Name: Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ¼ cup tahini; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon ground cumin; 3–5 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency); Salt to taste; Olive oil; Parsley; Toasted pine nuts; Paprika

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.2 from 44 reviews

The Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe is a delightful twist on classic hummus that brings together the nutty creaminess of chickpeas with the rich, caramelized flavor of roasted cauliflower. This vibrant, healthy dip has a perfect balance of smoky spices and lemony freshness, with a texture that is both smooth and satisfyingly crunchy. Whether you are serving it at a casual get-together or simply craving something comforting and nutritious, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites in no time.

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find but absolutely essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every item plays a specific role, from bringing depth to the roasted cauliflower to adding that classic hummus creaminess and zing.

Cauliflower florets: The star of the dish, roasted to golden perfection for a crispy, caramelized taste.
Olive oil: Used both for roasting and blending, it adds richness and helps achieve smoothness.
Ground cumin: A warm spice that enhances the earthy flavors in both cauliflower and chickpeas.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky backdrop, giving the dish complexity and a hint of heat.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that brighten and balance all the flavors.
Chickpeas: The classic base for hummus, delivering creaminess and protein.
Tahini: Sesame paste that adds a nutty depth and silky texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic provides boldness and a little punch.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness.
Water: To adjust the hummus to your favorite consistency.
Parsley, toasted pine nuts, paprika: Optional garnishes that bring color, crunch, and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower to Crispy Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the cauliflower nicely. Toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spreading them out on a baking sheet so they don’t steam is key for crispiness. Roast the florets for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning once or twice, until they are golden and have those irresistible crispy edges. Don’t forget to set aside a small handful of these crispy pieces; they’ll be your delightful garnish later on.

Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients for Creamy Hummus

Once your cauliflower is beautifully roasted, combine it in a food processor along with chickpeas, tahini, garlic cloves, lemon juice, the remaining olive oil, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, and some salt. Blend everything until silky smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add 3 to 5 tablespoons of water gradually until you reach that perfect creamy consistency. This step turns the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas into a luscious, velvety dip that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

At this point, taste your hummus and don’t be shy about tweaking it. Add more lemon juice if you want extra brightness or a pinch more salt if it feels a bit flat. The key to making your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe truly shine is balancing these fresh and warm notes to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Transfer your hummus to a serving bowl and artfully place the reserved crispy cauliflower florets on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts, and finish with a dusting of paprika for color and a touch of smoky flavor. These garnishes not only make the dish look stunning but also introduce exciting textures and visual appeal.

How to Serve Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes are your chance to elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. The mix of crunchy roasted cauliflower pieces, vibrant parsley, and rich toasted pine nuts creates a delightful contrast to the creamy hummus base. A final drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika tie all the flavors together and make your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This hummus is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving options. Pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, or even warm flatbreads are perfect for scooping. You can also spread it on sandwiches and wraps for a flavorful, healthy boost that feels gourmet but is super easy to throw together.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe as part of a vibrant Mediterranean platter with olives, feta, tabbouleh, and grilled meats or veggies. Another fun way is to dollop it onto toasted crostini topped with a few extra roasted cauliflower pieces and a sprig of herbs for an elegant appetizer. This dish really lends itself to endless creative and colorful presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Using a container with a tight seal helps keep the flavors fresh and textures just right, so your hummus tastes almost as good on day 3 as it did the day you made it.

Freezing

While fresh hummus is always best, you can freeze this cauliflower hummus for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent ice crystals. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change after thawing.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, thaw the hummus in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it back to room temperature and stir well; add a splash of water or olive oil if it feels too thick. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature rather than heated, to maintain that fresh, bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower thoroughly before roasting to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness. You might also need to roast a bit longer to get that golden color and crunch.

Is tahini necessary, or can I skip it?

Tahini adds that classic nutty richness and creaminess essential to traditional hummus flavors, so it’s highly recommended. However, if you have a sesame allergy or don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute with a mild nut butter or skip it altogether, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe?

This recipe uses smoked paprika and cumin for warmth and smokiness, which is mild and flavorful rather than spicy hot. If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili to your blend.

Can I make this hummus vegan?

This dish is naturally vegan since it’s entirely plant-based. All the ingredients, from cauliflower and chickpeas to tahini and olive oil, are vegan-friendly, making it perfect for any plant-based diet.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

A high-powered blender can work well for this recipe, just be patient and scrape down the sides as needed. Alternatively, you can mash the ingredients by hand, though the texture will be chunkier and less smooth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to taste it, the Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe is a delightful, nourishing twist on a hummus classic. Its unique combination of roasted veggies and creamy chickpeas makes every bite irresistible. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this simple dish can bring so much joy to your table!