Spicy hummus is an easy, homemade dip made with creamy chickpeas, tahini, and roasted red pepper, all blended in a food processor. With a kick of cayenne pepper, it’s perfect for pairing with pita bread, chips, or fresh veggies.

For other delicious appetizers, try my Easy Rotel Dip and Super Simple Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe next!

close up view of spicy hummus topped with roasted red peppers

If you like your dips with a spicy kick, then you have to try this homemade roasted red pepper hummus recipe. I love how the creamy chickpeas blend perfectly with the smoky, sweet flavor of roasted red peppers and the nutty tahini.

The addition of cayenne pepper gives it that perfect spicy edge, so each bite packs big, bold flavor. Upgrade your appetizer game and snack on this easy hummus. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never reach for the premade stuff again!

a chip inserted into a bowl of roasted red pepper hummus

Why you will love Red Pepper Hummus:

Better Than Storebought! Skip the Sabra at the grocery store because this homemade spicy hummus reigns supreme! The fresh ingredients and customizable flavor make it far superior to any store-bought version.

Perfect for Any Occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this spicy hummus is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

Easy to Make! Making this hummus from scratch couldn’t be simpler. With just a food processor and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dip that’s ready in minutes.

Close up view of spicy hummus garnished with red peppers.

Ingredients for Spicy Hummus Recipe

To make hummus spicy, you will need the following ingredients:

Tahini: This is a sesame seed paste that adds a toasted, nutty taste to the hummus. It’s a key ingredient for that authentic, rich flavor.
Olive oil: This enriches the hummus, giving it a nice, smooth quality.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon adds a bright pop of citrus flavor to balance the deep, savory taste of some of the other ingredients.
Roasted red pepper: If you have the time, I recommend roasting the red peppers because it gives a deeper, smoky flavor that jarred peppers can’t quite match. Char them over a flame or roast in the oven until the skin blackens, then peel and use. However, you can use chopped jarred peppers in a pinch.
Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are an excellent source of protein. They are nutty and earthy and get luxuriously smooth and creamy when blended. It is the base of our dip.
Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic depth to the hummus. A single clove is all you need for that perfect hint of garlic.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust the amount to your desired spice level. A little goes a long way in adding that spicy kick.
Salt: This enhances all the flavors. Add to taste.

How to Make Spicy Hummus

In a food processor or blender, combine tahini, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and roasted red peppers. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about one minute.

a food processor containign ingredients for spicy hummus

Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly, then add them to the blender along with the garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt.

overhead view of seasoned chickpeas in a food processor

Continue blending on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

To achieve an even creamier texture, add one ice cube and blend until it is fully dissolved and incorporated. Taste the hummus and adjust the salt to your preference.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a garnish of chopped roasted red peppers. Enjoy with homemade hummus with your favorite pita bread, veggies, or as a spread!

close up view of a chip topped with homemade hummus, with a bowl containing more in the backgound

Tips and Variations for the Best Spicy Hummus

Rinse chickpeas well. Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt and starch. This helps achieve a smoother consistency.
Adjust spice level gradually. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and gradually increase it to your desired spice level. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Blend base ingredients first. Blend the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and roasted red peppers first until completely smooth before adding the chickpeas. This ensures a creamier texture.
Get creative with garnishes. Add a drizzle of olive oil, extra roasted red peppers, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or chili crisp.

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

I love serving this spicy hummus with chips for scooping or an assortment of fresh veggies (like sliced carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, snap peas, and even roasted broccoli) for a healthy snack.

It pairs wonderfully with warm, homemade pita bread. You can also use it as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.

FAQ

Red pepper hummus can be spicy, especially if you add cayenne pepper. You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Homemade hummus typically lasts about 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed to maintain its freshness and flavor.

To spice up hummus, add cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. Incorporating roasted red peppers and garlic enhances the flavor. For additional heat, try blending in chopped jalapeños. You can also experiment with adding a touch of harissa or sriracha for different spicy variations.

If you don’t have tahini, you can still make delicious hummus by substituting it with other ingredients. Try using an equal amount of creamy peanut butter or almond butter for a slightly different but still nutty flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt or extra olive oil to maintain the creamy texture.

overhead view of roasted red pepper hummus in a saucer with chips scattered around

More delicious appetizer recipes you’ll love

Thanks for taking the time to try this Spicy Hummus recipe. If you love it, let me know by reaching out on Instagram or Facebook!