This creamy peanut butter hummus is a quick, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for busy days.
Blending chickpeas with peanut butter creates a fiber-rich, plant-based dip loaded with healthy fats and low in saturated fat.
Smooth, flavorful, and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, veggie dipping, or as a wholesome addition to any everyday meal.
5-Minute Peanut Butter Hummus
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or high-speed blender
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option
- Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra if needed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional add-ins: cumin paprika, bagel seasoning, cayenne pepper, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by draining a 15-ounce can of chickpeas. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium or canning liquid, which can sometimes give a metallic taste. Set the chickpeas aside in a strainer to allow excess water to drain. This step ensures your hummus has a smooth, creamy texture without being watery.
- Juice the Lemon: Cut one fresh lemon in half. Using a citrus juicer or your hand, squeeze out the juice, making sure to remove any seeds. The fresh lemon juice adds bright acidity, balancing the richness of the peanut butter and chickpeas. Measure about 2 tablespoons if you prefer exact proportions, but you can always adjust to taste.
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel one large clove of garlic. For a milder garlic flavor, you can lightly smash the clove before adding it to the blender. Garlic infuses the hummus with aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile while keeping the dip fresh and savory.
- Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Add the drained chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons of water into a food processor. The olive oil adds silkiness and richness, while the water helps the mixture blend smoothly.
- Blend Until Smooth: Turn on the food processor and blend the ingredients until you achieve a creamy, uniform consistency. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring that no chickpeas or peanut butter stick to the edges.Depending on your texture preference, you can blend for 2–5 minutes for extra creaminess.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus appears too thick or stiff, add a small drizzle of olive oil or an extra tablespoon of water. Blend again briefly until the desired creamy texture is achieved. The goal is a smooth, spreadable hummus that isn’t too runny but still soft enough for dipping.
- Add Optional Flavors: For extra flavor, sprinkle in optional spices like cumin, paprika, or cayenne pepper, or add roasted red peppers or fresh herbs. Blend briefly to incorporate evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices according to your preference.
- Transfer and Store: Spoon the hummus into an airtight container. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon for a polished presentation. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your peanut butter hummus as a dip with fresh vegetables, crackers, or pita bread. It also works wonderfully as a sandwich spread, salad topping, or snack for meal prep. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs to make it visually appealing and extra tasty.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version without compromising creaminess.
- Adjust Texture: Add more olive oil or water gradually to achieve a smoother, spreadable consistency.
- Flavor Variations: Enhance flavor with cumin, paprika, cayenne, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs.
- Freshness Tip: Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for the brightest flavor.
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 tablespoons per serving; adjust depending on usage.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Hummus
The key to creamy, flavorful hummus lies in ingredient preparation and blending technique.
Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and reduce any metallic taste.
Fresh lemon juice and garlic elevate the flavor significantly compared to bottled alternatives.
When blending, scrape down the sides of your food processor to ensure even texture.
Finally, add liquids gradually—olive oil and water—so you can control creaminess without making it too runny.
Small additions of spices at the end allow you to taste and perfect the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions For Everyday Meals
Peanut butter hummus is versatile and can be used in multiple ways throughout the day.
Serve it as a dip alongside fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers. Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a protein-rich twist.
Dollop it over grain bowls or salads for extra creaminess and flavor.
For entertaining, garnish with paprika, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful, appetizing presentation.
It’s a simple way to make healthy snacks feel gourmet.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store your hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness for up to one week.
Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods, as chickpeas are perishable.
If the hummus thickens in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of water or olive oil to restore a creamy texture.
For longer-term storage, hummus can be frozen in small portions, ideally in an ice cube tray, and thawed in the fridge when needed.
Always give it a gentle stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this hummus nut-free?
Yes! Simply swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, tahini, or even almond butter if nuts are allowed. The flavor changes slightly but remains creamy and delicious.
2. How can I make the hummus extra smooth?
For an ultra-smooth texture, remove the skins from the chickpeas before blending.
Use a high-speed blender or food processor, and blend for several minutes, scraping down the sides periodically. Adding a bit of extra water or olive oil also helps achieve a silky consistency.
3. Can I store hummus for longer than a week?
Refrigerated hummus is best consumed within seven days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions or ice cube trays.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and stir well to restore creaminess.
4. What can I serve with peanut butter hummus?
It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, pita bread, crackers, grain bowls, sandwiches, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
Garnishing with paprika, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs adds both flavor and visual appeal.
5. Can I adjust flavors to my taste?
Absolutely! Hummus is highly customizable. Increase lemon juice for tanginess, add spices like cumin or cayenne for warmth, or fold in roasted red peppers or herbs for extra flavor. Taste as you go to create your perfect balance.
