Introduction
Butternut Squash Hummus with Seeded Crackers is a silky, golden dip that brings autumn’s bounty to your table in the most flavorful way. Roasted squash meets creamy tahini, garlic, and lemon for a nutrient-packed twist on traditional hummus, while the crispy, crunchy seed crackers offer a satisfying contrast. This vibrant appetizer is perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, offering guests something both familiar and refreshingly new.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While hummus is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its chickpea-tahini base and garlicky zing, this variation introduces roasted butternut squash—an American autumn favorite. The fusion of classic hummus with seasonal produce bridges culinary traditions, reflecting a modern appreciation for nutritious, plant-based ingredients. Seed crackers, inspired by Nordic crispbreads, add a rustic, wholesome touch, echoing the Scandinavian love for simple, nourishing foods.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
The roasted butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the hummus, blending seamlessly with tahini’s nuttiness. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor, while garlic and cumin introduce a savory depth. The seed crackers are a symphony of textures—sunflower, pumpkin, chia, sesame—all baked into crispy perfection, bringing earthy tones and a touch of crunch to each bite.
Cooking Techniques
The hummus begins with roasting the squash until it caramelizes and deepens in flavor. It’s then blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic to achieve that velvety smooth texture. The seed crackers come together as a simple batter, spread thinly on a sheet, and baked until golden and crisp. The contrast between the creamy dip and the toothsome crackers is what makes this dish so satisfying.
Butternut Squash Hummus with Seeded Crackers
Description
A vibrant fall appetizer featuring roasted butternut squash blended into creamy hummus and paired with homemade seed crackers. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Hummus with Seeded Crackers
Hummus Ingredients
Seeded Crackers Ingredients
For Garnish
Instructions
Roasting the Butternut Squash
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Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and toss to coat.
Roasting caramelizes the squash, adding natural sweetness and depth. -
Roast to Tenderness
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
Check with a fork—the squash should pierce easily.
Blending the Hummus
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Combine and Puree
In a food processor, add roasted squash, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until smooth.
Add reserved chickpea liquid as needed to reach desired consistency. -
Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste and blend again.
Taste and adjust lemon juice or garlic as needed.
Making the Seeded Crackers
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Mix the Batter
In a bowl, combine sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia, sesame, almond flour, water, and salt. Stir until thickened.
Let it sit 10 minutes for chia to gel. -
Spread and Bake
Spread the mixture thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Flip halfway through for even crisping if needed. -
Cool and Break
Once cool, break into rustic pieces.
Store extras in an airtight container for up to a week.
Final Serving
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Serve the Hummus
Place the hummus in a shallow serving bowl or spread it on a platter with a swirl on top. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, chopped fresh parsley, or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Serving the hummus at room temperature brings out its full flavor. -
Add the Crackers
Arrange the seeded crackers around the hummus or in a basket on the side.
Optionally add some sliced raw vegetables like carrots or cucumber for extra dipping options.
Note
- Roasting the squash ahead of time saves prep time on the day of serving.
- Use canned pumpkin as a shortcut, though flavor may differ.
- Add smoked paprika or harissa to the hummus for a spicy variation.
- The hummus pairs beautifully with veggie sticks as well.
- You can add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to the hummus for depth.
- The seed cracker batter can be shaped into circles or squares before baking.
- Make the crackers thinner for a crispier texture.
- This dip also works well as a spread for wraps or sandwiches.
