Ready to elevate your hummus game with this loaded hummus?!
Posted 2019, Updated 2020
Load your favorite hummus up with all the fixin’s for a 7 layer hummus dip that’s drool worthy to look at and devour worthy to eat!
Or if you want a 6-layer or 11-layer or any other #-layer – you do YOU!
There’s a whole wide colorfully creative world of hummus toppings out there!
So many hummus topping options! From tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, feta, peppers, parsley, pine nuts and more! I’ll guide you through all sorts of traditional and no-so-traditional hummus toppings so you can create your very own customized 7 layer hummus dip!
Why this Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy! Our hummus comes together in 10 minutes with a food processor, or use store-bought humus for an even quicker prep.
- Versatile! The dish readily lends itself to all sorts of toppings and is adaptable to every single season (see variations below).
- Low maintenance and highly impressive! This dish falls in that magic intersection of low maintenance and looks highly impressive, making it perfect for entertaining or a weeknight meal.
This loaded hummus is a riff off of the classic American 7-layer dip traditionally made with ingredients typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. We’re swapping the Tex-Mex flavors for Mediterranean & Cali-licious ones.
They key is to spread hummus on a platter and load it up with the works. Think all sorts of seasonally fresh veggies and more!
A food processor makes preparing this homemade hummus as easy as throwing all the ingredients in the food processor! We’re talking 5-10 minutes and your silky smooth homemade hummus is done! But if ya want to make it even easier, feel free to use store-bought hummus. I won't tell!
Either way, you’ll be making this quick, easy and deliciously crowd pleasing loaded hummus dip that’s bursting with bright and bold Mediterranean flavors over and over!
How to Make this Easy 7 Layer Hummus
Put all hummus ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree. Spread hummus on a plate or dish. All the toppings. You’re done!
Hummus Toppings
- Fava Beans (hummus ful)
- Sautéed Mushrooms (humus pitryot)
- Fried Cauliflower
- Cooked Chickpeas (hummus masabacha)
- Ground Spiced Beef or Lamb (humus basar)
- Chicken Livers
- Poached egg
- Tomatoes
- Peppers (both sweet and hot)
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Caper (fresh or fried)
- Pine Nuts or other nuts
- Garlic confit
- Pickles
- Feta cheese
- Roasted Veggies
- Crispy Chickpeas
- Olives
- Pine Nuts + other nights
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Fresh Herbs
- And more!!!
I spent 6 years living in Israel in my 20’s. With many mornings, afternoons and evenings eating hummus at a hummus restaurant. Yep, that’s a restaurant entirely devoted to hummus. Hummus with all different toppings that is!
Traditional toppings in Israel generally tend to be cooked. As opposed to California’s that are all about their raw hummus toppings and here’s a master list of traditional and not-so traditional hummus toppings! But really....
The hummus toppings skies the limit!
Load your hummus up with all sorts of textures and flavors!
Like the time I went to the farmers market, decided to make a loaded purple-licious summer hummus! Got all the bounty I thought would taste yummy on hummus and loaded her up because YES it really IS that easy!
Notes and Variations
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a dip or spread that originated in the Middle East. Traditionally, it is made from chickpeas, ground sesame seeds (tahini), olive oil, lemon, garlic, and cumin.
Store Bought Hummus vs. Homemade Hummus
Homemade is so much better! The hummus recipe below can be whipped up in 10 minutes! And you can make the hummus in advance and add the layers the day of serving. Use store bought if you really must but please know you’re really only saving 10 minutes and will sacrifice some delicious flavor!
Tip if using store-brought hummus: season it up to taste with salt, lemon juice and cumin. And maybe another tablespoon of tahini or two too!
Tip if making homemade hummus: homemade hummus can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. It will thicken in the fridge. Thin out with 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Ingredients
Garbanzo beans: can be either canned or dried. Dried will be better. Canned will be much faster. Or swap for a completely different bean all together such as cannellini – it won’t be traditional hummus, but it still will be delicious!
Tahini: The secret to really good hummus is really good tahini. It’ an integral part of hummus. But it is possible to omit. My fav brands are Seed & Mill and Soom Tahini.
Spices: This homemade hummus recipe uses the traditional salt and cumin but all sorts of other spices such as paprika and cayenne can be added too.
Toppings: Get creative and load her up!
Check out all my hummus-licious varieties: roasted beet hummus, carrot hummus, butternut squash hummus, hummus with spiced lamb, black tahini hummus and last def not least, plain (aka original) hummus.
Cooks Tips:
- Make either homemade or use store-bought hummus for this recipe.
- Homemade hummus can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Homemade hummus will thicken in the fridge. Thin out with 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- When possible, use local and sustainably sourced veggies for the toppings. #knowyourfoodknowyourfarmer
- If you’re transporting this dish, make it in a baking dish for easy mobility.
Have ya tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it and see it too! Please leave a comment below and take a pic and tag it on Instagram with #chefdanielagerson. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see more colorfully delicious food and all sorts of awesome adventures!
Let’s make waves in the kitchen!
Loaded Hummus
Ingredients
For the Hummus
- 1 can chickpeas,
- 2/3 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1-2 zest & juice lemons
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- kosher salt
- pepper
For the 7 Layers
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts drained
- 1/4 cup olives cut in half
- 1/2 cup cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup peppadew peppers half in half or quarters
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1/4 cup feta crumbled
- 1 tablespoon parlsey minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil optional
- za'atar, sumac, flaky sea salt, black pepper optional
Instructions
For the Hummus
- Combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in the bowl of a food processor.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin or salt as needed. I like mine extra garlicky and lemony! Ready made hummus will keep in the fridge up to 5 days until you're ready to use.
For the 7 Layers
- Prep all your layers: drain the artichoke hearts, cut the olives, cucumbers, peppers, cherry tomaotes, parsley and crumbel the feta.
- Spread hummus on a platter or dish.
- Top hummus with the artichoke hearts, olives, cucumbers, peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle hummus with feta, parsley, and optional spices. Drizlle with olive oil.
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or bread.
Notes
- Make either homemade or use store-bought hummus for this recipe.
- Homemade hummus can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Homemade hummus will thicken in the fridge. Thin out with 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- When possible, use local and sustainably sourced veggies for the toppings. #knowyourfoodknowyourfarmer
- If you’re transporting this dish, make it in a baking dish for easy mobility.
I am salivating by just thinking of this recipe!
Thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏😘
Absolute pleasure Jacqueline!!! It's so super quick and easy to make and such a delight to eat :)!
Oh wow! This looks amazing! I love how full of veggies this is. Such a great idea for a party too.
Yessssss exactly!!! Such a party friendly dish and so super easy to make! I like whipping up homemade hummus but store bought cant def work to and then just load up all the goodies and voila you're all done :).
The way you plated this hummus dish is absolutely beautiful! This would definitely be an impressive appetizer for a dinner party, I love it!
Thank ya so much Kate!!! I ADORE plating food! It's def an impressive party appetizer and super easy to make too :).
This is a fabulous idea. I love hummus but serving it with all these delicious layers makes it even better! Can't wait to dig in!
Awesome Jacqueline super stoked on your super sweet feedback! Can't wait for ya to try it and happy digging in :)!
You've totally inspired me to make hummus this week. Your toppings are to DIE for! Thank you for the tips, too. Pinning immediately, and can't wait to revisit in a couple of days!
You are too kind Sara!!! I'm so super stoked to hear that! Thanks so much for the sweet feedback :).
Love the twist on a 7-Layer Dip! This is definitely my kind of hummus with all my favorite things and it looks divine! Pinning to make this for my next get-together; I think it's going to be a hit!
Yessssss!!!! So super stoked to hear that Carol! Def a party pleasing dish to make! So easy and always a hit :)!
This looks delicious! I'm loving all the fresh flavors & colors -- what a great appetizer to share! Thanks for all the helpful tips, as well! 🙂
Absolute pleasure Amy! And thank ya for the sweet feedback! It's def an epic appetizer to share :).
Loaded hummus! Such a great idea! This would be perfect for a casual party with friends!
Exactly Charity! Thanks so much for the feedback Charity! Really appreciate it :)!
All these veggies on top look soooooo good! This is such a great alternative option to traditional 7 layer dip! Perfect for upcoming football season.
Yesss!!! My thoughts exactly Lauren! And there's so many different seasonal variations for the toppings too :).
Oh my... what a feast. I love humus but never tried anything like this. Looks and sounds amazing. I love the flavors you combined here. I must give this a try asap.
Yessss! Please do Natalie! I think you'll love it! And please let me know how it goes after too :).
Hummus is my love language! All of the layers in this are making me drool. I especially love the olives! I can't wait to make this for our next patio party.
So super stoked to hear that Jordan! Thank so much! Think it will be a HIT at your next patio party :).
In the recipe description it calls for garlic in the hummus but in the ingredient list I can not see the garlic. How much would you recommend?
Oiy vay Sarah you are right! I rec 2 cloves chopped in the hummus. Just updated the recipe! Sorry about that ;-).