Save This Spiced Sweet Potato Hummus brings a festive twist to classic hummus with its creamy texture and warm holiday flavors. A blend of roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, and aromatic spices creates a vibrant appetizer that always disappears fast at gatherings. Set it out with pita, crackers, or veggie sticks and watch everyone come back for seconds.
The first time I made this was for a Friendsgiving and it quickly became the centerpiece of the snack table. My family now requests it for every holiday spread and I love how it brightens up even wintery afternoons.
Ingredients
- Sweet potato: cubed for gentle sweetness and creamy body Roast until just caramelized for best flavor Look for firm and unblemished potatoes with vibrant orange flesh
- Canned chickpeas: key for classic hummus texture and protein Choose no salt added if you like more control over seasoning
- Garlic: one clove is plenty for balanced bite Fresh cloves are ideal but jarred or roasted garlic can work in a pinch
- Ground cumin: for earthiness that anchors the sweetness Buy freshly ground cumin or toast the seeds for extra depth
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: together they bring warmth and subtle holiday notes Look for fragrant and vivid colored spices
- Smoked paprika: adds a hint of smokiness Go for Spanish smoked paprika for deep color and robust aroma
- Cayenne pepper: optional but gives gentle heat if you want a little kick
- Sea salt: necessary to round everything out Use a flaky finishing salt if you want extra texture on top
- Tahini: for creaminess and deep sesame flavor Stir well before measuring and select tahini that is smooth and pourable
- Extra virgin olive oil: brings richness and silkiness Use your best olive oil here since the flavor shines through
- Fresh lemon juice: for brightness and just enough acidity to balance the sweet potato Choose juicy lemons that feel heavy for their size
- Cold water: nudges consistency to perfectly smooth and fluffy Use ice water for an extra whipped effect
- Toasted pumpkin seeds: for nutty crunch Use shelled pepitas and toast them lightly for more flavor
- Chopped fresh parsley: adds color and freshness
- Pomegranate seeds: optional for bursts of tartness and a pop of color in presentation
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Give your oven time to heat up fully so the sweet potatoes roast evenly
- Roast the Sweet Potato:
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with one tablespoon of olive oil and a good pinch of salt Use your hands to coat every piece Lay the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet for best caramelization Roast for twenty five to thirty minutes until the edges are browned and centers are fork tender Let them cool off before blending
- Blend Everything Together:
- In a food processor combine the roasted sweet potato chickpeas garlic tahini cumin cinnamon nutmeg smoked paprika cayenne if you like a little heat salt and lemon juice Pulse first to break everything up then blend continuously until smooth Scrape down the sides to catch any clumps
- Emulsify for Creaminess:
- With the processor running slowly stream in the remaining olive oil and two tablespoons of cold water Blend again until ultra creamy and slightly fluffy If needed add more water one tablespoon at a time to reach your ideal consistency Stop and taste then adjust salt or lemon juice
- Finish and Serve:
- Transfer the hummus to a wide bowl and use a spoon to swirl the top Drizzle some olive oil generously over the surface Scatter toasted pumpkin seeds parsley and pomegranate seeds for a finished festive look Serve with raw veggies or your favorite dippers
Save My personal favorite part is the moment you roast the sweet potatoes The kitchen fills with caramel and spice aromas I always sneak a few cubes for myself before adding them to the processor This recipe is also a hit with my nephew who insists on extra pomegranate seeds every time we make it together
Storage Tips
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the fridge It will keep for up to four days The flavor often improves on day two as the spices meld together If the top looks dry stir in a splash of water or olive oil to freshen it up
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have tahini sunflower seed butter works well for those avoiding sesame Try white beans instead of chickpeas for a slightly smoother result Turmeric instead of smoked paprika gives it beautiful color and mild flavor Swap lemon juice with lime if that is what you have
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh cucumber rounds carrot sticks or bell pepper slices Sliced baguette or gluten free crackers are great dippable options For a holiday appetizer board pair alongside olives roasted nuts and dried fruit
Cultural and Historical Bit
Classic hummus comes from the Middle East but this version is a modern riff blending global flavors Roasted vegetables and aromatic spices are traditional across many regions and the combination feels right at home during cozy winter months
Seasonal Adaptations
In fall swap pumpkin or butternut squash for the sweet potato In spring try steamed carrots for a lighter version Top with herbed yogurt for extra richness Serve alongside roasted asparagus and radishes for a seasonal platter
Save Friends have shared that even picky eaters could not resist the beautiful orange color and rich flavor I love hearing how it has become a new staple for holiday gatherings One reader mentioned she made a double batch and still had none left by the end of the night
Recipe Guide
- → Can I prepare this hummus ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- → Which spices provide seasonal warmth in this hummus?
Cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika infuse the dip with warm, festive notes.
- → How should I serve this dish?
Enjoy it with fresh vegetables, pita chips, crackers, or as part of a mezze platter.
- → Can I adjust the texture?
Yes, add more olive oil or cold water while blending to reach your preferred creamy consistency.
- → Is this suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. All ingredients are plant-based and naturally free from gluten and dairy.
- → What garnishes add flavor and appeal?
Toasted pumpkin seeds, parsley, and pomegranate arils provide crunch, color, and freshness.
- → Does this contain common allergens?
Sesame in the tahini is present; always check store-bought products for cross-contamination.