Pine Nuts (Optional): If you like, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the hummus. This adds a nutty flavor and a nice crunch. To toast the pine nuts, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
6. Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the hummus.
7. Serve with Dippers: Serve the roasted red pepper hummus with your favorite dippers, such as pita bread, vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers), or crackers. Warm pita bread is especially delicious!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your roasted red pepper hummus:

• Adjust the Consistency: If your hummus is too thick, add more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of tahini or chickpeas.
• Add More Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two of garlic. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
• Use Different Peppers: You can also use other types of peppers, such as yellow or orange bell peppers, or even a jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Add Other Flavors: Get creative and add other flavors to your hummus, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese.
• Make it Ahead: Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for roasted red pepper hummus! It’s a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, bursting with flavor, and significantly healthier than most store-bought options. Plus, that vibrant red color just screams “delicious,” doesn’t it?

But beyond the ease and the health benefits, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The sweetness of the roasted red peppers perfectly complements the earthy chickpeas and tangy lemon juice, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the kind of hummus that disappears quickly at parties, and the kind you’ll find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of straight from the fridge (guilty!).

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I love serving it with warm pita bread and a drizzle of olive oil, the possibilities are endless. Think beyond the traditional dip. You can spread it on sandwiches and wraps for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Use it as a base for veggie burgers or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It’s also fantastic with crudités like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers – a perfect healthy snack option.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Stir in some chopped Kalamata olives for a briny twist. Or, for a spicier version, blend in a roasted jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could even experiment with different types of beans, like cannellini beans or black beans, for a unique flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Dip: Serve with warm pita bread, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks.
* Sandwich Spread: Use it as a healthy and flavorful alternative to mayonnaise.
* Veggie Burger Topping: Add a dollop to your favorite veggie burger for extra moisture and flavor.
* Grilled Protein Accompaniment: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
* Salad Dressing Base: Thin it out with a little water and lemon juice for a creamy salad dressing.

Variations to Try:

* Smoked Paprika Hummus: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* Olive Hummus: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives.
* Spicy Hummus: Add a roasted jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* Different Bean Hummus: Experiment with cannellini beans or black beans.
* Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Add 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained).

I truly hope you give this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy way to elevate your snacking game and impress your friends and family. Once you taste the difference between homemade and store-bought, you’ll never go back!

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this amazing hummus. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy hummus-making!