Skip the store-bought tubs because this homemade caramelized onion hummus is about to change the game. While most recipes blend the onions directly into the chickpea base, turning it into a dull, brown paste, this version keeps things premium. We start with an ultra-creamy, velvety-smooth classic hummus base and pile it sky-high with deeply sweet, jammy caramelized onions. It is the ultimate balance of rich, savory, and sweet flavors that takes a classic party appetizer to a whole new level.
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If you are building an epic appetizer platter, this velvety caramelized onion hummus makes the perfect centrepiece. To give your guests a full spread of flavors, pair it with my creamy spinach dip or my zesty buffalo chicken dip. For something fresh and vibrant, add a bowl of classic guacamole, or double down on those rich, savory onion notes by serving it alongside a classic caramelized onion dip.
Why We Love This Recipe
- It looks like an elegant, restaurant-style appetizer, but it is made with completely basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- This hummus with caramelized onions is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Caramelized onion hummus is sweet, savory, and creamy all at once. It is great for entertaining, road trips, and it is easy to make ahead of time!
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Ingredients You'll Need
- Chickpeas - I use canned chickpeas because they're convenient and produce a creamy hummus every time. If you prefer to use dried chickpeas, simply soak and cook them until tender before using.
- Caramelized Onions - Homemade caramelized onions add an incredible sweet and savory flavor to this hummus. Cooking them low and slow is essential for achieving that rich, jammy texture and deep golden color.
- Tahini - Tahini is a smooth sesame seed paste that gives hummus its signature nutty flavor and creamy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores, or make your own by blending toasted sesame seeds in a food processor until smooth and spreadable.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the tahini and onions. Freshly squeezed will always give the best flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps create a silky smooth texture and adds richness to the finished hummus.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds a classic savory bite, while roasted garlic creates a sweeter, more mellow flavor. If you want to use roasted garlic, I recommend about half a head.
A full list of ingredients with exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.
Recipe Modifications and Variations
- Add Roasted Garlic - For an even bigger depth of flavor, add half a head of roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic mellows the garlic's sharp bite and adds a subtle sweetness and caramelly flavor that pairs perfectly with the onions.
- Make It Spicy - If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top or swirl in a spoonful of sambal oelek before serving.
- Add More Texture - For extra crunch, top your caramelized onion hummus with a handful of crispy buffalo chickpeas. They add texture and flavor, and make this dip feel extra special.
- More Add-In Ideas - Add crumbled feta cheese, drizzle with hot honey, blend in roasted red peppers, or finish with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
How To Make Caramelized Onion Hummus
Before you begin: You'll need a batch of caramelized onions for this recipe. For all my tips and tricks for achieving perfectly sweet, jammy onions without burning them, check out my guide on how to caramelize onions.
Step 1
Add the chickpeas, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to a food processor.
I switched to a glass food processor that is super easy to clean a few years ago, and I love this one!
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Step 2
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the hummus is too thick, add a splash of cold water or aquafaba until it reaches your desired consistency.
Aquafaba is the liquid in the can of chickpeas. Reserve some of it before draining the chickpeas if you like a thinner hummus.
Step 3
Spoon the hummus into a shallow serving bowl, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spoon or spatula. Top with additional extra virgin olive oil, paprika, and all the diced caramelized onions.
How To Serve Hummus
Serve caramelized onion hummus with fresh veggies, tortilla chips, pita chips, spread it on a homemade burger, or use it as a dipping sauce for Greek lemon potatoes, crispy homemade French fries or on a homemade chipotle burrito bowl!
Expert Tips
- Blend longer than you think. The secret to ultra-creamy hummus is patience. Blending for an extra minute or two and frequently scraping down the sides helps break down the chickpeas completely and create a smoother texture.
- Use ice cold water or aquafaba. A little ice cold water or aquafaba helps create a lighter, fluffier hummus while making it easier to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Use high quality tahini. Since tahini is one of the main flavors in hummus, using a smooth, fresh tahini makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture.
- Let it chill before serving. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the hummus for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and develop.
How To Store
Store caramelized onion hummus in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days.
While hummus technically can be frozen for up to 3 months, the texture often changes after thawing, and it may become grainy or separate. For the best texture and flavor I do not recommend freezing hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and salt. Our version adds caramelized onions for an extra layer of sweet and savory flavor.
Caramelized onion hummus is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet. The onions add a rich depth of flavor and texture that makes it taste more complex than traditional hummus.
Yes! If you're looking for an alternative for tahini in hummus, try plain greek yogurt, sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or simply omit it altogether. The flavor will be slightly different, but the hummus will still be delicious.
Grainy hummus is usually caused by under-blending the chickpeas or using chickpeas that aren't soft enough. Blend longer than you think you need to, and add a little cold water or aquafaba to help create a smoother texture.
What To Serve With Creamy Chickpea Hummus
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📖 Recipe
The Best Caramelized Onion Hummus (Ultra-Creamy Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 1 (19oz) Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup Tahini
- ⅓ cup + 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil separated
- ⅓ cup Lemon Juice
- 2-3 cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Pinch Paprika optional, for topping
- Ice Cold Water or Aquafaba (reserved from the can)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Large Yellow Onions diced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup optional but adds sweetness
Instructions
Cook The Caramelized Onions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat, then add the diced onions and salt, cooking slowly until softened. After 20-25 minutes, stir in a touch of maple syrup and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the onions turn a deep, sweet, and jammy golden brown color. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool before adding to the hummus. 👉 See the full caramelized onion recipe for more detailed instructions.
To Make The Hummus
- Add the chickpeas, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. If needed, add a splash of ice cold water or aquafaba, one tablespoon at a time, until the hummus becomes smooth and creamy and reaches your desired consistency.
- Transfer the blended hummus to a shallow serving dish and top with the remaining 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika (optional), and pile the cooled caramelized onions on top. Tightly wrap the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
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Notes
- Chickpeas: Canned or dried can be used. If using dried chickpeas, you'll need to soak and cook them until tender before using them to make hummus.
- Caramelized Onions: Make this hummus recipe special and different from all the rest. I promise, they are worth the time and effort!
- Tahini: Can be found in most grocery stores, or you can make your own by blending ½-¾ cup of toasted sesame seeds in a food processor until completely smooth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic can be substituted for homemade roasted garlic for a more mellow garlic flavour. Use about half a head of roasted garlic for this recipe.
- More Add-Ins: Try adding crispy buffalo chickpeas on top for extra flavor, crumbled feta, roasted red peppers, or everything bagel seasoning for something different.
- Blend the hummus for longer than you think for an ultra-creamy and smooth dip.
- Store leftover hummus in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing hummus.
- If your hummus is grainy, it is most likely due to under-blending or using chickpeas that aren't soft enough. Try adding a little bit of cold water and blending for even longer for a smoother texture.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator and it will vary based on the ingredients that you use.
Eddie says
Great snack with amazing flavour.