This red pepper hummus takes classic hummus to another level. The roasted red peppers give it a festive red-orange color with sweet and smoky flavors loved by all – even kids!
Why we love this recipe
Calling all hummus lovers! This easy roasted red pepper hummus recipe shows you how to transform a classic hummus recipe into a colorful, festive dip with a simple costume change.
The not-so-secret ingredient – jarred roasted red peppers which, once blended into the hummus, turns the dip red-orange, and makes it slightly smoky and noticeably sweeter.
The color and sweetness are probably what makes red pepper hummus so popular because it cancels out any bitterness, so it's especially great for kids. It's decidedly addictive and loved by everyone!
Ingredient notes
Ingredient amounts are listed in recipe card below.
- chickpeas - use canned chickpeas; or pressure cook them from dry to done in an hour with this Instant Pot Chickpeas recipe.
- jarred roasted red peppers - use packaged bell peppers or roast your own
- sesame tahini - a creamy paste made with sesame seeds
- lemon juice - make sure to use both lemon zest and juice
- fresh garlic - adjust the garlic amount to your liking
- paprika, cumin, and sea salt - these add even more smoky flavor to red pepper hummus
- ice cold water - this helps adjust the consistency in hummus
- extra virgin olive oil - drizzle over hummus as garnish when serving
How to make roasted red pepper hummus
Add cooked chickpeas, roasted red pepper, tahini, garlic cloves, lemon juice and lemon zest, cumin, paprika, and salt to a food processor or high speed blender such as a Vitamix.
Blend until well-combined. Then add small amounts of ice cold water or aquafaba (chickpea juice) to adjust consistency.
I prefer hummus to be creamy with a slightly thick consistency. The beauty of making your own roasted red pepper hummus is that you adjust the consistency to your own liking.
Refrigerate hummus until ready to serve. Garnish options include: whole chickpeas, roasted red peppers, olive oil, paprika, and parsley.
The best roasted red peppers for hummus
You can roast red peppers at home for this recipe, and they're undeniably delicious, but it adds steps to the process. I prefer to use jarred red peppers because they add so much flavor and color without the extra steps.
Recipe tips and variations
- The softer the garbanzo beans aka chickpeas, the creamier the hummus. So, consider cooking chickpeas from scratch via Instant Pot or dutch oven. This also reduces sodium and cost.
- I don't remove chickpea skins (and my hummus is always super creamy), but you're welcome to.
- If using salted canned chickpeas, add salt to taste after the hummus is blended.
- Always drain the juice from jarred roasted red peppers to prevent adding too much liquid to the hummus.
- I like to reserve a small amount of roasted peppers to garnish or fold into the hummus when serving.
- Use roasted garlic in place of raw garlic for a deeper, caramelized garlic flavor.
- Add cayenne pepper in small amounts to make spicy red pepper hummus.
- Make extra hummus and freeze it. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving ideas
There are countless ways to eat red pepper hummus. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
- with crackers or pita bread
- use to dip tortilla chips (my personal favorite)
- spread on Soft French Bread
- as a dip for raw vegetables
- crostini
- as a spread for veggie sandwich
- use as a spread for falafel
Easy dip recipes
- Classic Homemade Hummus Recipe
- Hummus Recipe without Tahini
- Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip
- Herb Artichoke White Bean Dip
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ cups Cooked Chickpeas, drained, or 1 (15 ounce can)
- 1 (8 ounce jar) Roasted Red Bell Peppers, drained
- ¼ cup Sesame Tahini
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ice Cold Water
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for garnish
Instructions
- To the food processor or blender, add CHICKPEAS, ROASTED RED PEPPERS, TAHINI, LEMON ZEST, LEMON JUICE, GARLIC, PAPRIKA, and CUMIN.Serving note: reserve a few chickpeas and peppers for garnish
- Blend hummus ingredients until well-combined. You may need to stop and scrape the bowl sides to fully incorporate ingredients. Add SALT to taste.
- Add ICE WATER in small amounts while blending to adjust hummus creaminess to your liking.
Serving and storage
- To serve, garnish with chickpeas, peppers, olive oil, and parsley.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to five days or freeze up to 30 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).
RECIPE VIDEO
Equipment
- 6 quart Instant Pot for pressure cooked beans
- 4-quart soup pot for stove cooked beans
- Microplane zester / grater to zest lemon and mince garlic
- 7-cup food processor or high-speed blender
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Jeffrey says
Every time we make this red pepper hummus for meal prep, it disappears a day or two before it's supposed to LOL. It's just so good! It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Thanks for another winner Kitchen Girl!
Naysh says
Made this and it's officially AMAZING!!! I did not know about lemon zest in hummus, what a perfect call my friend! I added a 1/4 tsp cayenne and 1/4 cup of garbonzo juice and 2 tbsp cream in a blender....seriously the best hummus I've ever had...well done!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesommmme! I'm soooo glad you found your new fav hummus recipe 🙂 I love your add-ins Thanks for the review...much appreciated
Cindy says
First time I have made hummus. Brought it to our Labor Day picnic. Everyone gave it 5 stars. I added the oil that I drained from from the peppers with the small amount of water left from cooking the beans. Added all that to the blender a little at a time while checking for the right consistency. Then I blended for a long time. But it was super creamy! Thanks for all the tips along with a great recipe.
The Kitchen Girl says
You are so welcome, Cindy and I'm glad it was a hit Thanks so much for the feedback...I appreciate you taking the time
Rahul @samosastreet says
I made this and it is amazing! Better than ANY hummus we have ever eaten before.
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Rahul, so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the feedback. We kinda feel the same way about this hummus recipe 😉
Priya Lakshminarayan says
Everyone loved it and wiped the bowl clean! Thank you for this yummy recipe
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Priya! Glad to hear it...can't go wrong with red pepper hummus
Mahy says
This is just the hummus that I have been looking for. It will work so well with my favorite dishes. Yum!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Mahy! Glad to hear it
Cathleen says
I am in love with hummus, and this version looks amazing! Bookmarked for later, thanks for the recipe!!
The Kitchen Girl says
Great, Cathleen! So glad to hear it
Irina says
I am never tired of trying a new recipe for hummus! I love your recipe and cannot wait to give it a try!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Irina! So glad you can enjoy this one!
Danni says
This is one of my favourite hummus' to make - so much flavour.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Danni! Glad you like! Can't go wrong with roasted red pepper hummus for any occasion
Vicky says
I love hummus as a snack and haven't tried making this flavor! Excited to have this for a snack or lunch soon!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome Vicky! Glad you can enjoy this recipe...thanks! 🙂
Lisa says
I love roasted bell peppers, but never thought to put them in hummus. What a great idea! Their sweet flavor really enhances the hummus. I love Mezzetta too! My whole pantry is filled with their olives, pepperoncini and jalapenos! Need to try their roasted peppers!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Lisa 🙂 Glad you can enjoy your hummus with roasted red peppers...it's my favvvvv
Taylor Kiser says
I love hummus! This roasted red pepper flavor is a favorite! Love that I can make it at home!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks Taylor! Yes, roasted red pepper hummus is hands down my favorite way to eat it 🙂
Toni says
This is such an amazing dip!! A new favorite at my house!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Toni! So glad your family can enjoy this one
Jessica Formicola says
This hummus is incredible! I love that the ingredients are so simple, and it makes for a really great snack!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks Jessica! Lovvvvve hearing that...we're pretty crazy about it ourselves