Garlic Parmesan Hummus: A Creamy, Dreamy Dip Recipe

Garlic parmesan hummus takes the classic hummus recipe and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe combines the creamy texture of traditional hummus with the savory flavors of roasted garlic and nutty parmesan cheese. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Hummus

* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, parmesan, and tahini creates a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Creamy Texture:** The blend of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil results in a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple and quick, requiring minimal effort and ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with pita bread, vegetables, crackers, or use it as a spread.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** It’s guaranteed to be a hit at parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients:

* **Chickpeas:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Rinsing well is key to a smooth hummus.
* **Garlic:** 4-5 cloves, roasted. Roasting the garlic mellows out its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
* **Tahini:** 1/4 cup. Tahini is a sesame seed paste and is essential for authentic hummus flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2-3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity.
* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Water:** 2-4 tablespoons, as needed to adjust consistency. Add gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adjust salt according to your preference.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Paprika, chopped parsley, pine nuts, extra parmesan cheese.

## Roasting the Garlic: Step-by-Step

Roasting garlic is a simple process that transforms its flavor from pungent to sweet and mellow. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Garlic:** Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, exposing the cloves.
3. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves.
4. **Wrap in Foil:** Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in aluminum foil.
5. **Roast:** Place the wrapped garlic bulb in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
6. **Cool:** Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool completely before handling.
7. **Squeeze out the Garlic:** Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.

## Making the Garlic Parmesan Hummus: A Detailed Guide

Now that you have your roasted garlic ready, let’s make the hummus!

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, roasted garlic cloves, tahini, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. **Process Until Smooth:** Process the mixture for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed, until the mixture is very smooth.
3. **Adjust Consistency:** If the hummus is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time, processing after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer a thicker hummus, while others like it more spreadable.
4. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for flavor, or parmesan cheese for a cheesier taste.
5. **Serve and Garnish:** Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with paprika, chopped parsley, pine nuts, or extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Hummus

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the hummus. Use fresh lemon juice, good quality olive oil, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
* **Rinse Chickpeas Thoroughly:** Rinsing the chickpeas well helps to remove the starchy coating, resulting in a smoother hummus.
* **Roast Garlic Until Soft:** Ensure the garlic is fully roasted until the cloves are soft and easily squeezed out of their skins. Under-roasted garlic will have a pungent flavor.
* **Adjust Consistency to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to add more or less water to achieve your desired consistency. Process the hummus until it’s perfectly smooth.
* **Taste and Season:** Always taste and adjust the seasoning. Hummus is very forgiving, so you can easily adjust the flavors to your preference.
* **Warm Chickpeas (Optional):** Some people find that warming the chickpeas slightly before blending helps to create a smoother hummus. You can do this by microwaving them for a minute or two.
* **Remove Chickpea Skins (Optional):** For an ultra-smooth hummus, you can remove the skins from the chickpeas. This is a bit time-consuming, but it can make a noticeable difference in the texture.
* **Use a High-Powered Food Processor:** A high-powered food processor will make the hummus smoother and easier to blend.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic parmesan hummus is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

* **With Pita Bread:** Serve with warm pita bread for a classic and satisfying snack.
* **With Vegetables:** Serve with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
* **With Crackers:** Serve with your favorite crackers for a quick and easy appetizer.
* **As a Spread:** Use it as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or bagels.
* **As a Dip for Chips:** Serve with tortilla chips or potato chips.
* **On a Charcuterie Board:** Add it to a charcuterie board for a flavorful and creamy element.
* **With Grilled Meats:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **In a Salad:** Add a dollop of hummus to a salad for extra flavor and creaminess.

## Variations and Additions

Want to customize your garlic parmesan hummus? Here are some ideas:

* **Spicy Hummus:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus:** Add 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, to the food processor.
* **Roasted Red Pepper Hummus:** Add 1 roasted red bell pepper to the food processor.
* **Spinach Artichoke Hummus:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped spinach and 1/4 cup of artichoke hearts to the food processor.
* **Pesto Hummus:** Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to the food processor.
* **Black Bean Hummus:** Replace half of the chickpeas with black beans for a different flavor and texture.
* **Avocado Hummus:** Add half of an avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover garlic parmesan hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Hummus can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Recipe

**Yields:** About 2 cups
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 4-5 cloves garlic, roasted
* 1/4 cup tahini
* 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
* 2-4 tablespoons water, as needed
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Optional garnishes: Paprika, chopped parsley, pine nuts, extra parmesan cheese

### Instructions

1. **Roast the Garlic:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, roasted garlic cloves, tahini, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Process Until Smooth:** Process for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed, until the mixture is very smooth.
4. **Adjust Consistency:** If the hummus is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time, processing after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice, salt, or parmesan cheese to your preference.
6. **Serve and Garnish:** Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with paprika, chopped parsley, pine nuts, or extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 2 tablespoons)

* Calories: 80
* Fat: 5g
* Saturated Fat: 1.5g
* Cholesterol: 5mg
* Sodium: 150mg
* Carbohydrates: 6g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 1g
* Protein: 3g

## Conclusion

This garlic parmesan hummus recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dip that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and savory taste, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy this delicious and versatile hummus!

Enjoy!