A delightful twist on traditional hummus, this recipe combines creamy store-bought hummus with crispy chili-seasoned roasted cauliflower and a vibrant, spicy garlic herb oil. This dish is simple to prepare yet packs a punch in flavor, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings, parties, or even a casual snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With store-bought hummus and straightforward prep, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The roasted cauliflower and garlic herb oil bring a mix of smoky, spicy, and fresh herbaceous flavors to elevate plain hummus.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for dinner parties, game days, or even a healthy snack for the family.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap in different herbs to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian and Wholesome: A satisfying plant-based appetizer that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Roasted Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Spicy Garlic Herb Oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Assembly
- 2 cups store-bought hummus
- Fresh naan or pita chips, for serving
Directions
Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the cauliflower in an even layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Spicy Garlic Herb Oil
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking gently until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, and dill.
Assemble the Hummus
- Spread the store-bought hummus onto a serving platter or into a shallow bowl.
- Top with the roasted cauliflower florets.
- Drizzle the spicy garlic herb oil over the cauliflower and hummus.
- Serve with fresh naan or pita chips.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Make It Homemade: Swap the store-bought hummus with your favorite homemade hummus recipe.
- Change the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier.
- Herb Substitutions: Use fresh basil, mint, or oregano if you don’t have cilantro, parsley, or dill.
- Add More Toppings: Try adding pomegranate seeds, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Vegan Alternative: Ensure the naan or pita chips are dairy-free if following a vegan diet.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hummus separate to avoid sogginess.
- Reheating: Reheat the cauliflower in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The roasted cauliflower and garlic herb oil can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. Just make sure your naan or pita chips do not contain dairy or other animal-derived ingredients.
2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and roasting to achieve crispiness.
3. What other vegetables can I use instead of cauliflower?
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would make excellent substitutes. Adjust the roasting time accordingly.
4. How can I make the hummus spicier?
Stir some harissa, Sriracha, or cayenne pepper into the hummus for an extra kick.
5. Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely. The roasted cauliflower can be served at room temperature, and the dish still tastes fantastic.
6. What’s the best type of hummus to use?
A plain or garlic-flavored hummus works best as a base, but feel free to experiment with other flavors.
7. Can I skip the herb oil?
Yes, but the herb oil adds a lot of flavor. If you skip it, consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
8. How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause the cauliflower to steam rather than roast.
9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about ⅓ of the amount.
10. How long can this dish sit out at a party?
For food safety, this dish can sit out for about 2 hours at room temperature.
Conclusion
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus is an easy yet impressive appetizer that will quickly become a crowd-pleaser. Combining smoky, spiced cauliflower with creamy hummus and a bold herb oil creates a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to shine on your appetizer table. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!
Print
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover a bold, flavorful twist on hummus with this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus recipe. Perfectly spiced roasted cauliflower, creamy store-bought hummus, and a vibrant garlic herb oil come together in this quick and easy dish, ideal for gatherings or snacks. A nutritious, plant-based appetizer that's vegetarian, customizable, and loaded with smoky, herby goodness.
Ingredients
Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Spicy Garlic Herb Oil:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Assembly:
- 2 cups store-bought hummus
- Fresh naan or pita chips for serving
Instructions
- Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Spicy Garlic Herb Oil
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, parsley, and dill.
- Assemble the Dish
- Spread hummus onto a platter or shallow bowl.
- Top with roasted cauliflower and drizzle with herb oil.
- Serve with naan or pita chips.
Notes
- For extra toppings, add pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, or crumbled feta.
- To make ahead, prepare roasted cauliflower and herb oil in advance and assemble before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting and Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
