Setting up a hummus tray is a great way to serve an appetizing and healthy snack or starter at a party or gathering. With a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful, bountiful hummus spread for your guests to enjoy.
What is hummus?
Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It’s high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Hummus comes in many varieties, including classic, roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato, basil pesto, olive and more. It’s commonly served with pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Why serve hummus on a tray?
Serving hummus on a tray allows you to artfully arrange the hummus along with various dippers and accompaniments. A hummus tray has visual appeal and provides guests with an inviting, interactive appetizer. The dip is served in a shallow bowl in the center of the tray, surrounded by pitas, crackers, breadsticks, colorful raw veggies, olives and other items. Guests can pinch, scoop and dip to their heart’s content.
Tips for setting up a hummus tray
Here are some tips for creating a enticing hummus tray for your guests:
Choose a tray or platter
Select a tray, platter or shallow rimmed platter that is large enough to hold all the hummus accompaniments. A rectangular or oval 12-inch platter or large round tray works well. Glass, metal, ceramic, wood – use whatever fits your occasion. Make sure the tray is clean and dry before assembling the spread.
Make homemade hummus
Making your own hummus is surprisingly easy. All you need is chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Homemade always tastes better than store-bought!
Purchase several flavors of premade hummus
If time is short, pick up a few flavors of premade hummus from your grocery store. Choose a classic as well as an exciting flavor like roasted red pepper or olive tapenade. Store-bought hummus works perfectly on a hummus tray.
Make the hummus the centerpiece
Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl and place it in the middle of your tray. Make it the star of the show. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Surround with dippers
Arrange slices of pita bread, tortilla chips, bread sticks and crackers around the edges of the tray. Consider including a mix of carb options like whole wheat pita, multigrain crackers or baguette slices. Cut the bread and crackers into bite-size pieces so they are easy for scooping.
Include fresh vegetables
Cut up an assortment of crisp, fresh vegetables for dipping. Carrots, cucumbers, radishes, endive leaves, bell pepper strips, broccoli and cauliflower all pair well with hummus. Go for an array of colors and textures. Vegetables should be cut into dip-friendly pieces.
Add other accompaniments
Think outside the vegetable box for hummus dippers too. Consider olives, roasted or marinated veggies, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), pickles, sun-dried tomatoes and feta or goat cheese. Nuts like walnuts or pine nuts add crunch.
Drizzle with olive oil
Add some extra virgin olive oil to the tray – ideally in a beautiful oil cruet or small pitcher. Drizzling olive oil over hummus or bread gives everything a flavor and texture boost.
Include garnishes
Make your hummus tray visually stunning by garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley, mint or cilantro. Seeds like sesame or paprika also make excellent finishing touches. Za’atar spice blend, sumac, chopped olives or scallions work too.
Provide handy utensils
Set out small spoons and knives to make it easy for guests to scoop the hummus and spread it on bread or vegetables. Toothpicks come in handy for picking up small pieces. Supply a stack of napkins too.
Chill everything thoroughly
Make sure all the hummus, vegetables and dippers are very cold before assembling the tray. Chilling helps keep the hummus fresh and prevents wilting of the vegetables. Keep extra hummus and veggies in the fridge to refresh the tray as needed.
Assemble just before serving
Wait until just before guests arrive to put the hummus tray together. Hummus tastes best fresh. Cut all vegetables and breads ahead of time and store them in zip top bags with a damp paper towel to keep them crisp.
Sample hummus tray combinations
Here are some hummus tray ideas with suggested hummus flavors and accompaniments:
| Hummus Flavor | Breads/Chips | Vegetables | Other Accompaniments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Pita chips, baguette slices | Carrots, cucumbers, radish | Kalamata olives, feta cheese |
| Roasted Red Pepper | Multigrain crackers | Bell peppers, broccoli | Marinated artichoke hearts, oven-roasted tomatoes |
| Sun-dried Tomato | Pita wedges, tortilla chips | Zucchini, cauliflower, endive leaves | Marinated mushrooms, dolmas |
| Spicy Roasted Garlic | Baguette, flatbread crackers | Jicama, radishes, celery sticks | Roasted chickpeas, goat cheese |
| Edamame Wasabi | Rice crackers, wonton chips | Sugar snap peas, mini peppers | Pickled ginger, sesame seeds |
How to make the best hummus
While store-bought hummus definitely does the trick, nothing compares to homemade hummus. Luckily, hummus is one of the easiest dips to make. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika and salt in a food processor. Process for 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of water until the hummus is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. The hummus should be very smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
- Enjoy with fresh vegetables, pita chips or crackers.
This classic hummus recipe can easily be customized with different mix-ins like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, kalamata olives or hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Hummus Storage Tips
Properly stored, hummus will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. Here are some storage tips:
- Place homemade hummus in an airtight container and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon before sealing. This minimizes exposure to air which can cause browning.
- Always store hummus in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- If the hummus develops a dry skin on top, simply stir the dip to blend it in before serving.
- For longer shelf life, top the hummus with a thin layer of olive oil which helps prevent oxidation.
- You can also freeze hummus for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Discard any hummus that smells sour or is moldy.
Serving Ideas for Hummus
A hummus tray is just one of endless ways to serve this healthy and tasty dip. Here are more ideas for enjoying hummus:
- Stuff in sandwiches or wraps
- Top flatbreads or pizza
- Toss with pasta or rice
- Spread on crostini
- Fill celery stalks
- Bake into frittatas or savory pies
- Blend into smoothies
- Use as a veggie dipper with raw or roasted vegetables
- Spread on toast or bagels
- Drizzle on eggs
- Smear on crackers or bread
- Top baked or mashed potatoes
With so many possibilities, the only limit is your imagination. Hummus makes a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal or snack!
Conclusion
Putting together a hummus tray is an easy way to offer guests a visually appealing, healthy plant-based appetizer. With homemade or store-bought hummus as the centerpiece surrounded by a variety of breads, crackers, vegetables and other accompaniments, you can create an inviting spread for any occasion. Chill and assemble the components just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor. Get creative with hummus flavors and dipper combinations. Offering an array of dips, crunchy and creamy textures, colors and tastes will satisfy a crowd. A thoughtfully presented hummus tray is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!