Name: Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, drained and rinsed); ¼ cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic; 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water; fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for garnish

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If you’re searching for a mouthwatering twist on hummus that brings extra flavor, texture, and color to your table, this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe is a must-try! Roasted cauliflower takes the place of classic chickpea overload, adding subtle sweetness, a delightfully crisp bite, and just enough smokiness to make every scoop unforgettable. The blend of creamy tahini, zippy lemon, and bold spices means this dip is anything but ordinary—you’ll end up making it for every gathering or as a vibrant everyday snack!

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is how such humble, everyday ingredients come together to create richly layered flavors and textures. Every item on the list plays a key role—the cauliflower brings body and sweetness, the spices add depth, tahini brings creamy richness, and lemon keeps it bright and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need for this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe:

Cauliflower: The star of the show; roasting transforms it into golden, caramelized florets that add so much character.
Olive Oil: Divided between roasting and blending, it lends silkiness and depth while helping everything come together smoothly.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses the hummus with gentle smoky warmth—don’t skip it!
Cumin: Essential for a classic Mediterranean whisper; just the right amount for earthy backbone.
Garlic Powder: Roasted flavor that complements the fresh garlic in the blend, building complexity.
Salt: Brings all the flavors into sharp, savory focus.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of sharp heat you’ll notice on the finish of every bite.
Chickpeas: These make the hummus extra hearty and traditional, adding protein and creaminess.
Tahini: This nutty sesame paste is non-negotiable for that signature hummus texture and flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon enlivens everything and balances the earthy roasted cauliflower.
Fresh Garlic: A hit of raw garlic brings vibrant, punchy aromatics with every mouthful.
Cold Water: Adjusts the consistency, making the hummus as creamy or thick as you like.
Fresh Parsley & Olive Oil (for garnish): The finishing touches—parsley brightens, olive oil glistens. Together, they invite you to dig right in.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Cauliflower

Start by firing up your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature helps the cauliflower develop those sought-after crispy golden edges. Toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right on the baking sheet—make sure every floret is well coated. Spread them out in a single layer, so they can roast rather than steam. Slide the tray in for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness and deep caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

Once your cauliflower is beautifully roasted, reserve a few florets for garnish (trust me—this is what makes the finished dish look restaurant-worthy). Add the rest to a food processor along with the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, fresh garlic, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Begin blending, then drizzle in cold water a tablespoon at a time. This helps you reach that dreamy smooth consistency that defines an excellent hummus. Pause and scrape down the sides often so every bite is uniform and creamy.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

Taste as you go—this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe is all about your preferences! If you love a tangier dip, add a little extra lemon. Like it rich? Another splash of olive oil will do the trick. If things are too thick, more cool water will loosen it to just the right texture for dipping or spreading.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your hummus to a serving bowl and give it a gentle swirl with a spoon. Top with those reserved roasted cauliflower florets, an extra drizzle of olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. The colors and textures together not only look beautiful but hint at every flavor inside. Now, it’s ready for dipping!

How to Serve Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you get to show off a little flair with your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe. Those reserved roasted florets make for an unmistakable visual cue (and a sweet nibble). A fresh shower of parsley brings bright green contrast, while a glossy swirl of olive oil adds instant appeal. Sprinkling some extra paprika or sesame seeds right before serving can really level up the presentation and flavor as well.

Side Dishes

This hummus is incredibly versatile! Serve it with crunchy pita chips, classic pita bread triangles, or a rainbow of crisp veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It also makes a delicious spread for wrap sandwiches or inside Mediterranean grain bowls. The earthy, rich flavor pairs perfectly with light salads, warm grains, and even as a dollop on roasted potatoes or falafel platters.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your friends or family, try spreading it thickly on a large platter, swirling with the back of a spoon, then piling on the roasted cauliflower and garnishes down the center. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses or top with quick pickled onions for a vibrant finish. Mini dipping bowls for individual servings add a personal touch, or tuck it into lunch jars for on-the-go snacks that are both healthy and craveworthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to four days. The flavors actually get even deeper as they meld together, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for lunches and parties.

Freezing

If you find you have extra (or want to meal prep!), you can freeze this hummus easily. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little space for expansion, and thaw in the fridge overnight before you want to use it. Give it a good stir after thawing to revive its creamy texture.

Reheating

Hummus is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, but if you like it slightly warm, gently heat in the microwave at half power in 20-second bursts, stirring in between. You can also let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving for that perfect dip-ready consistency. Just be sure not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of both the cauliflower and tahini.

FAQs

Can I make this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe without tahini?

Yes! While tahini gives hummus its signature creaminess and nutty flavor, you can substitute with a mild nut butter like cashew or even a little extra olive oil if you need to avoid sesame. The flavors will be different but still absolutely delicious.

Why does my hummus taste a bit bland?

This is usually a sign it needs more seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add an extra pinch of salt, a few more drops of lemon juice, or even a dash more smoked paprika and cumin. Sometimes a touch more fresh garlic does the trick too!

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

You can, but for the crispiest, caramelized results (which really make this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe shine), fresh cauliflower is best. If you must use frozen, let it thaw and pat it very dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

For those who love a little kick, try tossing a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the cauliflower before roasting, or sprinkle some over the finished hummus. You could also blend in a roasted jalapeño or dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

What can I do to make the hummus extra smooth?

For an ultra-creamy texture, take a few minutes to peel the chickpeas before blending. It’s a tiny bit of work with big rewards! Also, make sure to blend the hummus for at least a full minute, adding cold water as needed to get a silky, smooth dip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bold, healthy appetizer or a show-stealing dip for your table, give this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe a try. It’s easy enough for everyday snacking and stunning enough to impress guests—plus, it’s so satisfying to make and eat. Get creative with your toppings, enjoy the process, and let this recipe bring some extra color and joy to your next meal!

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus, a unique twist on traditional hummus. The roasted cauliflower adds a delicious depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to this creamy dip.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Roasted Cauliflower:

1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hummus:

1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
¼ cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast the cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Prepare the hummus: In a food processor, blend roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and remaining olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with cold water.
Serve: Transfer to a bowl, top with reserved cauliflower, parsley, and olive oil. Serve with pita chips, veggies, or crackers.