If you’ve ever been on the hunt for the perfect snack that’s both comforting and delightfully crispy, you’re going to adore this Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe. Creamy, zesty hummus pairs beautifully with warm, crunchy pita chips that have just the right hint of earthiness from whole wheat. It’s a harmonious blend of texture and flavor, perfect for sharing with friends, sneaking bites during movie night, or simply enjoying as a wholesome treat anytime. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a snack that feels both wholesome and indulgent, making it an absolute favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting this vibrant and satisfying dish. Each component plays an important role—from the rich, creamy chickpeas and tahini creating a luscious base, to the fresh lemon juice injecting brightness, and the whole wheat pita transforming into irresistibly crunchy chips. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz): The star of the hummus, providing protein and that signature creamy texture once blended.
- Tahini (1/4 cup): Adds deep nuttiness and smoothness, giving the hummus its classic flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brings a fresh, zesty tang that lifts the entire dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Offers a sharp, aromatic punch that balances the creaminess.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp plus more for drizzling): Enhances richness and aids in achieving the hummus’ silky texture, plus it crisps up the pita chips beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 tsp plus a pinch for pita chips): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in both the hummus and chips.
- Whole wheat pita breads (2): The base for your crispy chips, giving a hearty, nutty crunch that complements the smooth dip perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): A simple sprinkle to add a subtle smoky color and flavor to the finished hummus.
How to Make Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by rinsing and draining your canned chickpeas thoroughly. For the absolute creamiest hummus, you can take the extra step to peel off their skins—this is totally optional but well worth the effort if you’re after the smoothest texture imaginable.
Step 2: Blend the Hummus Base
In your food processor, combine those lovely chickpeas with tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend everything until it’s smooth and uniform. This mixture is the heart of your hummus, so blending well is key to achieving that luscious, tender consistency.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil for Creaminess
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This step is crucial because it enriches the hummus and creates that irresistible silky mouthfeel. Taste and adjust the seasoning here — a little extra salt or lemon juice might be just what you need to balance everything perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare Your Pita Chips
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the whole wheat pitas into triangles, brush them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Then bake for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and delightfully crispy. These chips will add the perfect crunch to your creamy dip.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and dust the surface with paprika for a pop of color and a gentle smoky note. Surround it with your freshly baked pita chips, ready for dipping and devouring.
How to Serve Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your hummus elevates the experience. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top to introduce a contrasting texture and a burst of freshness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil isn’t just decorative—it adds an extra layer of richness that makes every bite shine.
Side Dishes
Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh sliced vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers or a Mediterranean salad for a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the ordinary bowl. Serve your hummus in small, individual dishes surrounded by a colorful array of dippers or create a hummus platter with olives, roasted nuts, and dolmas. Rolling the pita triangles into little cones and filling them with hummus makes for a fun, grab-and-go snack arrangement that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover hummus in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Keep the pita chips separate in a sealed bag so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Hummus freezes well, so if you want to keep some longer, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. The pita chips, however, won’t freeze well as they tend to lose their crispness.
Reheating
If your pita chips have lost their crunch, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it makes them chewy. The hummus is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed there!
FAQs
Can I make this hummus recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The hummus itself is naturally vegan and gluten-free. For gluten-free pita chips, just swap whole wheat pita with gluten-free pita or crispbread options.
What can I substitute for tahini if I don’t have any?
If tahini is not on hand, try substituting with smooth sunflower seed butter or even a bit of plain yogurt for creaminess, though the flavor will slightly differ from traditional hummus.
How can I get extra creamy hummus without peeling chickpeas?
Simply cooking your chickpeas until very soft before blending, or using canned chickpeas and blending them longer with extra olive oil, lemon juice, or a splash of water will help you achieve a creamy consistency without peeling.
Is it better to use fresh garlic or garlic powder?
Fresh garlic gives a bright and robust flavor that really makes the hummus pop. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch but tends to have a milder taste.
Can I adjust the spices on the pita chips?
Of course! Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings like za’atar, cumin, or chili powder to match your personal flavor preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe is one of those rare finds—a quick, simple recipe that feels like a treat every time you make it. Whether you’re serving it for a party, packing it for lunch, or enjoying a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a staple. So grab your food processor, warm that oven, and dive into this vibrant combo of creamy, zesty hummus and perfectly crunchy pita. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hummus with Crispy Whole Wheat Pita Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, homemade hummus paired with crispy, golden baked whole wheat pita chips makes for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or snack that’s quick to prepare and full of wholesome flavor.
Ingredients
Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Pita Chips
- 2 whole wheat pita breads
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas: Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. For a smoother hummus, you may peel off the skins, but this step is optional.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil gradually until you achieve your desired creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pita Chips: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the pita breads into triangle-shaped pieces. Lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle salt over the top.
- Bake Pita Chips: Arrange the pita triangles on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle paprika on top for added flavor and color. Arrange the baked pita chips around the bowl and enjoy.
Notes
- Peeling chickpea skins can make the hummus smoother but is optional.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice based on your taste preferences.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cumin or cayenne pepper to the hummus.
- Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Pita chips are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two to maintain crispness.
