10-Minutes Refreshing Cucumber Hummus Bites
A quick and healthy appetizer featuring crisp cucumber rounds topped with creamy hummus and sprinkled with sesame seeds—perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Reusable Piping Bag or Thick Plastic Bag
- Paper Towels (as needed)
- 1 Serving Tray or Platter
Ingredients
- 1 large European cucumber
- ½ cup hummus
- Black or white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber for Slicing: Begin by selecting a fresh, firm European cucumber.If the skin is thin and tender, you can peel the cucumber partially to leave attractive green stripes, adding visual appeal. If the skin feels thick or waxy, peel it completely to ensure a smoother texture and better taste. Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin carefully, avoiding removing too much flesh. This initial step sets the stage for bite-sized cucumber rounds that are easy to eat and visually appealing.
- Slice the Cucumber into Thick Rounds: Place the peeled cucumber on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the cucumber crosswise into thick rounds approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Thicker slices hold the hummus topping better and create a satisfying crunch. Take your time to make each slice uniform in thickness to ensure consistent texture and presentation. If the cucumber feels particularly watery, gently blot both sides of each slice with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and keep the bites from becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Hummus for Piping: Spoon about half a cup of your preferred hummus into a clean, reusable piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag. To make filling the bag easier, fold down the top edges of the bag over a glass or bowl before scooping in the hummus. Once filled, carefully press the hummus towards one corner of the bag. Using sharp scissors, cut a small opening at the tip of the corner—just large enough to allow the hummus to flow out smoothly. Avoid making the hole too large, as this can cause the hummus to spill out uncontrollably and affect the presentation.
- Arrange Cucumber Slices on a Serving Tray: Select a clean, attractive serving tray or platter to display your cucumber and hummus bites. Neatly arrange the cucumber slices in rows or a circular pattern, ensuring they are evenly spaced and stable on the tray. This thoughtful arrangement not only looks inviting but also makes it easy for guests to pick up individual bites without disturbing the rest.
- Pipe Hummus onto Each Cucumber Round: Holding the piping bag firmly, gently squeeze a small, generous mound of hummus directly onto the center of each cucumber slice. Aim for a rounded peak to give each bite an appealing and professional look. Move steadily but with control to prevent over-piping or making uneven dollops. This step is where the appetizer truly comes together, combining the crisp freshness of the cucumber with the creamy richness of the hummus.
- Add a Finishing Touch with Sesame Seeds: Immediately after piping the hummus, sprinkle a small pinch of black or white sesame seeds on top of each mound. These seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, elevating both taste and appearance.If you prefer, you can lightly toast the sesame seeds beforehand to enhance their aroma. This garnish also adds visual contrast, making the bites more eye-catching and elegant.
- Serve Fresh for Optimal Enjoyment: Serve the cucumber and hummus bites immediately after assembly to maintain the cucumber’s crisp texture and the hummus’s creamy consistency. If you need to prepare them in advance, cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Before serving, remove the wrap and give the bites a quick check for freshness. This appetizer is perfect for parties, quick snacks, or healthy additions to your everyday meals.
Notes
- Use European cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds, which work best for this recipe.
- If using regular cucumbers, peel thoroughly to avoid bitterness and waxy texture.
- Press cucumber slices gently with a paper towel if they feel watery to keep bites crisp.
- Homemade or store-bought hummus both work well; adjust quantity based on desired topping thickness.
- Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch but can be omitted or substituted with paprika or za’atar.
- Prepare just before serving to maintain freshness and texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
